Can't use Betas--What else can slow heart rate? - Heart Disorders Message Board

spirlhelix · 10-05-2003, 01:05 AM

Hi!

I found out a couple of years ago that I'm one of the people who can't take beta blockers. I'm making plans to jump off a bridge or overdose within hours of taking them, and this is not usually me. B- blockers are contraindicated for someone like me, according to the package insert and my doctors.

Now I find out I need to get my heart rate slowed down. The ECG shows it is beating too fast, and not hard enough. I have symptoms of a dry cough, shortness of breath, insomnia, and fatigue. I also have a kidney disorder and I'm seen by a nephrologist.

If they want to slow my heart rate, what meds can they use, apart from B blockers? Just wondering.

Pam

remoc · 10-05-2003, 04:16 PM

Hello, Try taking 400 mgs of magnesium a day it will stabilize the heart muscle causing it to slow down. i buy my magnesium from wal mart in a green, yellow and white bottle it works wonders trust me....

spirlhelix · 10-05-2003, 05:27 PM

Thanks for the response. I am already taking magnesium with calcium and zinc. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

khudsonwv · 10-05-2003, 09:42 PM

i could not take them either - my rates were as high as 250.. but the meds made me soooo sick.. your cardiologist may want to refer you to a electrophysiologist who can do an ablation - they will find the electrical impulses causing your heart to go to fast and they will burn that area so that it cant process those signals..... best of luck to you - i hpe it all goes well

spirlhelix · 10-06-2003, 07:26 AM

Hi, khudson

Thanks for explaining that possibility to me. I have seen a few of your other posts about ablation. It's good to know there are options for those of us who can't tolerate or benefit from the meds.

I wonder why they suggested an ablation for you, instead of a pacemaker? Can you tell me how they are used differently?

Hugs,

Pam