Beta blockers and excercise

Okay, so now I am atenolol 50mg once a day and I am wondering how the slowed heart beat effects exersise. Eg. Previously riding the bike at moderate resistance my heart rate would hit 100-120 bpm, now the same intensity yields 90bpm maximimum. Will this reduce the cardio benefits?

It seems that my heart now does not have to work as hard -- won't that result in a weaker heart muscle over time? Also, I have to assume that pushing the heart somewhat is a trigger for collateral blood supply development, do you think this will be diminished while on atenolol?

Thanks!

[va_tony]

I think the bottom line is that while taking beta blockers you will not have the same aerobic capacity that you had previously. If you were a marathoner, it would definitely affect your performance and slow you way down. The BB decreases your target heart rate, as you've noticed, and you simply don't have the same blood flow any more.

On the other hand, I don't think this will make your heart less strong over time.  Beta blockers are given to those with cardiomyopathy to rest their heart, allowing it to strengthen. You'll have to substitute duration for intensity... but exercise will still help.

Here is some previous discussion on BBs and exercise from the doctorm to patient board.  This doesn't adderess the specific question you asked but I think you might find it interesting.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/cardio/messages/33747.html

[Put-it-in-reverse!]

Thanks!

[idoc656]

I just started taking beta blockers bystolic, i cant run fast any more will that get better over time