Can anyone share their experiences of ... - Cholesterol Support

Cholesterol Support

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Can anyone share their experiences of taking Beta Blockers. Either benefits or side effects. Many thanks Maggie.

Katherine423 profile image
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Katherine423
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florence5 profile image
florence5

Hi Maggie, I have taken drugs to reduce my blood pressure for ten years. I was put on Beta Blockers in addition to my other two BP drugs in February, because of unstable angina which resulted in having an angioplasty. I had experienced a fast pulse at rest especially in the evenings which had made me feel anxious and was worsening my angina symptoms. The Beta Blockers were really helpful in slowing and regulating my pulse and generally making me feel better. Initially they made me feel fatigued and a little nauseous until I got used to them over the first two or three weeks. I take them in the morning and I still find I am a bit slow to get going for the first hour or so as my pulse rate can be very low - in the 40s - for a little while after taking the tablets. I have resolved this by taking them as soon as I get up. By the time I am ready to go out I feel fine. I did try stopping them for a couple of days once, but quickly realised that my heart rate went out of control and the angina symptoms returned. They are protective of the heart in reducing its workload as well as blood pressure. Oh, by the way, I am asthmatic, but they have had no negative impact on my asthma. What is your situation?

Katherine423 profile image
Katherine423

Thanks so much for your reply. I have just been diagnosed with angina after having chest pains while out walking. I currently have no other symptoms and only experience the chest pains if I overdo the exercise. Although over 70, I lead quite a busy life and after reading all the info with the Beta Blockers worry that it will affect what I can do. My prescription is for 2.5m so a relatively low dose. It is all a bit of minefield really so it's good to get feedback from other people and I really appreciate your reply

Hi Katherine

I have AF and angina and take bisoprolol...2-5mg 4xday. I started on a much lower dose because of the AF and found them really helpful...they do cause fatigue, though and by the end of the day I've had it!!

All in all, though I am much better taking them, I am usually dead against medication but but had to go with it as AF and angina are awful. See how it goes, if it helps that's your answer, if not stop....good luck and good health...

Katherine423 profile image
Katherine423 in reply to

Thank so much Eve. I am also not keen on taking long term drugs but I think I will have to give these a try and see how it goes! Thanks again.

in reply to Katherine423

You're welcome:)

Just as long as you don't let anyone persuade you to take statins.....but then if you follow this blog I'm sure you will realise that....I'm glad I gave them a try as they made such a difference to me.....but we all respond differently to meds....worth a try and in my experience nowhere near as damaging as statins.

Katherine423 profile image
Katherine423 in reply to

I have already refused to take statins and my GP has reluctantly accepted that decision. So maybe I will try the beta blockers and keep him happy! Watch this space!

as an alternative to statins have you thought about taking pomegranate juice or cider vinegar and honey....so many natural alternatives that will help lower cholesterol....and some very nice to take....these are two that I feel help me

bowler profile image
bowler in reply to

Can you tell me how much you take of the cider vinegar and honey ?

HarbansNarayan profile image
HarbansNarayan

How much pomegranate juice one should take and when, can you please throw some light on this.

The trial I read about was using 1 fl oz pomegranate juice a day, but because it is so nice i take 2fl oz. Taken at bedtime because the liver produces cholesterol during sleep. The results were following a 12 month trial, so not a quick fix. I have been taking the juice since February and really feel it is helpng.