Ask the doctor: Does a beta blocker interfere with exercise?
You have several options for guiding your workouts. One is to lower the estimate of your peak heart rate by the amount that atenolol has reduced your resting heart rate. If, for example, your resting heart rate used to be 70 and is now 60, subtract 10 from the age-based estimate of your peak heart rate. An easier method is to use the talk test: you are exercising at moderate intensity if you are breathing faster than normal but can still say a sentence or two out loud or sing a snatch of a favorite song. If you aren't the least bit out of breath, speed up; if you have trouble finishing a sentence, slow down. If, for some reason, you need to have an exercise stress test, it will reveal your new peak heart rate.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
