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Beta Blockers

(10 Posts)
trendygran Tue 25-Feb-14 21:05:08

Earlier my GP (new to me) put me on a very low dose of Beta Blockers as my BP is a bit high overall. As soon as I had obtained the tablets I noticed an article in the Telegraph, stating that they could be hazardous for the elderly ,by causing "fatal falls". Does any Gransnetter have experience of Beta Blockers and,if so, how do they seem?

tanith Tue 25-Feb-14 21:29:46

I've taken Beta blockers for several years with no problems or side effects, it can take time to find one that works for you . My BP has remained stable whilst taking them I haven't heard of the side effects you speak of but I would be guided by your GP.

Greenfinch Tue 25-Feb-14 22:14:21

I have taken Beta Blockers for more than 15 years and have never had any significant falls. I have been prescribed 3 different types. The first was for raised BP but then I developed atrial fibrillation and a different one was given to me. Unfortunately this made the condition worse and so I am now on a third type and all seems to be well at the moment.

harrigran Tue 25-Feb-14 22:52:53

I have taken Beta blockers for 6 years, apart from headaches for the first two weeks, I have been fine.

Galen Tue 25-Feb-14 23:00:57

Can't remember how many years I've taken them for! I've had falls, but these were because I was on too high a dose owing to my GP not believing my bp readings at home. It took two letters from different orthopaedic consultants after operations to persuade him that my readings were correct. I still have very rare falls but they're nothing to do with beta blockers.

nannyfran Wed 26-Feb-14 09:57:22

I've also been on them for several years and not had falls in spite of hip and knee replacements and one leg shorter than the other ( anyone got a spare parrot?)
Blood pressure too high can kill you but I think doctors get some form of payment for putting us "oldies" on medication. It's a minefield trying to work out what's best. If your pressure is just a bit high, trendygran, it maybe could be managed with exercise and diet?

trendygran Wed 26-Feb-14 15:30:26

Thanks, everyone , for your replies regarding Beta Blockers. I've looked them up in an online report from BUPA. The main thing concerning me there is that they say bbs. should not be prescribed to 'over 55s'. As I am just a 'few' years older than that,I think I'll have a word with a local Pharmacist before starting the tablets.

JessM Wed 26-Feb-14 16:01:23

I tried them. My pulse went down to 45, so on something else now smile

MargaretX Wed 26-Feb-14 16:39:26

Beta Blockers are one of the safest drugs. If you can't get along with them then lower the dose.GPs often prescibe too large a dose. I went to a cardiologist about 5 years ago and he suggested a whole tablet (10mg)and I take a quarter and am fine on it.
They are wonderful for calming the heart and reducing palpitations

durhamjen Wed 26-Feb-14 23:28:38

I take alpha-blockers, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, along with aspirin. I've stopped the statins.
Side effects of beta-blockers can be palpitations, etc.
Margaret, I cannot understand taking 2.5 mg. of anything. Surely that's as low as a placebo, almost. I take 50mg of atenolol.
I did have an aortic dissection last year, which is why I was put on all the drugs, but there was no sign of high blood pressure before then.
High blood pressure is an enigma.
Some of the books I read say that beta blockers are one of the most dangerous drugs.