Low Pulse

My 63-year-old mother, in overall good health, has been having a very low pulse rate.  Sometimes, it has dropped to 39!  The is the second time this has happened to her in the past 4 or 5 years.  The first time, it was due to blood thinner medication.  This time, the doctor's are not sure.  She has been taking Atenolol for the past 3 years or so, and never had a problem.  Her blood pressure was always borderline-high (ie...150/80).  However, along with a very low pulse rate, the bottom number of her blood pressure reading has been in the 50's!  Of course I am very concerned, but her blood work and EKG came out normal.  She will be having a 3-day heart monitor in the near future.

Any ideas what may be causing her very low pulse rate and blood pressure.  Any suggestions on what specific tests she can do to find out about any problem(s)?

Thank you.

PS...She just had knee replacement surgery in September, 2007.

[MAB22]

The Atenolol will lower your heart rate.  Perhaps they can find another blood pressure medication for her one that won't slow heart rate down, Ace inhibitor, calcium channel blocker, etc...  You may want to research other medications for hypertension.  I take Atenolol also, but for fast heart rate and it has lowered my heart rate.  May want a second opinion.  Hope things get better.