Should I take beta blockers?

[Mandy_Best]

A NP recently prescribed me beta blockers because of my high heart rate, it rest at around 100 and can reach 145 or higher at times but my blood pressure has always been on the low side, 116/67 at rest and up to 113/79 after physical activity. I am 5'3 and weigh 103lbs. I am not sure if the NP took into account my BP because she was short with me, but I am aware of the risk. I talked to my Pharmacist and he seemed to think taking it was a bad idea and said that my heart rate was up because it was probably trying to KEEP my BP up.
Has anyone had this problem before? And could beta blockers still be safe?
My heart rate really does bother me, especially when I'm trying to sleep, it makes me feel anxious and agitated, I would like to be able to take something for it but I don't know if I can trust this NP's decision.

[Mandy_Best]

Actually no, they've always gone the  psychiatric route with my treatment before now because I was diagnosed bi-polar.
Since this post I've been on full dose after slowly starting it at 1/4 the dose and increasing it every two days, and it isn't significantly effecting my BP and my heart rate is great, but  it bottoms out a lot, especially when I stand up, this happened a lot before I started the meds but it's a lot more often now.

[DeltaDawn23]

I would give them a try.  The beta blockers are among the most benign of heart meds.  I took atenolol for 7 years and it kept my afib at bay.  My bp tends to be low, so I always checked it and if it it was low, I would delay the dose.  

[bigkev414]

I agree with Ball - your BP is perfect, not low.
Beta blockers did wonders for me after years of resistance I took them in desperation to try to control SVT's (runs of rapid heartbeat)
They also calm things down a lot and a low dose of Atenalol does wonders most times. Taken as required, but a 1/2 tablet in the morning regularly. I got  bit of an upset stomach for a while till I got used to them but you should definately give them  try. They don't affect my BP by the way even though some say they will.
TRY IT!

[Ball123]

Have you done any kind of orthostatical test? Like a tilt-table-study? I assume they have checked you for anemia, I mean of coarse they have.

Anyway, beta blockers might help you, it can be worth a try. And if you suffer from headaches it can help with that as well. Definitely worth a try. The blood pressure values you mention are perfect. I would not say low, just perfect. So that should not be any problem. If your blood pressure would be, let us say 90/50, then you would have low blood pressure. But the values you mention are not.

Wish you the best!

[MichelleP_3811]

Have you tried to exercise?  Get your heart in better conditioned shape?  You could see it lower in response?  As well if you tend to low bp have you tried adding a bit of sodium to your diet?  I have always had low bp and having a little extra salty foods seems to help with it.  Anyways, I have heard that low dose beta blockers have been used for heart palpitations.  I guess you would have to see if it makes the situation worse.  Though drinking lots of water and exercising may help as well.  You might want to try that first before going the med route.  Avoid caffeine as well if you don't' already and watch your carbohydrates.