Beta Blocker Side Effects

I am an athletic 50 year old woman, diagnosed with very frequent PAT's that caused dizziness and lightheadedness.  They started approx 6 months ago and I have been on Metoprolol 25 mg (1/2 tablet twice a day).  I was prepared to "live with them" but was strongly advised by my cardiologist to go on beta blockers. My heart is structurally normal and I don't have anxiety.  Thankfully I was given the go-ahead to keep working out which I have done.

The first few days, I felt better on the beta blockers.  Then I started to become fatigued and the medication has adversely affected my exercise tolerance (so did the PAT's).  It used to take me 50 minutes to run 10k's.  Now it takes me 60 minutes because I have to make frequent stops.  Some runs are better than others.

Will the side effects of the beta blockers abade?  Will I be able to regain my energy level and exercise tolerance?  Is weight gain a common side effect of the medication?  Is ablation a good option if the beta blockers continue to produce adverse effects?  Thank you.

[SillyHeart]

Unfortunately, the side effects will probably not abate, and weight gain is indeed a very common side effect.  You should speak with your cardiologist about ablation as an option.

[SillyHeart]

By the way, are you just beginning menopause?  Many of us with PAT/SVT have found that hormonal fluctuations trigger episodes for us.

[sueinns]

Yes, I thought they could be related to menopause.  However, I have also read articles about runners and/or athletes with low heart rates developing PAC's or PVC's.  Ablation has been recommended as a last resort but it's beginning to feel like a better option than the side effects of the beta blocker.

[SillyHeart]

Ablation need not necessarily be thought of as a last resort.  It's a safe procedure and if done by an experienced EP, it has a cure rate of greater than 90%.  Having PAT over and done with is pretty appealing compared with fighting medication side effects for years and years.