Atenolol for PSVT

[cwitiw696]

Hi, my girlfriend is 20 years old and about 2 years ago she was diagnosed with SVT.  She just underwent her second unsuccessful surgery to fix her condition, and is now about to start taking Atenolol.  If anyone can share there thoughts on the drug it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[paanda2]

i am on atenolol, for a different kind of tachycardia, called inappropriate sinus tachycardia. the drug was the first attempt to fix the condition (i haven't had any type of surgery). beta blockers, as well as lowering heart rate, are also used to lower blood pressure in patients with that problem. before taking this drug, i had low/normal blood pressure. now, my bp is 90/55, which is kind of low. i didn't think i was experiencing symptoms of this, but realize now that i think i am. since going on this medication i have developed poorer circulation (i've always had slightly cold hands and feet, but now my feet are almost painfully cold). i sometimes get pins and needles from sitting in certain positions.

so it has worked with controlling tachycardia, for me, but i do have some side effects. i'm going to talk to my doctor about another drug because of this. however, these side effects don't effect every person, and i think that because tachycardia is such an annoying condition, and can, if left sustained, effect the structure of the heart, i think that it is smart of try every option available, and be open minded about them too.