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Heart Rhythm  (Expert Forum)
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? beta blocker
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum cover topics that include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.

? beta blocker

by sue3708, Apr 05, 2008 05:31PM
I have an elevated resting heart rate but I also have low BP.  It has been suggested that a diagnosis of POTS or IST may be the cause.  It had also been suggested by an APRN that did my recent stress test that a bet blocker may help.  I know that they are used for hypertension as well.....Will this further lower my bp.  Waking bp runs 96/60.  During my stress test it only got up to 126/80.  i'm afraid if i start with a beta blocker I may pass out.  Is any one better than another for someone like myself?  38 year old female.

Thank you

by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., Apr 05, 2008 10:02PM
You are not alone. This is a surprisingly common problem for people that notice their heart rates and for some that do not know that it is high.  Many beta blockers like metoprolol have significant effects on heart rate with little impact on blood pressure.  The only way to know how much it may effect you is to try it.  To be diagnosed with pots, you blood pressure must drop with standing.  If your heart increases with minimal activity with little effect on your blood pressure, that sounds more like IST.  Whether you try a beta blocker is a very personal decision depending on how much the fast heart rate/symptoms bother you.

I hope this helps.
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