Why subscribe atenelol for bradycardia

[Joel Hardy]

I have briefly passed out twice in the last 6 months because of a sudden slowing of my heart rate (<50).  I had all the heart tests; electrocardiogram, tilt-table, electrophysiology test, treadmill test, holter monitor for 24 hours, etc.  The monitor never saw an abnormal heart rate.  All the other tests were normal.  It is something that happens to me though about every three months, only while I am at rest(lying, standing or sitting).  I feel my heart rate slow down, I get light-headed and almost pass out(or I do pass out for a few seconds), then I get a sudden hot flash and my skin is covered in sweat.  My cardiologist prescribed 25 mg of Atenelol per day, saying that it would help regulate my heart rate.  I know Atenelol is normally used to slow down a fast heart.  Does it also help control heart rate?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

You are correct that it is often used to slow down fast heart rates but it is also sometimes used in persons with fainting due to strong heart contractions.

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