I have been prescribed Propranolol 40mg twice a day. My cardiologist insists that this drug will do wonders for me. However, I have a fairly slow resting hear rate. My average resting HR over the past 12 months is 53bpm, and its been around this number for years. I have informed my cardiologist of my slow resting HR and he didn't seemed concerned. I want to take this medication but I am anxious that it it will lower my HR too much.
I would love to hear from anyone who has tried or is currently taking Propranolol with an existing slow HR before starting the medication.
I would love to hear about members general experiences of Propranolol too.
Ali
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IamAli_R
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I am on Propanolol 40 mgs for AF but I only take it when I have a bout of AF. I also have a low resting heart rate which is normally between mid 40s - 50 beats per min. Last time I had an episode of AF it stopped it within about half an hour, so no trip to A&E this time. I carry it on me all the time.
I am glad that Propranolol is working well for you as a pill in the pocket for breakout AF episodes. I have been asked to take 40mg twice a day and I am worried that taking it regularly will lower my HR too much.
I think its to help control my anxiety while I wait for further investigations. I do have anxiety but I feel I am managing it fairly well without medication.
My HR is 58 today, I take propranolol to lower BP and stabilise my heart palpitations. I did try coming off it once and had a palpitation episode that put me in bed, so I can never stop taking it.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.
My HR does dip into the high 40's but that rate id rarer. It is reassuring to read that your medical team are not concerned with your low HR at rest. I guess I may have to try the medication to see how I respond to it.
When I was on 10mg Bisoprolol my Heart Rate was dropping to 33 BPM Cardiologist said he thought I was a tad over beta blocked and reduced Bisoprolol to 7.5mg been fine ever since.
What seemed to be more of concern was the Pauses of up to 3 seconds rather than the low Heart Rate.
I am happy to know that you have found a dosage that is working for you. however, the 3 second pauses sound frighting.
I think ill just have to bite the bullet and try the beta blockers.
Your cardiologist has access to all of your medical records and has used that along with professional expertise to provide you with a medication plan specific to your needs. I suggest you go along with it but seek guidance on what is acceptable as a lower heart rate limit for you should the meds noticeably lower your heart rate, and then monitor accordingly. We are all different with different medical conditions and our response to treatment may also be different so the experience of others may be useful but should not be defining unlike that of your health professional .
Thank you for the excellent advice. You are right I should take the prescribed medication. I guess I was just looking advice and experiences of people with a low resting HR like me before starting the medication. I think being anxious isn't helping when starting a new medication.
No propranolol but was on 1.25mg of Bisoprolol following HA in November. Absolutely floored me and HR was dropping into the 30s whilst awake. I was struggling to do anything or get out of bed some mornings. Had review with Cardio on Weds and he stopped it. Wife says I already seem more with it. Had similar problems with atenolol around 20 yrs ago when it was prescribed for high BP.
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Slow heart rate. 
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Slow Heart Rate
Bisopropolol and heart rate below 50
