using beta-blockers for stress

Posted By Ruth on March 07, 1999 at 17:48:58:







I am having some increased symtoms (symptoms) of benign PVC's from scuba diving lessons.
I think part of the problem is the cold water.  The increased PVC's and tachycardia
usually occur the next day.  A cardiologist who is a diving specialist said
that I might want to consider taking a beta-blocker only when I'm planning to
dive because he thought that there was a possibility I could lose consciousness
when diving as I get dizzy when I have a run of PVC's.  I am concerned about
side-effects of these medications and have never heard of them being used in
this manner ( for a short period of time when under stress). Do you have any information
on side effects that I could read?  Also any experience with using the drugs
this way? I am concerned that dizziness and low blood pressure are possible side
effects and could also lead to loss of consciousness.  What is your opinion of
this strategy.  Thanks for you help.