Beta-blockers

[MikeHeim]

It's been 2-3 days since I started my last thread, so I figure I'm about due. :)

Real quick question: How long were you on beta-blockers after surgery and what was the dose?

I was originally started on 25mg (twice daily for all the doses listed here) of Atenolol in the hospital after surgery. After a couple days of my heart rate being in the 80's and 90's, they bumped me up to 50mg. About two weeks later, my cardiologist bumped me up to 75mg due to a continued high heart rate. My resting rate is now anywhere between 68-76. Is it time to ask if I can drop down to 50mg? I've read posts from several people who have had some post-surgery symptoms (irregular heartbeats, palpitations, high BP) go away or get better with a reduction in their beta-blockers. In addition, I've just started doing some low-grade cardio workouts and I find it somewhat disturbing and frustrating that my heart rate will not go above about 110.

Thanks as always!

[MitralMan]

I think I'm on it for the rest of my life.

I don't mind. It's the first drug I've ever taken that I LIKE!! :)

[tobagotwo]

I'm not the doctor, but I wouldn't try to go for my old exercising heart rate just yet. You're just six weeks out. Your heart's epithelium can't be counted on to be healed until three months have passed, even for a "simple" valve replacement. Your heart is also remodelling bigtime now (LV shrinking). You risk arrhythmias. Will you get away with it? You well might. People are pretty tough. Is it worth it to find out? I dunno. Aren't you in this to live longer? A little patience now might be rewarded later.

Anyway, Atenolol is the mildest of the beta blockers, and the one with the least side effects, As far as I know, it's the only beta blocker that doesn't cross the blood/brain barrier.

I would suspect the cardio will keep you on them at some level indefinitely. After three months, you might be able to talk him down to 50mg - 25 AM and 25 PM - just for a look-see whether your electrical system has settled down. I know I would try to talk him down, too.

Best wishes,