How much does Propranolol lower heart rate? 

In this blog post, we are going to answer the question, “How much does Propranolol lower heart rate?”. Propranolol is one of the most commonly prescribed beta-blockers which can be used to treat a variety of health conditions. 

The primary function of Propranolol is to lower your heart rate and blood pressure. This blog will cover all there is to know about the relationship between Propranolol and heart rate. 

How much does Propranolol lower heart rate?

Propranolol lowers heart rate according to the dose which has been prescribed. Researchers call it a dose-dependent relationship. It basically means that lower doses cause a slight reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, while higher doses have more pronounced outcomes. 

Propranolol is actually a beta-blocker or a beta-adrenergic blocker which counteracts the effects of adrenaline or epinephrine. This chemical plays a huge role in increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. 

These effects of Propranolol make this drug a good choice for cardiac related problems. Propranolol can be used to treat the following health conditions:

• High blood pressure 
• Angina pectoris
• Management of congestive heart failure 
• Arrhythmia or irregular heart beat
• Myocardial infarction 
• Tachycardia 
• Coronary artery diseases 
• Glaucoma
• Migraine 
• Anxiety 
• Essential tremors 

What are the negative effects of Propranolol induced lower heart rate? 

Propranolol induced lower heart rate can treat and prevent a lot of cardiac conditions, but it can cause some dangerous consequences. These include:

• Bradycardia 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Psychological effects 

Bradycardia 

Lower heart rate or bradycardia can be the biggest complication caused by the effects Propranolol on your heart. If a normal person takes Propranolol, even just one time, it can dangerously lower the heart rate and that can make your body severely. 

This can make you feel incredibly weak and energyless. This is because the heart pumps blood to all parts of your body. The blood is responsible for taking all the nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of your body, including the heart itself and the brain. 

When the heart starts to beat slower, it fails to meet the need of energy and this makes the cells start to get tired and their functions start to deplete. This is the biggest reason why a slow heart beat can make you feel sick overall. 

Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Dizziness is another complication associated with Propranolol induced lower heart rate. As stated earlier, Propranolol slows down your heart rate which decreases the rate of oxygen supply to different parts of the body, including your brain. 

When the brain starts to receive less oxygen and nutrients, the first symptom that you experience is dizziness or lightheadedness. This dizziness can increase drastically when you stand up too fast. 

There are some techniques that people have been using traditionally to increase the flow of blood towards the brain. You can simply lie down, either on the floor or on your bed. Make sure you’re in a comfortable position. 

Raise your legs straight up in the air and hold that position for a few seconds. This way, the blood flows to the brain and makes up for the nutrient deficit. This can make you feel a little bit better. 

However, you may start to feel dizzy again after standing up. Make sure you monitor these effects and report them to your healthcare provider. 

Psychological effects

Propranolol is associated with some psychological side effects as a result of reduced heart rate. When the brain stops receiving nutrients, you may start to experience forgetfulness and psychotic functions. 

Several studies have suggested that long-term Propranolol can significantly mess up with your behaviour and memory. Make sure you contact your healthcare provider right away if you exhibit any unusual sign. 

What does research suggest? 

Several research studies have been conducted to properly understand the heart rate slowing mechanism of Propranolol. One study indicated that Propranolol can effectively lower heart rate blood pressure in the majority of the population. 

However, its effects are dose dependent in nature. Some people who are sensitive can achieve a great therapeutic outcome on low clinical doses, while others may need a high dose to provide satisfactory results. 

Propranolol is one of the most commonly prescribed beta-blockers, so there is a lot of data available after the proper market surveillance of this drug. Some other studies have indicated that Propranolol should be used cautiously for non-cardiac purposes. 

This is because the drug can significantly lower the heart rate of a normal person with no cardiac condition. In such patients, it becomes a side effect instead of a therapeutic effect. 

Studies have also suggested to not promote the use of Propranolol in people who have slower heart rate normally or people who usually have low blood pressure. 

If used in such patients, Propranolol can cause life-threatening bradycardia. Another study revealed that the effects of Propranolol on the heart are very pronounced which is why this drug should never be stopped abruptly.

What are the side effects associated with the use of Propranolol? 

Propranolol, like every other medication on this planet, is associated with some side effects. The most common ones include:

• Xerostomia or dry mouth 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Flatulence 
• Acid reflux 
• Depression 
• Fatigue 
• Lightheadedness 
• Abnormal pain
• Acid reflux 
• Flu like symptoms 
• Skin rash

Some serious side effects include:

• Difficulty in breathing and chest tightness 
• Swollen hands and feet as a result of an allergic reaction. 
• Wheezing
• Blackouts 
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Arrhythmia 

Apart from these side effects, Propranolol is not a good choice of medication for everyone. There are some warnings that are associated with the use of this medication and not everyone should use this. People who should not use beta blockers include:

• People suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should not take Propranolol. This med can exacerbate their respiratory illness. 

• People with diabetes. This medication lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, which is why a diabetic patient fails to detect when his or her blood sugar level drops. 

• Pregnant women. Studies have indicated that Propranolol and other beta blockers can pass the placenta and act on the growing fetus, which is exactly why this medication is in Category C of pregnancy medications.

• People with Peripheral vascular diseases. Propranolol should not be used in people who suffer from poor blood flow to several other body parts. This is because Propranolol can end up exacerbating the poor blood flow because the drug further lowers down the heart rate and blood pressure. 

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed the effects of Propranolol on your heart rate. Researchers suggest that it is a dose dependent relationship. It basically means that lower doses cause a slight reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, while higher doses have more pronounced outcomes. 

Lower heart rate or bradycardia can be the biggest complication caused by the effects Propranolol on your heart. If a normal person takes Propranolol, even just one time, it can dangerously lower the heart rate and that can make your body severely. 

Propranolol is associated with some psychological side effects as a result of reduced heart rate. When the brain stops receiving nutrients, you may start to experience forgetfulness and psychotic functions. Make sure you use this medication only if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

FAQs: how much does propranolol lower heart rate

How much does 10 mg of propranolol lower heart rate?

Propranolol lowers heart rate according to the dose which has been prescribed. Researchers call it a dose-dependent relationship. It basically means that lower doses cause a slight reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, while higher doses have more pronounced outcomes. A 10 mg dose is considered a low dose of Propranolol. It can lower heart rate, but not prominently. 

How quickly does propranolol lower heart rate?

Propranolol may take somewhat between half an hour to an hour before it starts lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. Propranolol is actually a beta-blocker or a beta-adrenergic blocker which counteracts the effects of adrenaline or epinephrine. This chemical plays a huge role in increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. These effects of Propranolol make this drug a good choice for cardiac related problems.

Can propranolol slow your heart too much?

Yes, Propranolol can slow your heart too much. Lower heart rate or bradycardia can be the biggest complication caused by the effects Propranolol on your heart. If a normal person takes Propranolol, even just one time, it can dangerously lower the heart rate and that can make your body severely. 

This can make you feel incredibly weak and energyless. This is because the heart pumps blood to all parts of your body. The blood is responsible for taking all the nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of your body, including the heart itself and the brain. 

When the heart starts to beat slower, it fails to meet the need of energy and this makes the cells start to get tired and their functions start to deplete.

How many hours does 10mg propranolol last?

10 mg Propranolol lasts for about a day or two. Propranolol has a half-life of about 3-6 hours, which means that the concentration of 10 mg Propranolol is reduced to half, that is 5 mg, after this time period. 

The remaining 5 mg of Propranolol is then further reduced to half (2.5 mg) after the next 3 to 6 hours. This process keeps on going until Propranolol is completely removed from your system.

How much propranolol should I take for anxiety?

Propranolol is usually started from the dose of 80mg per day for adults. However, the dose can be adjusted according to the severity of your condition and based on the fact how well your body can tolerate this medication. The dose should not be more than 240mg per day. In case of children, dose is determined by the healthcare provider according to the body weight and severity of the condition. 

Does propranolol help you relax?

Yes, Propranolol does help you feel relaxed. It can be used as an anti-anxiety medication and help calm you down to some extent. Studies have shown that Propranolol does possess some anxiolytic properties and it can control the excessive neuronal firing in your brain. However, there are other, better anti-anxiety meds available to treat your anxiety other than Propranolol. 

References 

• M M LeWinter et al. Clin Pharmacol Ther. (1975) – Effects of oral propranolol in normal subjects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1139862/ 
• Felicia N Williams, David N Herndon, and Marc G Jeschke – PROPRANOLOL DECREASES CARDIAC WORK IN A DOSE-DEPENDENT MANNER https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3008513/#:~:text=The%20data%20suggest%20that%20propranolol,15%25%20below%20admission%20heart%20rate. 
• National Library of Medicine – Propranolol https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682607.html 
• D G Shand. Postgrad Med J. (1976) – Pharmacokinetics of propranolol: a review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/787953/#:~:text=Concerning%20propranolol%20withdrawal%2C%20there%20is,of%20the%20drug%20to%20dissipate.
• J B Kostis. Am J Cardiol. ((1990) – Beta-blocker duration of action and implications for therapy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1978546/