I am 57 y/o female been on Diovan for 2 years , 80mg. Just recently have feeling of heart palpatations and also low pulse rate, especially in the AM, lowest having been 47. Is this normal or could med be causing this since Ive been on it so long, Thank you
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: I have been on Diovan for two years , recently, low pulse rate , could this be caused by med?
Answers (1)
8/27/08 11:39pm
Joy,
Thanks for your question. I have not found any documented side effect on pulse rate from Diovan. Diovan (valsartan) is an angiotensin II blocking agent. This blocks the production of a powerful hormone - renin, which causes reabsorption of salts and water in the kidney. The result of this is a lower blood pressure. There are some reports of patients having palpitations.
Your pulse rate of 47 is lower than the textbook normal of 60 - 100 beats per minute. Are you experiencing any dizzisnees, especially on standing up?
If you are having palpitations and these are premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), these are beats that occur early in the heartbeat cycle. It's actually the next beat that you feel because the heart has more time to fill and therefore, this beat is more forceful. Most PVCs are not felt when you take the pulse because they are early, with less blood pumped by the heart. This could be the reason you have a lower pulse rate. If this is not the case, then you must find out why your pulse is so low.
I suggest you contact your physican for an appointment to have your heart checked with an EKG and an examination. Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your physican.
I hope this has been helpful. Feel better.
Martin Cane, M.D.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Joy— Last Modified: 06/16/11, First Published: 08/27/08
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I am currently experiencing the exact same symptoms. My pulse rate was 47 the other morning. stopped taking diovan (160) a couple of days ago and it is now at a normal 65. My blood pressure is now 134 over 61. Haven't seen my doctor yet but will be making an appointment. On reflection I have been changing my diet and have lost about 15 pounds ....down to 170 so it could be possible that my diet change has something to do with the low pulse rate. As well I recently experienced a mild case of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo....wondering if there is a connection ????