PM and Atenolol

Hi pacers
I am a 46 yo female from Queensland Australia and had my pacemaker implanted just over a year ago due to bradycardia. Last week, I had my 1st annual cardio checkup, and I was advised I need to start taking atenolol as I have been having quite a few tachy events. (I was thinking those little flutters I had been experiencing were the pacemaker kicking in, so I was a little shocked when they told me I needed to take medication and that I had a dysfunctional AV sinus node.)

I started on 25 mg Tenorim last week, however the meds really seem to make me feel drowsy and heavy-headed so I will talk to the cardio about this. I felt a tachy event this morning that lasted quite a few minutes so I hope that the meds will control this as its not a pleasant feeling! Is it better to take the meds at night and how long does it take to get used to the side effects of atenolol?

Even after a year, I am still coming to terms with the whole pacemaker thing! I would just like to say how fantastic this support group has been in assisting me and my husband come to terms with all this. Many times when I have been unsure or worried about things, I have visited this site and feel better able to cope with my condition with all the great information and comments posted on here. You never have enough time to discuss with the cardiologist all the things you would like to discuss!

Thank you all :)

1 Comments

Arrhythmia & Beta Blockers

by SMITTY - 2009-11-16 07:11:53

Hello Kiwi,

Tenormin is a beta-blocking medication used to slow the heart rate and reduce hypertension (high blood pressure). In people with pacemakers they are often used in the treatment of angina (chest pain), hypertension, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Side Effects: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because beta-blockers reduce blood circulation to the extremities, your hands and feet may be more susceptible to the cold. Dress warm. (Many of us experience the side effects you describe.)

My opinion is the theory behind using beta blockers is to slow the natural heart rate and you stop the arrhythmia and the pacemaker can then elevate the heart rate back to the level desired. Didn't work for me and I have tried several different beta blockers (there must be about 20 different ones). To reduce my arrhythmia by more than 95% I had the low setting low setting on my PM increased from 70 to 80.

This worked better than I ever hoped for and the cardiologist say he thinks it is because the faster heart rate caused by the new PM setting is in effect heading off the irregular heart beats at the pass. This is happening because with the faster heart rate, the irregular beats do not have time to form. Whatever is going on I am very appreciative.

Good luck,

Smitty




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