Metoprolol can be highly beneficial, but certain health conditions may require additional monitoring or dose adjustment.
People With Very Slow Heart Rates
Because metoprolol slows heart rate, existing bradycardia can become more significant.
The prescriber may consider baseline heart rate, symptoms, and heart-conduction abnormalities before deciding on treatment.
People With Heart-Conduction Problems
Electrical signals normally travel through the heart in a coordinated way.
Some conduction disorders can be worsened by medications that slow this process.
People with known heart block or related rhythm problems require individualized evaluation.
People With Low Blood Pressure
Someone who already has symptomatic low blood pressure may be more likely to experience dizziness or fainting when taking a medication that lowers pressure further.
People With Asthma or Chronic Lung Disease
Although metoprolol is relatively beta-1 selective, people with reactive airway disease should tell their prescriber about their breathing history.
People With Diabetes
As noted earlier, metoprolol can make some symptoms of hypoglycemia less obvious.
