I've just started taking Atenolol (beta blocker) for high blood pressure (240/120) and it seems to be working, bp now down to about 140/80 but my pulse varies between 40 and 48 bpm. Do feel a bit woozy and generally a bit slow, but also dieting so that maybe connected to that! Is 40 to 48 a normal pulse?
the dose of Antenolol is 25mg a day

No, your pulse should be between 60 and 100 so yours is a bit slow. l do not know much about Atenolol, one of the side effects may be slowing the pulse. Go back to your doctor.

No your pulse is too slow.
The purpose of Atenelol is to slow your heart rate but not to that extent, you dont say what dose you are taking, it might need adjusting or you may need a different beta blocker.

Thats the lowest dose, speak to your doc :)

You do not state ur age or other medical history.Go back to ur GP as ur symptomatic.
Beta-blockers r not the only treatment available for hypertension (as of 2006, they r no longer a first line treatment for hypertetnion) Just explain to ur GP ur feeling a bit sluggish & slow, he may well change u to another beta-blocker/alter ur medication. This can be one of the common side effects of Atenolol & all beta-blockers in general (they work by slowing down the heart & reducing its workload) There is a contradiction If u were/are bradycardic & taking this medication.

The dosage given is between 25-100mg, ur on the lower dose, but like l said, see ur GP

Atenolol slows your heart rate - that is how it reduces your blood pressure.

Your symptoms should pass in a couple of weeks, if they do not you need to go back to your doctor for either the dose adjusting or to try a different beta blocker.

Bradycardia, as applied to adult medicine, is defined as a resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute, though it is seldom symptomatic until the rate drops below 50 beat/min.
Pacemaker
Implanting a pacemaker is the most common treatment for bradycardia that causes symptoms such as fainting. A pacemaker is a wallet-sized device with wires & electrodes attached. The electrodes r threaded through ur veins & into ur heart. The pacemaker device is implanted under ur collarbone. The pacemaker generates electrical impulses through the electrodes to regulate ur heartbeat.
Depending on ur condition, ur doctor may recommend a dual-chamber pacemaker. While a traditional pacemaker only stimulates the ventricles, or less commonly the atria, a dual-chamber device has electrodes in both the atria & the ventricles. Some pacemakers even have three leads, one for the right atrium & one for each ventricle (biventricular pacemaker). Biventricular pacemakers r most commonly used in individuals who have heart failure.
Since u have got hypertension, u should undergo kidney function tests & checkup retina for hypertensive retinopathy.
Kidney function tests r common procedures used to evaluate renal function. Hypertensive retinopathy is damage to the retina caused by high blood pressure.
My father had bradycardia (pulse rate-35 beats per minute). He died due to heart attack at the age of 62 in 1964.
Please note that l am not a medical professional.

Not all anti hypertensive drugs slow the pulse rate like beta blockers do.
All seem to have some side effects, your doctor will change your medication if you really feel light headed and lethargic - the dieting wo not help, unless you are on a sensible regime.

yes a beta blocker will slow the pulse. l cannot take beta blockers for my high bp as my pulse is aleady slow. if its a prob see yr doctor.

Go see your GP, depending on your age etc the high 40 is or low 50 is although considered bradycardia may not be too low, particularly if you were once very fit or if you're elderly but considering the fact that you're sympomatic it may be too low for you, you may need a change in meds, keep taking them as normal but go see your GP very soon so they can investigate.

Atenolol can slow the pulse rate. 48 is not that low while on atenolol. If you feel dizzy, get evaluated once again.