what is a dangerously low heart rate? why not everyone take Atenolol like a vitamin

[kamakazee]

Can a heart withstand 234 beats per minute? Mine did in 1986 after an electrical shock and my heart rate was recorded once I got to the first aid office. I've got documents to verify. Any way, on the slow end, I had a friend who was 87 and he needed a pacemaker, his BPM were around 38-40. He died at age 88, refused to see doctors for any reason. My father had a pacemaker and died of a heart attatck and complications at age 88. I'm on blood pressure medicine and today my heart rate seemed low. It was in the high 50's.
I remember back in 2001 I lost 15% body weight (23 pounds) in 3 weeks without dieting. I was taken off a heart medication because my heat rate was too low due to the weight loss and medication. I think my heart rate was noted in the 40's during that episode.
So, what is a dangerously low heart rate? In the 30's I can see that, but they say 60-100 is normal. The doctor who gave me atenolol said "you'll live longer" if you take this, implying 60 beats was better than 100 per minute. If that is true why not give everybody Atenolol like a vitamin?

[silkysmooth1126]

Not real familiar w/ atenolol. My Dad was on it, probably part of his demise due to meds. Look all meds up on ASKAPATIENT.COM to find out what they will really do to you. The part the Dr.'s don't care about and the FDA does not tell you.
Arthur Dent

[Princess]

I take Atenelol for SVT (supraventricular tachycardia). You cant just pop this medication like a daily vitamin. You are only supposed to take it if you have a reason to. Im on Atenelol and my heart rate now ranges from 55-100. Anywhere in this range is perfectly safe. But make sure that you are taking this medicine for a reason and that it is prescribed by your doctor.