Betablockers and resting heart rate

[CathEvans51]

Hi just a general query. I suffer from Long QT Syndrome and take Propranolol 160mg a day and have a resting heart rate of 70-75. Is this ok as I thought the betablocker was supposed to slow my heart rate down. Thanks

[Barry24]

Hi Cath,

The resting heart rate for an adult is between 60 to 100bpm. So your rate is normal. Beta blockers are used to bring down heart rates and are used as a first line treatment for AF.

The question is, what was your resting heart rate prior to being placed on this medication?

Regards

Barry

[CathEvans51 in reply to Barry24]

Sorry don't know that...The first time I learned of my condition was when I passed out in the street and went to hospital. I am told I had approximately 6 seizures each time my heart stopped and I had defib and manual to bring me back. I was told that my heart was racing each time. So I am a bit confused, betablockers are given to slow my heart rate but this could lengthen the QT interval so, hence, my question.

[Barry24 in reply to CathEvans51]

Hi Cath,

ILowe has given you a quality answer. I wish you all the best.

Regards

Barry

[ILowe]

Betablockers have many effects. If you are fortunate, all of them are what you want and crucially, none of them are ones you definitely want to avoid. The main ones are:

1/ lower blood pressure

2/ lower heart rate

3/ help with flecainide, to avoid the tendency of flecainide at higher doses to create the problems it usually solves, to do with rhythm

4/ anti-adrenaline and anti inflammation. See the Dr Sanja Gupta videos on this.

In the case of Long QT syndrome, when you google this, + betablockers you get plenty of accurate information. eg emedicine.medscape.com/arti...

If you want help with the terminology, or with knowing how reliable a site is, then get back to us on this forum since there are plenty of regulars here who can spot a good website.

[doodle68]

Hi Cath I have P-AF and take beta blockers and rather than 'slowing my heart rate down' I think they stop it rising in the first place along with my blood pressure so they kind of put a break on my AF .

[Coeurdelion]

I have a resting heart rate of 53/56 on no medication.

When I tried any slow down tablets it ended up in the low 40s. I'm happy as it is