A beta-blocker is a type of medication that may be prescribed for various heart conditions. One of the things a beta-blocker does is slow down the heart rate, which may impact exercise. If you are tapering off a beta-blocker or have stopped this type of medication completely, you may have to adjust your exercise program accordingly. Always follow your doctor's instructions in terms of how to exercise and when to exercise after discontinuing a beta-blocker.
About Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are medications that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. Atenolol and metoprolol are examples of beta-blockers. Beta-blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, reducing blood pressure. Beta-blockers also cause blood vessels to dilate, or open up, so blood is able to flow more freely. Side effects may be minimal to non-existent in some people, though some may have fatigue, cold hands, headache, dizziness, insomnia, sexual problems, depression, upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea. Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, unexplained swelling in any part of your body, chest pain or a very low heartbeat -- less than 50 beats per minute. If you have a medical condition like asthma, you may not be able to take a beta-blocker because of the nature of the medication. Talk to your doctor about all pre-existing medical conditions.
Beta Blockers and Exercise
Beta-blockers slow your heart rate, so it can be hard to increase your heart rate when you exercise. Your target heart rate can be adjusted by a doctor after a stress test. A stress test indicates how much blood flows through your heart during exercise and measures how hard your heart pumps while taking beta-blockers. You can also try lowering your target heart rate by the amount your resting heart rate has been lowered by medication. For example, if your resting heart rate has been reduced 20 beats a minute you can try reducing your target heart rate by 20 beats. According to the Mayo Clinic, an exercise stress test is more precise and is the best way to figure out a new target heart rate. It is safest to aim for moderate intensity workouts while taking a beta-blocker.
Discontinuing Beta Blocker
Beta-blockers are prescribed for some potentially serious heart conditions and they change the way your heart beats and blood flows through your body. According to the Clinical Knowledge Summaries website, a beta-blocker must not be stopped suddenly because this may cause your condition to get worse. Your doctor can taper the medication so you withdraw slowly enough to avoid serious side effects.
Exercise After Discontinuing
There is no specific time frame for beginning to exercise after discontinuing a beta-blocker. You need to work with your doctor to determine an exercise plan. If you have adjusted the way you work out because of a reduced heart rate, you may need to make adjustments again after a beta-blocker is discontinued.
