best substitute for beta blockers

[edbat]

I am 76, had only one episode of tachycardia at 74 1/2, was medicated with two beta blockers, weaned off one with no problem, have weight-trained and run (now jog) for 35+ years, have large right atrium, take cozaar with no problems, and accepted the operation for a pacemaker set on at 60 (it was 40 to 50 bpm from years of running) with no problems.  I have not had any further problems since the original flutter was easily stopped by cardioversion.  Blood pressure is well controlled.

My problem is that my regular running workout 3 times a week was affected by the limit on exercise pulse immediately last year from the sotalol beta blocker, and I am considering weaning off the sotalol, in order to be able to restore my running effort beyond jogging.   I am looking for medical advice beyond the weaning alternative, with the understanding that ablation has its own problems such as reoccurence of flutter, and almost all other medications have drawbacks in their side effects.

[Jerry_NJ]

I have been a "senior" (but only early 60s) on beta blocker, a Toprol 50 mg a day.  I didn't have any problem with the BB... but my heart was running in normal sinus rhythm at that time - I suffer from AFib.   I'm sure I was only jogging, however, 9 to 10 minute miles.  In any case, that level of BB didn't seem to have any problem on my HR.  I did have a sub-60 resting rate, but had to slow down to keep in the 150 range when running.

I now am on heavy dose BB (100+ mg Metoprolol) and am in AFib, and I can't even jog now... at age 70, you encourage me that I have a few years left if I can ever get back into NSR.  

Let us know if you find a replacement for BB.  My main concern about taking the drug is fatigue and (not proven the cause) trouble dreams.

[edbat]

Thanks for the useful advice.  I am well aware of the recent changes in attitude toward running and I certainly agree.  The problem with beta blockers is that you can't get back and maintain your endurance and strength--I maintain that most old runners cannot maintain 30 minutes without stops under beta blockers.

I wil consider the CCBs depending on the side effects.  I have no worry about stepping up my runs, since I have done a lot of that before and since medication.  Thanks again.

[itdood]

If you want to increase your exercise for health benefits, I personally would not do it.  Research is showing that overdoing it damages heart muscle.  Endurance athletes are more likely to develop harmful arrhythmias.  Getting your heart rate into the target zone for your age group for 30 minutes per day is fine.  In years past it was felt that more=better.  That is quickly changing.

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs like verapamil) would probably be your next choice.  Please discuss this with your doc.  Your doc's response is probably going to be "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"