HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes High Pulse Rate Despite Having Anxiety?

Posted on Fri, 24 Oct 2014

Question: I have communicated with many doctors on this site over 9 months. I have abdominal issues and been through many many exams. Now, I have anxiety and have been taking pamelor, Zoloft, and sometimes Xanax. My last doctor exam show elevated pulse rates. They are in the high 90's and hit 104 my last visit. My doctor told me to drink Gatoraid. What do you suggest to lower my rate.? My blood pressure is normally around 115 over 80.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Atenolol.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

You are reporting to have a personal history of anxiety and currently taking treatment for that. It is normal to get high rates of heart pulse when you are anxious. I suggest to start taking Atenolol 25 mg as it will:
- reduce your heart rate
- reduce intensity of other stress related symptoms.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)

Dr Benard, Thank you for your response. I thought Atenolol is for high blood pressure. I have normal blood pressure.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Primary effect is to treat tachycardia...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome back!

The primary effect of atenolol is blocking adrenalin heart effect (which is the cause of tachycardia) and as a secondary effect is lowering BP. The lowering BP effect is more pronaunced with high dose. This is why I recommended you to start low dose of atenolol 25 mg.

Hope it answered all your concerns!
Wish you Health!
Dr. Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju