Low heart rate during exercise due to Anetolol

In November 2010 I survived cardiopulmonary arrest, CPR for 18 min in the field, no heart beat. Triple by pass.  Now I am better than ever.  Age 52,  6’2”  190lbs. Strong and exercising daily. With out Antenolol during a 40 min work out I keep my heart rate 150 to 160. Now that I am on Antenolol  50mg I cannot get my heart over 135.
Should I increase my work out or deal with the lower heart rate. I hardly break a sweat and wonder if the work out is sufficient?  

[jillbee7]

Hi,

Unfortunately, drugs like atenolol (beta-blockers) do decrease your heart rate. A lot of people do find that frustrating because of the lessened ability to have a 'good' workout. I'm not sure if working out harder would be able to increase your heart rate anymore- 135 might be as high as it can go. As frustrating as I'm sure it is, I would think that the workouts would still be better than nothing- you'd still be gaining muscle and burning calories, as well as getting your heart pumping (even if not as much as before). Beta-blockers really are great after heart attacks for decreasing the likelihood of having another one, so I wouldn't recommend quitting it- but maybe talk to your doctor at your next appointment to see if they have any suggestions for you?

Good luck, sorry I wasn't much help.

Jill
(pharmacy student)