Slow pulse , Beta Blockers and Booze

fabsport · 06-15-2003, 01:05 PM

I'm taking Toprol-xl 50 mg. My heart beat has slowed from about 83 to 60 bpm since i began taking it. Now when i have about 4 drinks of whiskey it slows to 50 bpm, otherwise i feel fine. Is this normal?

zuzu8 · 06-15-2003, 06:09 PM

Hi- Alcohol is a depressant. Four whiskies is a lot of booze (considered to be enough to result in intoxication) and will definitely slow your pulse rate. 50 is obviously not "normal" for you, if your normal rate is 60 or above.

zuzu8 · 06-15-2003, 06:19 PM

Hi- Alcohol is a depressant. Four whiskies is a lot of booze (considered to be enough to result in intoxication) and will definitely slow your pulse rate. 50 is obviously not "normal" for you, if your normal rate is 60 or above.

zip2play · 06-16-2003, 08:35 AM

fabsport,

I've noticed EXACTLY the same phenomenon with ANY beta blocker (I've treid several). Perhaps a little less Toprol is the answer- tell your doctor when you next go in. Fifty BPM is perhaps a bit toolow , but 60 is just fine.

p.s. I don't think it's anything to worry about- the slowing heart rate is one of the benefits gained from beta-blockade.

(Needless to say, I'm a drinker too)