I recently had my blood pressure medicine changed, strengthened I am sorry to say. I was told by my physician that I now am taking a beta blocker, the most noticiable side effect he warned me about is during my workout, he said my heart would not be as fast....that I havent noticed....but I have noticed that my arms feel fatigued, dont know if it is a by product of my spottty training recently due to a broken pool pump, 2 funerals, and a kidney stone, or the new medicine....anyone here have any experience with this? thanks in advance.
I recall β blockers were once on the USCF cycling banned list even though it provides no mechanism of cheating. However, if your holding a rifle and the goal is to hit a target for points then they do enhance performance.
Former Member
I've heard that ARBs are often not covered by insurance if you haven't been trialed on other therapies first, is that your experience?
Depends on the insurance company.
Some patients develop a dry cough with an ACEI (but not with an ARB).
I was on one for my pre-hypertension that a doc (not my regular one) put me on when I was having what I thought were heart problems that turned out to be exercised induced asthma. I stayed on it for about 5 years. If I forgot to take it, I really noticed my HR getting higher than it did when I took it as I should have. I lost 50 pounds this year and decided to get off of all my meds including the beta blocker. My doctor gave me a taper down for the prescription and I am now drug-free :bliss:.
:fish2:
Former Member
Thanks for all the imput... I was really just wondering if the decrease in performance was in my head.... I am going to keep taking the beta blockers for another month, train more consistantly, and see how it goes....the dry cough you mention is exactly why I was changed to a beta blocker......nice to know you are not totally crazy.....
Former Member
Diovan is an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) which unlike an ACEI (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) works directly on the angiotensin receptor. At one time considered second or third line therapy, this class of antihypertensive agents is now being used for first line treatment. Very well tolerated, no effect on heart rate.
Former Member
Been training pretty consistantly for a while now, and I will say that the beta blockers have definietly slowed me down. I have trouble maintaining my old "pace" going 3 seconds slower in a 50 (and man is that slow) will be going back to dr for something different....will report again (not that you are that interested)...thanks for all the great imput.
I'm on atenolol which my doctor tells me that is designed to keep my pulse rate at 120. When I take a stress test, they tell me not to take it 24 hours before the stress test.
I discussed the situation with my doctor and he is allowing me not to take the atenolol one day before and during a swim meet.
My situation may be different from others because I have had a quadriple bypass and currently have a pacemaker/difribillator. My pacemaker is set at 140 beats on the high end and 60 beats on the lower end.
Mr. Pacemaker
Former Member
I personally would not recommend that; abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker can result in a rebound in heart rate and blood pressure.
