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By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

What is my target heart rate on beta blockers?
Asked by jenni_s on Apr 28, 2009 in Fitness



I take a daily beta blocker and I can't get my heart rate above 113 because of it.  I am disabled in my upper body, so the only exercise I can do is to walk, although not particularly fast.  Is it even worthwhile for me to carry on doing this?


Answer

Exercise is always worthwhile.  You just need to adjust your exercise goals to compensate for beta blocker therapy.  Beta blockers are a common class of high blood pressure meds that slow down heart rate during exercise and at rest.  It is best to ask your doctor for your adjusted target heart rate based on the results of your exercise stress test.  You can also go by your perceived exertion, which is how hard you feel your body is working.  Although it is a subjective measure, it won’t steer you wrong once you know how to read it.  Learn more about exercising on beta blockers at About.com.



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