I am scheduled to have my surgery on Thursday May 30, 2013.

I was prescribed a "Beta Blocker" to be taken every night for the next 2 weeks before surgery and for 2 weeks after surgery. What is the purpose for me taking a beta blocker before surgery?

My blood pressure is normal, leaning more towards the lower end of normal. I have a rapid heart beat.

I'm confused as to what this is going to achieve for my situation?

I start my 10 day pre-op liquid diet on Monday, May 20, 2013.

Help!!!!

If you have a rapid heart beat its my understanding the beta blocker will help slow it down by blocking the effects of stress hormones.

I'd contact your surgeon and double check so you feel better!

I already take Atenolol for my blood pressure, but an effect of it is to lower your heartrate. I'm guessing that's why they gave it to you, but I agree with the other person that if you have questions, you should ask the doctor.

PS - my resting heart rate used to be around 80, and is now about 60.

I am scheduled to have my surgery on Thursday May 30' date=' 2013.

I was prescribed a "Beta Blocker" to be taken every night for the next 2 weeks before surgery and for 2 weeks after surgery. What is the purpose for me taking a beta blocker before surgery?

My blood pressure is normal, leaning more towards the lower end of normal. I have a rapid heart beat.

I'm confused as to what this is going to achieve for my situation?

I start my 10 day pre-op liquid diet on Monday, May 20, 2013.

Help!!!![/quote']

Hi Theresa- beta blockers not only will slow down and regulate pulse, but are cardio protective and will protect your heart. Your doc is probably just using it to slow you down a little. (I am a pharmacist...that can be seen often with surgeries)

I have been taking Atenenol for my rapid heart beat for 20 years. Took it right before surgery & had it the next day without missing a day. Your heartbeat needs to be in a normal range I would imagine for surgery. Then again, if your having surgery for a bad heart I don't see how it can be in normal range. My point is, it's a very mild beta & don't worry....best of luck to you!

attenolol is also used for anxiety. Anxiety is normal and generally increases in the days prior to surgery. This will help with that, as well as a back up plan to keep b/p in check as it also can rise with anxiety/stress, and surgery adds stress to your body.

I had talked to the bariatric nurse and she said the reason they prescribed me the medication is so my heart beat slows down. Now I don't feel bad about having to take a beta blocker.

Tomorrow I will be starting my liquid diet (Monday May 20, 2013) after I wake up. I am on a night shift schedule. My liquid diet will be until my surgery date of Thursday May 30, 2013in the morning.

After surgery I will continue to be in a liquid diet.

Thank you everyone for your support! I wish everyone here good luck on their weight loss journey!

I took this for high blood pressure, very briefly. It made me pass out. I think it popped my blood pressure too low.