Should I take metoprolol if my heart rate is 60?: Navigating Medication and Heart Health

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While metoprolol effectively reduces heart rate for therapeutic benefit, many patients wonder about the safety of continuing their medication when their pulse is on the lower side. For most people, a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute while taking metoprolol is considered acceptable, but the decision ultimately depends on your individual health profile and the presence of any symptoms.

Quick Summary

Taking metoprolol with a heart rate of 60 bpm is often safe, but depends heavily on individual patient symptoms and specific doctor's instructions. Standard hold parameters often advise pausing the dose if the heart rate drops below 50-60 bpm, especially with accompanying symptoms like dizziness or fatigue. Never abruptly stop the medication without consulting a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Heart Rate of 60 bpm is Often Acceptable: A resting heart rate of 60 bpm is often a therapeutic and expected effect of metoprolol and is not typically a concern if you are asymptomatic.
Symptoms are Crucial: The decision to take your medication should be guided by your symptoms. Dizziness, fatigue, or chest discomfort are more important indicators than the heart rate number alone.
Follow Your Doctor's Hold Parameters: Many healthcare providers set specific heart rate thresholds (often 50-60 bpm) for when to hold a dose. Adhere to these personalized instructions.
Never Stop Abruptly: Stopping metoprolol suddenly can be dangerous and lead to a rebound effect. All dosage adjustments must be made under the supervision of a doctor.
Keep a Vitals Log: Regularly monitoring and documenting your heart rate and blood pressure, along with any symptoms, provides your doctor with valuable information.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have concerns, experience symptoms, or your heart rate drops below your doctor's guideline, contact them for advice on whether to proceed with your dose.

The Role of Metoprolol in Heart Rate Management

Metoprolol is a type of beta-blocker, a class of medications that work by blocking the effects of the hormone adrenaline on your heart. This action slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, reducing the heart's workload. It is commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. As a direct result of its function, a lower heart rate is an expected effect of taking metoprolol.

Is a Heart Rate of 60 BPM Safe on Metoprolol?

For many patients, a resting heart rate of around 60 beats per minute (bpm) is an acceptable and even desired effect of metoprolol therapy. A naturally low heart rate can also be normal for some individuals, particularly athletes. However, the crucial question isn't just the number, but whether you are experiencing any associated symptoms. The decision to take or hold your dose is a nuanced one that should be guided by your doctor's specific instructions and your body's response.

Knowing When a Low Heart Rate is a Concern

While a heart rate of 60 bpm in an asymptomatic person may be fine, a symptomatic low heart rate (known as bradycardia) is a cause for concern. Many physicians provide clear "hold parameters" that instruct patients to skip a dose if their heart rate falls below a certain threshold, often between 50 and 60 bpm.

Symptoms that indicate your heart rate may be too low for your body's needs include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Unusual fatigue or weakness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort
Fainting or feeling faint
Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Cold hands or feet

The Critical Importance of Medical Guidance

It is imperative that you never stop or adjust your metoprolol dosage without first speaking with your healthcare provider. Abruptly discontinuing a beta-blocker can be dangerous and may lead to a rebound effect, causing a sharp increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor has prescribed this medication for a specific reason and has a plan for managing your heart rate. A heart rate log, documenting your pulse and any symptoms, can provide your doctor with valuable information for making an informed decision.

Factors Influencing Your Metoprolol Dosage Decision

Beyond your heart rate number, several other factors contribute to whether your current dose is appropriate:

Underlying Conditions: Your other health issues, such as heart failure, liver problems, or diabetes, are all considered when prescribing metoprolol. The medication can worsen severe heart failure or mask symptoms of low blood sugar.
Blood Pressure: Metoprolol also lowers blood pressure. Your doctor may provide a blood pressure parameter for holding the medication, often if systolic blood pressure drops below 90-100 mmHg.
Individual Response: Everyone's body responds differently to medication. The optimal dose for one person may be too high for another, which is why dosages are often started low and increased gradually.
Medication Interactions: Other drugs you are taking, such as certain calcium channel blockers or digoxin, can further slow your heart rate in combination with metoprolol.
Lifestyle: Athletes or highly fit individuals may naturally have a lower heart rate. A resting pulse of 60 bpm for a runner is far different from a sedentary individual.

Comparison: Safe vs. Unsafe Low Heart Rate on Metoprolol


Feature	Safe Low Heart Rate	Unsafe Low Heart Rate (Symptomatic Bradycardia)
Heart Rate Reading	Often between 50-60 bpm, especially at rest.	Consistently below 50 bpm or within hold parameters.
Associated Symptoms	No symptoms present; patient feels well.	Dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Other Vitals	Blood pressure and other vitals are within an acceptable range.	Blood pressure is also very low (hypotension).
Patient Activity	Resting or engaging in light activity.	Symptoms occur during normal daily activities or minimal exertion.
Course of Action	Continue medication as prescribed. Monitor heart rate and symptoms.	Hold medication based on specific doctor's instructions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What to Do If You Have a Heart Rate of 60 BPM

Assess Your Symptoms: First, check for any of the symptoms associated with symptomatic bradycardia. If you feel dizzy, fatigued, or have shortness of breath, these are more important than the number alone.
Review Your Doctor's Instructions: Check your prescription bottle or the instructions your doctor provided. Many include specific guidelines, such as "hold if heart rate < 55 bpm".
Document and Monitor: Keep a log of your heart rate readings, blood pressure, and any symptoms. This information is invaluable for your doctor.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider: If you have symptoms or your heart rate is consistently below your doctor's advised threshold, contact their office. If you are experiencing severe symptoms like fainting or chest pain, seek immediate emergency medical help.

Conclusion

For a person taking metoprolol, a resting heart rate of 60 bpm is not an automatic cause for alarm, especially if you are feeling well. It is a common and therapeutic effect of the medication. The true concern lies with a heart rate that is excessively low (often below 50 bpm) or one that is accompanied by adverse symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Never make the decision to stop or alter your dosage on your own. Your personalized medication plan is developed by your healthcare provider based on your specific needs and overall health. Open communication and careful monitoring are your best tools for managing your heart health safely and effectively while on metoprolol.

Authoritative Source

For comprehensive information on metoprolol, including its uses, dosages, and potential side effects, refer to the Drugs.com metoprolol resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

A heart rate between 50 and 60 beats per minute while taking metoprolol is not uncommon or necessarily dangerous for many patients. What's considered "normal" depends on your specific health conditions, dosage, and how your body responds to the medication.

You should call your doctor if your heart rate is consistently below your provider's specific threshold, typically 50 bpm, or if you experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath, regardless of the number.

If you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or other symptoms with a heart rate of 60 bpm, you should contact your doctor. These symptoms could indicate that your heart rate is too low for your body's needs, even if the number seems relatively safe.

You should only skip your metoprolol dose if you have clear, pre-established instructions from your doctor to do so. Suddenly stopping this medication can cause serious health problems. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance instead.

Yes, trained athletes often have a naturally lower resting heart rate and may tolerate heart rates in the 45-55 bpm range without symptoms, even while on metoprolol. Your doctor will take your fitness level into account.

Your doctor may advise you to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure regularly at home, especially when starting metoprolol or adjusting your dosage. You can use a heart rate monitor or a blood pressure cuff with a pulse reading. Always keep a log of your readings.

Abruptly stopping metoprolol can cause a rebound effect, where your heart rate and blood pressure increase rapidly. This can lead to serious cardiovascular events, including chest pain or a heart attack, particularly for those with coronary artery disease.