Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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/ Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

side effects of atenolol

hegel
hegel
I just started taking atenolol daily--25 mg. In another thread, a member mentioned lower energy levels as being a side effect. I've noticed this but I thought that it was a result of my getting over pneumonia.

so what are the side effects of atenolol?
(I've been very hungry, but could an increased appetite be a side effect?)

and on a related note: when I get back to exercising--with a heart rate monitor--do I adjust my heart rate in any way, or just assume that my 'normal' rate over 35-45 minutes should remain the same? In other words, I've used a hrm for years, and know my heart rate zones pretty well for swimming, elliptical, walking up hills, etc. Should this all remain the same while taking atenolol daily? I hope that this is clear.
ScottZZ
ScottZZ
Hi hegel,

Atenolol brings down your heart rate in general. I remember when I started to take Atenolol first in 2002, I had very hard time to increase my heart rate during exercise. Also, it made me tired and out of energy during the day. I had very hard time with Atenolol on daily basis. However, hunger was NOT one of its side effects for me.

After taking Atenolol for a week or so, I even had hard time to drive. When driving, I felt I was in the clouds. All my reactions and senses slowed down (a definite side effect for me). Also, my blood presssure went to high 90s (too low). That is the reason, finally one cardio doctor told me not to take it on a daily basis. Only take it when an afib starts. That worked very well.

If you are taking Atenolol for high blood pressure, you have to take it every day to be effective.

As far as exercise and heart rate, you will get used to lower heart rates. I hope I answered your question.

Take care,
Scott
markew
markew
The Atenolol will most likely bring your HR and BP down. I also use a HRM. I took Atenolol for several months, earlier this year, and it brought my HR down an average of 10bpm in walking, running and weightlifting...and at rest. It also brought my energy level down. Not sure if it really affected my appetite or not. I stay hungry most of the time anyway. :-) (never associated with the Atenolol)
-Mark
hegel
hegel
mark: yes, 10 bpm reduction is about what I'm experiencing. I haven't quite had the courage to ramp my heart rate up yet; next week probably I'll hit the elliptical. So far I'm just doing easy walks with some hills. did you find that there was any difference in the intensity or otherwise for your workouts?

Thanks for all of your replies; keep 'em coming!

So far, my energy level isn't too bad; we'll see. Hopefully I'll be able to stop taking atenolol daily after three months or so.--Back to PIP I hope!
markew
markew
hegel, It did affect my running and weight lifting. I would run a bit and then have to rest a bit. Lifting weights was the same way. Good luck! I hope it works for you, especially if your having to cope with A-fib too.
-Mark