Anyone taking Beta Blockers?

jhacker
jhacker Posts: 301 Member
edited September 19 in Health and Weight Loss
I have recently started taking beta blockers for high blood pressure.:cry: This really scared me because I never had high blood pressure before. I have started walking everyday because I want to lower that pressure but heard that beta blockers may affect my progress.

Anyone else in the same boat? My doc says it is a low dosage but I worry that I may not lose the weight and may not get the same benefits from walking.:ohwell:

Replies

  • jhacker
    jhacker Posts: 301 Member
    I have recently started taking beta blockers for high blood pressure.:cry: This really scared me because I never had high blood pressure before. I have started walking everyday because I want to lower that pressure but heard that beta blockers may affect my progress.

    Anyone else in the same boat? My doc says it is a low dosage but I worry that I may not lose the weight and may not get the same benefits from walking.:ohwell:
  • Annika
    Annika Posts: 55
    I've been on beta blockers for a while now. I do find it hard to lose weight, but that could for many reasons. The biggest thing I don't like about beta blockers is that I can't eat grapefruit. I love grapefruit. :love: I'm hopeful that I'll eventually get off them though :wink:
  • NervousDoc
    NervousDoc Posts: 1
    Hello. I am new here and doing great in two weeks so far. I am a neurologist and prescribe beta blockers for migraine all the time.

    Beta blockers can lower heart rate. Therefore, when you are exercising, your heart rate may not increase to the level you want it for fat burning or even cardiac strengthening level. Also you run the risk of passing out during strenuous exercise because you heart won't be able to pump enough blood to your brain, etc...

    Hope this helps
  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
    I'd recommend getting a HRM and seeing if anyone you know can take blood pressure, like a nurse in the family maybe. Alternately, if you can join a gym, it would be a good idea to get a trainer who is certified to do so. The biggest risk with any heart medication is drastic changes in blood pressure during exercise, which can sometimes lead to dizziness or a fall. They can inhibit fat/glycogen breakdown, but not entirely, and at a low dose it may not even be noticeable. And as you exercise, your BP might drop and you may be able to come off the pills entirely! So don't give up on walking--it will only not benefit you if you stop! :flowerforyou:
  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
    Hello. I am new here and doing great in two weeks so far. I am a neurologist and prescribe beta blockers for migraine all the time.

    Beta blockers can lower heart rate. Therefore, when you are exercising, your heart rate may not increase to the level you want it for fat burning or even cardiac strengthening level. Also you run the risk of passing out during strenuous exercise because you heart won't be able to pump enough blood to your brain, etc...

    Hope this helps

    Hey you beat me to it! :wink:
  • jhacker
    jhacker Posts: 301 Member
    Thanks for replying! It helps!:flowerforyou:
    I am going to continue the walking/ and eventually jogging. I have been feeling great since I started. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right things. Any other advice to excercises that may be good for me?
    I want OFF these pills!:grumble:
  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
    Thanks for replying! It helps!:flowerforyou:
    I am going to continue the walking/ and eventually jogging. I have been feeling great since I started. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right things. Any other advice to excercises that may be good for me?
    I want OFF these pills!:grumble:

    A lot of exercises are good for you!
    But some are more risky, so I'll point those out:

    sprinting/explosive movements (jumping)

    anything that uses the valsalva breathing--this is when you tighten your abs and bear down (like you're having a bowel movement)-- it usually includes squats

    the stairmill-- it's high off the ground, so if you lose consciousness you could fall and injure yourself

    That's why I recommend getting a trainer once you begin a strenuous program. Most know what you should and shouldn't do--and if they don't, get a new one!
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    Everybody is different but for me:

    Yoga=weaned off of beta blockers.

    I was on them to prevent migraines, but I have heard other students at my studio say that they've been weaned off of their blood pressure meds.

    Also, totally agree with the above importance on watching your heart rate while you exercise. For my cardio, my HRM has completely changed my life.
  • jhacker
    jhacker Posts: 301 Member
    Everybody is different but for me:

    Yoga=weaned off of beta blockers.

    I was on them to prevent migraines, but I have heard other students at my studio say that they've been weaned off of their blood pressure meds.

    Also, totally agree with the above importance on watching your heart rate while you exercise. For my cardio, my HRM has completely changed my life.


    Thanks! I will look into Yoga! I hope there is an evening class somewhere. If not, anyone know if using a video is as good? Never done it before but would like to try.
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    If you absolutely can't find a class, there are a few good "beginner" yoga DVDs out there (Gaiam is one company that has yet to disappoint me). Rodney Yee is my favorite.

    But for attention to your postures and a good facility, a class can't be beat. :flowerforyou:
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