Beta Blockers and Roller Coasters

[conmom918]

I began taking atenolol about 3 months ago to see if it would help my benign PVC's.  I still feel them on and off, but my heart isn't racing like it used to.  I've been through lots of tests and my heart is structurally normal.  Is it safe to go on roller coasters while taking atenolol (25mg 1 time a day)?  I've heard that the beta blocker blocks adrenaline so it could be dangerous, but my doctor did not tell me of any such concerns when he started me on the meds. - of course I didn't think to ask either.

[Occupant]

Did you realize that Question is almost seven years old? I would think he dealt with is by now.

[Darwinsob]

I do have a medical and cardiology background and can tell you that at the therapeutic dose of atenolol, especially the starting dose you are on, there should be no adrenaline related danger.  The one thing is if you just started the medication and get lightheaded when you first stand up, the rollercoaster might exacerbate that.  I don't really know to what extent.

[Mom2four85]

I'm just glad I have an excuse now never to go on rides LOL I'm a chicken

I would call and ask the dr's office; maybe just bug the nurse and let her call you back just to be safe, but I've never seen anyone say bb's limit anything you can do like rides - since you say your heart is structurally normal after you talk to your dr

go out have fun and don't let these dreaded monster arrythmia's limit your life

I can see some things on this forum never change :P Cindy I was thinking the same thing and I lol'd at your response - I ride that medicine rollercoaster too much for my own tastes :P

[jkfrench]

Great advice Cindy.  
My doctor told me I could do anything.  He even said go skydiving.
I also take Atenolol 1/4 of a 25mg in am and 1/4 in pm.
Call your doctor but I imagine he will say go for it.

Take care
Frenchie
skippinghearts.com

[Jerry_NJ]

Very good advice and insight Cindy707, I'm sure "common918" benefited.  As for medical advice, the only I saw in your post wast for the person to discuss with their doctor.

[debbier]

I did not see Cindy provide any medical advice except to call her doctor.   This is a group run forum, no medical doctors, just support and experience.  If your looking for medical advice please check out the ask the doctor forum.  

[730815]

If you are not a doctor please do not give medical advice. And please underestimate the effect of beta blocker. The medication is making the your equilibrium for the blood vascular dilatation and constriction. Your body is not responding like your teenager time when you are on this medication. You can have serious diziness and palpation too as I know. You can try something easy to test yourself and go on the big ride I think.

[cindy707]

I seriously had to laugh when i read your post conmom.....i was thinking that you were going on sort of a rollercoaster ride on the meds...you know up and down....not literally.......that was great!  Untimately it is up to your doc to say yes or no to whatever physical endeavors that you undertake but personally if he/she said you have benign PVC's and nothing else i would be surprised if they would nix it.....the beta blockers have had enough time to saturate your system and in maintaining a pretty even distribution of the meds and you are on a pretty low dose so it sounds like everything is in your favor but just make sure you make the 2 minute call to your doc tomorrow for a little reassurance.  How blocking the adrenaline is dangerous i guess thats a new one to me because i would think it would be alot better for your heart so it doesn;t pump as hard and fast while on the wild ride.... i know that i have done alot of things while on antenolol that were pretty much over the top and almost felt like i had a safety net around me because i knew the beta blocker would take care of me.....never had a problem......just remember to keep your hands inside of the car at all times..................call the doc just to be sure and have a blast for me !!!!!