Is it ok to exercise when you take beta blockers for hypertension

[Murphy16]

I am a 62 year old female with hypertension.  I take 50mg toprol xl, 25/25mg spirono/hctz and 5/20 caduet for this.  Several years ago I took only the toprol and told my GP I'd like to try something else because it made me feel "slow."  He tried several other medications but either they did not work or I really noticed PACs when I was on them.  I got frustrated and decided to deal with "slow."  The toprol alone wasn't working well enough so I ended up with this combination. For the past 6 months I have been using a C2 rower on a regular basis which is 5-6 days a week for 30 minutes each time.  I'm not a racer but row at a good pace.  I'm concerned about exercising while taking the toprol.  Is it ok or should I be going to a cardiologist instead of the GP and working on getting a different BP med?  If I go to another type of med and the PACs resume, is that ok to have them or do they need to be controlled?  I had a dr say everyone has PACs but most people just don't notice them.  I would appreciate any suggestions you have.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Murphy,

Thanks for the post.  

There is no reason why Toprol should be keeping your from exercising.  A GP is perfectly qualifies to titrate blood pressure medications, and honestly -- probably has the resources to follow you closer while doing so.  

PACs are quite common and themself carry no significant negative prognosis other than being quite bothersome for some people.

good luck

[LukeL]

I am on a beta blocker and notice a little bit of weakness with exercise but thisis because your heart can't speed up as quickly to meet your oxygen needs because of how the medicine works. While I am not a doctor I would assume as long as you have had a normal cardiac workup and your heart rate goes up when needed you should be okay, but ask a doctor first.

[Erik36]

I take Toprol xl and Cardizem and I exercise every day. Each person is different depending upon his/her condition and age. I would ask your own doctor.

[pbanders]

Don't assume your being "slow" is due to the toprol. I've been on metoprolol since early '04, I'm an active cyclist. I blamed all of my slowdowns for the past two years on it. Then, about 4 months ago, I started working out harder, and I found out that my frequent breathing difficulties weren't due to poor conditioning, but were cured by taking a Claritin daily. Now, I'm back to where I was and better than before I started on the metoprolol.

[Fran71]

I'm on Inderal for tachy and PVCs and I exercise without any problem. Be careful when using machines that adjust to your heartbeat. Before going on the BB I used to set my hr target on the treadmill to 150 because my heart would speed up immediately. Once I went to the fitness center after taking Inderal and I set the treatmill to 150 as usual. Well it gradually got steeper and steeper till I was basically climbing!! So now I set it to 130 or so. LOL
I'm only on 20 mg Inderal for now so I don't really feel the tiredness.

Fran