Beta blockers

[Heathbar]

I'm on a small dose of bisoprolol, 2.5 mg's. To be honest it doesn't help the pvc's. Is there a specific beta blocker that deals directly with supressing these pvc's. I've been on toprol as well with no positive results.

[Cleveland Clinic]

heath,

Unfortunately there really isn't one beta blocker that is better them the others. They do have small differences between the agents, but overall they are relatively similar as a class.

Look back and see how others have managed to deal with their pvcs without medical therapy. You might be suprised.

good luck

[PreMDXtrasystole]

Beta blockers don't directly prevent or inhibit PVCs, they slow the heart rate down and lower blood pressure by blocking beta receptors. Because they all more or less have the same method of action, their effects are usually similar. A fast heart rate can predispose a person to PVCs, as can hypertension, so the concept is to reduce risk factors for PVCs two fold; 1 slowing heart rate, and 2 lowering blood pressure. Because beta blockers slow down heart rate though, sometimes the rate can become so slow, or otherwise irritate the ventricles, that the ventricles themselves take over for the SA node (primary pacemaker) momentarily. This is infrequent as far as I know though, and is usually not considered an issue unless there is a history of heart block. I'm not a doctor though, just sharing my personal knowledge. Good luck!

~PreMDXtrasystole

[I'mallheart]

i take 25 mg of atenolol..for fast heart rate anxiety induced and its okay...i do notice that i can have a slow heart rate like 48-52 at times...and low blood preasure..it makes me tired at times and hard to stay errect..i am 27 i want to get off them and looking for a way to make sure all is okay..i am also on Zoloft 50mg..oh and my feat ad hands get cold at times also..
but it had helped me the few times i did havbe a fast heart rate..any suggestions how to get off them

[tlcjuliet]

It baffles me as to when people say they are on small doses of drugs, that they have all these side affects?

I have been on 320mg of sotolol twice a day, and never had any noticable probs.  I ones I did have I just worked through.  Never even slowed my heart rate down that much either.

I was on atenol etc, but they never did anything for me either

Maybe I have a high resistence to beta blockers.
cheers
teen

[flipflop]

I must say that I am not a doctor, but I must agree with everthing I have seen you posted thus far.

Beta blockers mostly only work for person with PVCs that their PVCs are triggered or/and aggravated by an elevated heartrate.

Sometimes by reducing the force of contraction the beat after the PVC is less noticable , thus relieving uncomfortable symptoms associated with PVCs.

Sometimes beta blockers slow the heartrate in excess and thus aggravate or cause more PVCs because the ventricles take over momentarily from heart natural pacemaker, thus triggering more PVCs.

It is my understanding this why some well trained conditioned athletes develop induced conditioned PVC syndrome, because their heartrates have become slower due to exercise and conditioning thus causing a slow heart rate in which the ventricles fire prematurely to make up for the delayed response of the heart's natural pacemaker.

I could be completely wrong , but this is my understanding also.

flip(Lyn)

[Heathbar]

My pvc's come with no rhyme or reason it seems. My heart rate isnt too fast when i have them, thats for sure. Seems to happen more when i'm resting. Sometimes my throat feels like it's cloding as well, mabey its the anxiety thing. Not taking anything for anxiety mabey i should.

[Heathbar]

MEANT TO SAY CLOSING NOT CLODING. GREAT NOW I CANT SPELL.

[MSharp]

I have had SVTs & PVCs since the 80's, I am 29 yr old F, have gone to ER many times for SVT/ doc put me on Toprol XL 50 mg., I started meds 1/30/04 (I waited so long because I was more afraid of the meds than condition until recently when 1) I learned SVT can lead to clotting & 2) I started suffering horrible chest pain w/them).  (Noraml echo.)  I've had more problems ever w/the meds, I am very sensative to meds.  I have headaches every day, swelling in my left leg & left arm, pinching/cramping in my arms/legs, chest tightness, fatigue.  Doc said to take 1/2 dosage (25 mg), the decrease made me have SVT EVERY DAY, now i'm having PVCs all the time that feel different, ie..I feel like i'm always starving for air, with a cool rush through my arms like anesthesia or something.  Due to increase in SVT my doc said to go back to 50 mg. Toprol XL.  All day today i've felt like my head would bust, also having chest tightness, PVC's, pain in extremities, BUT it also feels like my heart & blood flow just STOPS all of the sudden & I get very panicky. I am scheduled for thallium stress test 3/30 & ablation 4/7.  Should I have these procedures done?  It has been almost 2 months since taking meds, why would they make me worse?

[Kimma]

im 18, 6 monthes after i gave birth to my son i was ablated for psvt and avnrt in nov 2002. in march 2003 i developed pvc's. because i never had a pvc before the ablation i think the ablation caused the pvc's. i have pvc's all day everday but im cured of all my other arrythmias. i do experience sinus tachycardia(resting hr about 100) for some reason i had it for monthes then recently it went away. i get a fast heart rate upon standing, have low blood pressure and fatigue ever since i woke up from the ablation. in your case i would say go for it because you have the svt everyday. my psvt went up to 300 one time in the er....but i only had it once every 2 weeks(usually 250bpm for 5 hrs). well good luck let me know how it goes.
***@****

[jan]

I am very sensitive to meds, too!  I can only take 12.5 mg of atenolol, it seems to take care of my NCS, but it's not enough for my IST.  (I say seems, because there is now a question about spells I have been having as to whether or not they are near syncope from NCS or another arrhythmia).  So, to help with the tachy I take verapamil.  I still have breakthru tachy, but I am not usually symptomatic now.  

Also, the nice thing about verapamil is calcium channel blockers are sometimes used for Raynaud's, which I have.  When I 1st started it my hands and ft would get uncomfortably warm, but it was better than cold.  Now, they are better than they were, but still on the cold side.

Capsicum, I hear, is good for Raynaud's and if you have it pretty bad you can ask your dr. for nitro cream.

[Kimma]

my pvc's come more often when im resting. and i get the REALLY scary ones after exercising. i also get the feeling like my throat is closing (i usually describe it as my thraot feels tight) i notice it more when im having constant pvc's(a few a minute). sometimes i even get a dull achy feeling with every pvc in my heart. it could be anxiety, i dont know. sometimes i can tell right when im gunna have another pvc because i get a weak feeling in my chest.
kim

[PVC Queen]

Interesting....I've been having chest discomfort for quite a few years now.  I first had a heart monitor a few years ago and they said it was fine and I might have had a PVC.  Now, in 2004, I have them more than ever.  My doctor told me to quit smoke and then come back and see him...that was about 1 1/2 years ago. Now they are talking about a beta blocker so I don't feel them?????  Is this right?  Anyone who might have a word of advice, please make a comment back.  The feeling I have during these so called PVC are really uncomfortable, not painful.  It feels like somebody is pressing very hard into my chest and then lifting their hand.  It starts to happen every time my heart rate goes up????  (yes, sex included) so help!  Thanks

[Heathbar]

Funny thing about anxiety. No pvcs, no anxiety. A double edged sword unfortunately. It seems over the past 3 days my pvc's have lessened a little and then this afternoon after i posted I had a bad one followed by the fluttering feeling of the heart just quivering, not beating. This is a new one for me and it scared the **** out of me. I coughed a couple of times while this was going on. Seemed like an eternity but was only 10 secs or so and it seemed to throw me back into a rythm again but the old ticker was moving quickly. This type of thing happen to anyone? Made an appt to see the cardio after that.  FREAKED OUT !!

[Heathbar]

I've read somewhere that coughing can help get the rythm back. Seemed to work for me today. Mabey it was something i ate or gas? Who knows?

[Kimma]

i get the quivering feeling as well, when its happening i check my pulse and it feels normal, the quivering lasts only a few seconds. i talked to my cardio about it and he said it might be afib? i know its not  Afib. well i have an appt on the 30th with an EP. i moved so i can no longer see my old ep. i get the quivering alot the day after drinking so i dont ever drink.(also cant drink because of low BP)
the quivering is very scary i wish i could figure out what it is...
kim

[wmac]

Can anyone please help me im trying to find where you pay the 14.00 dollars to ask a doctor. I posted this same question earlier now its gone! I have done this before but now I cannot find it anywhere. It use to be on this site.
wmac

[jg2001]

I have a quick question, and trying to post a question in the Heart and Respiratory areas is kinda difficult.  I wanted to ask this earlier and BEFORE I use my inhalers this evening.  I have irregular, rapid heartbeat, emphysema and asthma.  I have been on albuteral (quick relief) and atrovent (long acting relief) inhalers along with asthmacort.  Two weeks ago my dr upper my Qvar dose (steriod) and then yesterday added Serevent to the list.  Everything was kinda "OK" except for the lower leg cramps.  Last night was the first night that I used all 4 inhalers (not albuteral).  I felt a little light headed and palpations..but not unusually so, and went to sleep.  This morning I used all 4 again and went to work.  I had extreme shakes, palpations, chest tightness and even slight actual pain in the left upper quadrant, light sweats and noticeable ringing in the ears.  I know I have a pre-existing heart condition, and have been through Halter Monitor, and all the tests, my heart just beats too fast and skips beats once in a while.  Stupid question now that I think about it, but is this something to be concerned with?  Ok, would YOU use all the inhalers again?  I know you're not doctors, and maybe I shouldn't be asking in the middle of a thread, but I feel I don't want to wait for an answer.


Thanks for your time,

Jamie
41 years, Female

[sheryl1945]

I was put on tenormin (atenolol) about ten years ago for rapid heartbeat.  It works beautifully in that it slows my heart down to a comfortable rate, but I've had many pac's/pvc's since I started this med.  Anybody out there have the same thing?

[Kimma]

i took atenolol for sinus tach and pvc's. the second day i took it i had like 6 pvc's in a row and about 3 every minute all day, scared me to death so i stopped taking it. before atenolol i had only had single pvc's. i wont be tryin another beta blocker for a long time.

[SaturnV]

I take attenolol for tach.  Started out at 25 mg once a day.  This turned me into a zombie from side effects.  So tried half twice a day...almost as bad.  Now using 1/4 tab 4 times a day and controls pulse pretty well but still feel the side effects especially if I cut the quarter tabs too large.  Some doctors tell me I should not even feel this "little".  Had a friend who took a 50 mg once a day for BP and did not even notice it!  Individual sensitivity to this drug is apparently very different.  

Now doc wants me to take varapamil to escape beta blocker side effects.  However, I look at potential side effects of that and cringe.  Anyone have similar experience with attenolol vs varapamil?  The cure can be worse than the condition.

[flipflop]

  saw a similiar or almost identical post from a a previous poster on this forum in regards to the atenolol, I never saw that person post for along time , think his nickname was jdm.

  I take up 75 mg of atenolol daily without any side effects whatsoever, what works for one might not work for another, but I personally think atenolol is more eefctive for sinus  or anxiety tachycardia than verapamil. Just my personal opinion.

IF 1/4 tablet helps 4 times daily why not?

flip(Lyn)

[flipflop]

  It is my understanding that most medications used to treat asthma can aggravate palpitations, such as tachycardia , pvcs, and pacs.
  You said you had a pre existing heart condition, your doctor should know what is safe for you to use, if in doubt get a second opinion.
  Not surprising, most medications used to treat palpitations and tachycardia are not recommended for persons with asthma, kinda difficult boat to be in.
  I'm sure you can find a doctor to work with you to receive  equal treatment for both, if your pre existing condition is something as simple as mild uncomplicated mitral valve prolapse, then I wouldn't be too concerned, again check with your doctor, while this board offer some good information , it is not a substitute for consulting with your doctor or qualified physician.

Best wishes

flip

[trrtrix]

Hello

So sorry I didn't see your post until now. I hope you spoke with your doctor today. It can be very daunting and complicated having all those inhalers around. Qvar and Azmacort very similar and would not generally be used together, both are corticosteroids to prevent inflamation (inflammation). I suspect your doctor intended for you to stop the Azmacort when the Qvar was perscribed. Serevent is one of my favorite asthma medications because you only need it twice a day. Much like Albuterol and Atrovent, it is a stimulant to the heart. So combinations of the 3 can be difficult to tolerate.

Your symptoms sound like they are significant to you, good reason to update your doctor. Also, asthma/emphysema go hand in hand with tachyarrythmias, even in the absence of medications. If your doctor recommends medication for your heart irregularities, do not be afraid. Most are very safe and do not worsen bronchospasm, including beta-blockers. The textbooks may warn against it but years ago "cardioselective" beta blockers were developed whcih rarely if ever worsen pulmonary function.

Hope that helps

[jg2001]

Thank you for your responses.  I was quite scared yesterday.  I have had irregularities with my heart before which have cause me to pass out and DMV tried to take my license.  So, when my heart started really skipping yesterday, I was more than a little concerned. I recieved a "quick fix" from the pharmicist today to stop taking the Serevent until I have a chance to talk to my Dr. on Monday.  I was also told to stop the asthmacort, pretty much as you said Trrtix, they aren't meant to be used together.  I feel much better today.  My head is still a little fuzzy, but the chest pains are gone.

Again, thank you for your responses.

Jamie

[Dracee322]

Coughing stimulates the vagal nerve. So does bearing down (vagal manuever). This can help slow down a tachy heartbeat and is recommended by docs all the time. There are a few other techniques that are also used (carotid massage, ect) but should only be used by an experienced health professional. But vagal manuevers such as coughing during an episode can help and can be done anywhere anytime!

[hopenprayers]

I am sitting here with newly filled prescription of verapimil (sp) The one a day kind that realeases med automatically thruought the day... (COVERA-HS).

I too looked at the side effects and cringed.
I put the covera aside n took my usual dose of diltiazem er.... At least heart attack wasnt listed on the diltiazem as a side effect.
Or if it was i missed it....

I was put on metoprolol & after 1 dose went to the rythm i ever experienced, and have had that rytm off & on ever since.

Does ya make ya wonder if the meds even worsen what u r taking them for. I am afraid to try any new now.

Hope

[heartdancer]

I have not been able to post a question so I thought I would add my question to the beta-blocker thread in the hopes the dr. could answer or maybe someone else may be able to. My H (47 years old) had a mild heart attack in August of 2003. He had a 90% blockage in the right circumflex artery, treated with angioplasty and a stent. He has done well, passed his stress test last Sept. with flying colors. The problem is how some of the medications he is on make him feel. Toprol XL (50 mg)in particular. He is always tired and unmotivated and has gained 30 pounds since his heart attack without a change in his diet. The weight is all in his stomach which I know is not good. Can beta blockers cause weight gain? What about wheezing? He wheezes occasionally also and does not have a history of asthma. If it is not the Toprol causing the problems then could it be the Plavix? Or the high dose Lipitor? All I know is he feels so tired most of the time and is depressed. I know he needs to exercise but he is not going to if he is always tired. Should the beta blocker dosage perhaps be cut? He sees his cardiologist April 8th and I know the dr. is not going to be happy with the weight gain....Thanks to anyone who replies, I am really hoping the dr. will answer...heartdancer

[Mantels]

I also had a serious heart attack in December. 100% blockage of LDA. I take the same Toprol, Lipitor and Plavix. I gained about 5 lbs also but have been running rgularly almost 5 a day now and exercising for about 2 months. The extra lbs. are gone and I work through the being tired. The heart attack is a wake up call. You should get your husband off the couch and have him stop eating comfort foods. The next time could have worse complications. 30 extra lbs is bad.