beta blockade

[EarlyPacer]

Hi all,

For context, I am a busy 53 year old teacher with pacemaker corrected bradycardia (heart block). I have well controlled blood pressure but take 3 different tablets to make it optimal. Here’s the juice: I am often dizzy and find walking sometimes difficult (weak and clumsy). I think that the beta blocker might be having an adverse effect. So, questions:

Do any beta brocade patients find walking difficult?

As above, but anyone dizzy?

I am hardly ever breathless and have good SpO2.

I would be very interested to see what experience of beta blockers peeps have had.

Many thanks-in advance.

[Happyrosie]

I used to take Bblockers for hypertension but no longer do, but my husband does. Neither of us with any issues.

But this could be labyrinthitis or BPPV (look it up). It might well be worth your while mentioning to your local pharmacist and see what he or she says.

[honeybubs]

Hi, I have exactly the same symptoms and things wrong with me as you’ve described and have a pacemaker resynchronisation. Bradycardia etc. I have low blood pressure and was told that the 3 tablets I take lower it even more (Bisoprolol, Entresto & Dapagliflozen. I get dizzy and sometimes I feel as though I’m walking as though it’s someone who’s drunk (haven’t touched any alcohol for over 15 years) I’m very self conscious and feel people are looking at me thinking I’ve had a drink. My Cardiologist told me to rest after exercise so my body temperature goes to normal before walking back home. When I walk the dog I get the occasional sort of jolt that I feel in my head sometimes and also waves in my head a few times whilst walking as though you are on a boat (giddy) so this scared me as I had a few syncopes before having the pacemaker. It also happens more when I’ve just had a meal. Cardiologist didn’t seem too worried about it he just said it was my blood vessels changing when I get hot with exercise and to try to cool down before walking. You can’t always do that though depending on where you are with different situations. If you find out about your situation and what’s causing it I would be interested to know. Thanks. J. x

[EarlyPacer in reply to honeybubs]

Thank you. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not going mad! I will let you know, although I suspect it will rumble on for years with no official diagnosis.

[Sion52]

Hi, I have the same issues following valve replacement in 2017. I have a slow heart rate and now only take warfarin for my mechanical valve. My cardiologist said my lightheadedness and balance problems are likely caused by heart scarring and a low heart rate. My most recent echo showed first degree heart block. I walk and run most days and this seems to help relieve some of the symptoms.

[EarlyPacer in reply to Sion52]

Thank you. Again, reassuring. I also use coping mechanisms such as exercise. Bizarrely, I find running easier than walking 😀