Hi everyone , I am new here. I was wondering if anyone here is on a beta blocker. If so is it having an effect on your workout or weight loss? I am very worried about the effects messing with my progress.

Before the medication I had a resting heart rate of over 100 and with exercise was getting all the way up to 170! Which I understand is not good! But, now I am lucky if I can get it up to 120. I am a bit bummed about that.

If anyone can offer me any encourgement or advice , I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Christina

Christina - I don't know much about beta blockers but DO know that you can't use standard heart rates guides when you use them. I do fitness assessments on new members in a gym and know that if they take BP meds or certain heart meds, their heart rate upon exertion is much lower than it would normally be. Perhaps your doctor can shed some light on this for you, but please don't be discouraged if your heart rate isn't where it used to be before you started the beta blocker. It's not you or the intensity of the workout -- it's the medication.

I took beta blockers to prevent migraines for years (with mixed success btw) and found the same thing exactly. I could be working very hard, dripping sweat, and still my heart rate never went over 120. As Meg says, it's the medications. If/when you get off them, your heart rate will soar with exercise again.

I'm on beta blockers and I completely ignore target heart rate suggestions. I don't even check. I only exercise to the intensity that I feel like I am capable of at the moment. For example, I walk for long periods of time at a slower pace, since walking too fast can cause my heart rate to rise too much. The important thing is to listen to your body, and of course your doctor.

Thank you for your replies. I feel better now that it is normal. I did call my doctor yesterday. He said that me breaking 120 on the med. would be like me reaching my max heart rate unmedicated. I am still skeptical but hey what can you do. He also told me to stop trying to 'win' over the meds because it is not safe?? huh? Taking me off is not an option though because my blood pressure and heart rate go way too high without it. :::: I suppose I will just keep at it and hope for the best.

Btw How do I add a ticker of my progress at the bottom?

thanks,
christina

Christina -- At the top of this page go to "User CP" then on that page go to "Edit Signature" and follow the instructions from there...

I too have a problem with an abnormally fast heart rate and had to take beta blockers for years and still do during bad episodes, but in general my doctor has actually advised me not to do any aerobic activity that will increase my heart rate as there is the possibillity of having a heart attack, this goes for any activity that will increase my heart rate dramatically - so no rollercoasters for me! like someone else said, i just do what i can and if i ever get light headed i know my heart rate has gone sky high. keep with it, any excersize is better than none!!!