What Causes Low Heart Rate Despite Taking Metoprolol Succinate ER?

Posted on Thu, 15 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : I am taking Metroprolol ER Succinate 50MG and my heart rate is now in the upper 40's. Is this safe?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is too low.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

This seems to be too low. You may develop heart block and heart arrest. It would be good to consult your cardiologist as you may need medicine change or heart stimulator.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (2 hours later)

I called the cardiologist and told her what was happening. I was told that it could go down to 40 and that would be alright. This scares me.

I have not been able to get an appointment with my primary care doctor because she is booked solid.

I just called the office for my primary care doctor . The nurse for my doctor will receive my message soon. I should receive a call back.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider ER visit.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

40 is not a normal heart rate especially for someone with heart failure. from 40 to 30 is very close and that may end badly. How about visiting the ER and have at least heart ECG to make sure you have no heart block.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Grzegorz Stanko, General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar