To Low?

[stonecold88]

I was recently put on a beta blocker for anxiety to keep my heart from running off during panic attacks. My heart rate before this at rest was 75 to 90 now it is 55 to 63. I feel like I have pressure on my chest at times and I just wondered if this was to low of a heart rate that is causing this or is it my anxiety from worrying? PLEASE HELP!

[Mom2four85]

meds affect each of us differently, it's worth mentioning to your doctor to make sure it's not anything going on, but anxiety or worrying only will make it worse

my first dose of toprol my bp/hr tanked and I had to go to the ER.  After 11 hours they could only stabilize me at 70/40 & 40 even with counter active meds; they told me that med wasn't for me.   After surgery I took Zebeta & ProAmitine and have taken Inderal with no bp/hr drops.

[Nurse2b1982]

If it makes you feel any better, I too am on a BB, 12.5 of metoprolol and my HR will be 50-60 at rest and in the 40s at night. I have been told not worry about this and to increase my BB for my PVCs....if it was a problem they wouldn't tell me to double my dose. I was told they go more by what your average pulse is. My grandfather took a BB once and he walked a long way, up stairs, to his Dr.s office and his HR was 41! Thats when they took him off! My HR wouldve prob been 100 even on the BB. So I hope that helps!!! Good luck w/ the anxiety, I have been through it, it's tough!

[cindy707]

I definately would not worry about this...your pulse rate is absolutely fine.......pro athletes rates get down into the upper 30;s upward.........Lance Armstrongs resting pulse rate is 38 so i am sure that you are fine...Just look out for the normal symtoms of it being too low which is dizziness.  You may be worrying over nothing to me ....

[itdood]

Mine gets down to mid 40s at night.  I have no symptoms, so I don't fuss over it.

I'm not on a BB, but I have taken them for anxiety and never had any issues.  Oddly enough, when I was going through anxiety and panic issues, I never once worried about my heart.  Everyone is different.

if you're at 55-63 and aren't getting any symptoms, relax about it.  You are hypermonitoring your heart and only adding to your anxiety.

[nancylr]

Sounds to me like your heart rate is a bit too low because of the beta blocker.  I think you should check with your doctor and if you are having panic attacks, perhaps an anti-depressent could be taken only while you are having your attacks.  Anxiety can cause us so much distress; believe me. Check with your doctor and he can if you some alternative methods to help you out.  Good Luck!