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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Breathlessness While On Atenolol For High BP?

I am 76. I take atenolol of high blood pressure. History of pvc s and Afib. Now I have shortness of breath without pain. This occurs on exertion (housework so, wLking, stairs etc). I m overweight as well. Is there cause for concern or s it just my age.
Wed, 6 Apr 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,
Understand your concern.
Atenolol is a b1 receptor blocker, synpathomimetic drug.
Mainly used in Hypertension, and heart disease.
Its side effects are broncho spasm which lead to breathlessness.
Because bronchus contain B receptor, normally it has a dilator action, but after taking drug long time, it block the action of b receptor and cause spasm of broncus and lead to difficulty in breathing.
It again aggravate in exertion.
So I think it is side effects of drug.
Avoid to much excretion.
If not resolved
Contact to MD doctor and change to other drug.
Or You can take deripphyline or salbutamol to treat short breathlessness.

Also note other side effects of atenolol
Confusion
Dizziness
Tightness in chest
Blurring of vision
Sweating
Anxiety
Headache

Hope this may help you.
Best regards
Dr. sagar

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What Causes Breathlessness While On Atenolol For High BP?

Hello dear, Understand your concern. Atenolol is a b1 receptor blocker, synpathomimetic drug. Mainly used in Hypertension, and heart disease. Its side effects are broncho spasm which lead to breathlessness. Because bronchus contain B receptor, normally it has a dilator action, but after taking drug long time, it block the action of b receptor and cause spasm of broncus and lead to difficulty in breathing. It again aggravate in exertion. So I think it is side effects of drug. Avoid to much excretion. If not resolved Contact to MD doctor and change to other drug. Or You can take deripphyline or salbutamol to treat short breathlessness. Also note other side effects of atenolol Confusion Dizziness Tightness in chest Blurring of vision Sweating Anxiety Headache Hope this may help you. Best regards Dr. sagar