Beta Blockers + Exercise

ReluctantKiller

Not sure if putting this in the right spot or not, but here goes anyway:

Let me start off by saying that it's been 9 months since my heart attack and my cardiologist has cleared me to exercise with no restrictions a few months ago. Prior to it, I was in what I would call "ok" shape, above average fitness level (being in the military), but with a BMI in the overweight range (combined with a family history of them explains the heart problems). It seems that no matter what I do workout wise, whether it's strength training or cardio-type stuff, I start breathing heavily quicker than I used to, but it takes longer for my heart-rate to increase as well. I know a million and one of ya'll are gonna tell me to see my doctor, but I mentioned this to her at my check up last week. She said it was probably the beta-blocker I'm on (Metoprolol) and it was fine as long as I didn't have any chest pain (which I don't). My question I guess, then, is this (if anyone is in a position to advise): Do these "symptoms"/side effects ever go away or is this just something I have to deal with from now on?

addisondisease

Losing weight on a beta blocker is VERY hard. Quality diet pills actually have chemicals that are beta antagonists which, although tend to put you in a nervous/hyper state, help you you drop fat.

If you don't care about a high heart rate, focus more on strength training, slow and controlled.

If you do however want to be panting for breath, HIIT, hill sprints, cycling, rowing, etc. You may have to put more work in to break past your beta blocker, but its worth it.

If you are able to exercise without the beta blocker this would be best.

What qualifies my opinion? I make supplements

Rae6503

I've been on beta blockers for high blood pressure. Yeah, it's hard to get your heart rate up but I don't think that means you won't be burning calories, so definitely keep working out. Weights are good. And yeah, unfortunately the low heart rate will persist while you take them (and you should never go off them without supervision, you have to ramp down slowly or you'll get a "rebound" high heart rate). I remember going in for a physical and my resting heart rate was 50. The nurse had to take it twice because she just didn't believe it was possible. I also felt I couldn't lose weight without them. Maybe you could talk to your doctor about other alternatives (I know there are some for blood pressure but I'm sure your condition is very different).

ReluctantKiller

Right on, I appreciate the replies. The doc's plan right now anyway medication wise is to change nothing until I get to my 1-year mark and see what the results of the stress test show. I'm hoping at that point and I'm definately going to ask and beg that the doc will look at reducing or changing my meds. There have been days where I missed my meds for whatever reason (I can be forgetful at times) and I can tell a big difference in my workouts on those days.... I'm able to go faster/harder/etc. but not to the point where I wanna take myself off the meds, ya know? For now, though I'll keep doing what I'm doing and just continue pushing myself as best I can.

kittymeeowmeeow

I've been on Bystolic (Nebivolol) for over a year now. I REALLY have to push it to get my heart rate over 130. I don't think it is effecting my weight loss. Just makes using HRM's pointless.

Azdak

The beta blocker affects heart rate, but that doesn't mean you aren't working as hard. It means your heart rate is set to a different "scale" than before.

Before your resting HR may have been 70 and max HR 180. Now it may be 55 and 135 respectively. You can still work at 70% max--it's just that now 70% max will result in a lower heart rate.

That being said, beta blockers can lower your aerobic fitness capacity, so you may not be able to work at the same machine settings as before (your fitness level has also decreased significantly due to the recovery process.

But don't think that, because your heart rate is lower, you cannot work at the same intensity as before. You can still train and improve.

Weight loss is another issue. Theoretically, one can lose weight with a beta blocker, but it can be more challenging.

In any case, following an MI, the medical necessity for taking the medication is important.

meerkat70

My experience with BB's is exactly as Azdak describes. I take them for panic disorder, so in a different pattern from that used by cardiac patients. If I've had an attack and need to take a pill, I can observe its impact on my performance for about 3 days after. It's a struggle to get my heart rate up, and that makes working out harder - my breathing doesn't seem quite right, my muscles feel a little more leaden.

That said, while it is tougher, obviously I'd suggest that it's worth struggling through this. But do talk to your physician again about the specific impact of the BB on your exercise. Their reassurance might help?

CarolynB38

If you are taking betablockers for your heart/bloodpressure you may be able to get a different medication instead. I luckily don't have any experience of betablockers but both my parents noticed a huge improvement after being switched from BBs to whatever they take now. Before switching they were getting out of breath walking or going up the stairs. You would have to talk to your cardiologist though. They may not be suitable for you which might be why he gave you BBs in the first place. As already suggested, tell your doctor that you feel they are preventing you from being able to work out properly and effectively. You never know, he may have a solution and I'm sure he'd be happy that you are exercising and will want to help. I hope you get a solution :happy: