Beta blockers and heart rate.

[Mgs333]

I have been on beta blockers on and off for a few years and usually take propanalol for anxiety. My doctor has now changed me to bisoprolol 2.5mg to be taken at night as I now have mild age related CHD.

The thing is my normal resting heart rate is a steady 60ish but my heart rate when I am asleep goes down to 40/42...is this ok? Should I be on beta blockers at all?

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Mgs333. That does seem on the low side (but about the same as mine at night/asleep). Only your Doc can say if you should be on them at all but they will help to prevent adrenaline making your heart pump faster (so protecting you against a heart attack). Maybe talk to your Doc again. It’s unusual (in my experience) to take it at night. You could ask if you could take it in the morning if your low heart rate at night was making you anxious. Good luck.

[bemore0712]

Hi Mgs333,

I believe that Bisoprolol is taken for numerous reasons. I take the lowest dose of 1.25mg for palpitations and to help control my blood pressure, however I take mine first thing in the morning with my breakfast. I agree with NorthantsSteve with checking to see if you can take it at some other time.

How are you measuring your heart rate at night whilst asleep? Are you wearing a Fitbit or something similar? I have been wearing my Fitbit for over two years and my HR was around 60bpm when I slept. Then when I started taking Bisoprolol it's dips down to around 42bpm at night.

I believe that they the doses of Bisoprolol can go up to 20mg+ for serious conditions, so I think you should be safe however speaking to your Doc should hopefully put your mind at rest.

Bisoprolol can be prescribed for anxiety. How long have you been taking it? The longer you take it the better it becomes as your body adjusts. Have you started to feel any benefit?

[Mgs333 in reply to bemore0712]

Thanks for input...I have had my BPM checked at night because I have had a 48hr halter monitor twice over the past 12 months and 40/42 was the average whilst I was asleep. In answer to the other point, no I have felt no benefit from bisoprolol at all....I have been taking this for around 12 months and before that propanalol for several years.