beta blockers before surgery?

I am having a LAVH/BSO on June 14th (AGGHHH!!!)
Anyway, I had gone for a cardiolite stress test last week just to check my heart out (family history) and it came back mostly ok; just a small defect that the doc said could be an artifact, so he was not concerned. However, he put me on beta blockers to take one week before the surgery, and 2 weeks after, just as a precautionary measure - the nurse said it kind of relaxes the heart and protects it against the stress of surgery.
Has anyone ever heard of this or done this? Thanks for any response; I am getting more nervous as my date nears.

Hi, I have just been put on betablockers too because my blood pressure is a bit high. My GP didn't want the surgery to be cancelled because of the blood pressure. I will stop taking them after surgey and go back to trying to make lifestyle changes. Good luck

I have been on a beta blocker (Inderal) since 1998 for a rapid heartbeat (my pulse was 160). When the DR prescribed this she said in the past this medicine was used for stage fright. Anyway it does slow my heart down and the morning of my surgery I was instructed to take it with a sip of water. I have not had any problems with this medicine. Good luck to you and a speedy recovery!

Dear Jayne,

About 4 months ago I began having chest pains on and off. I worried it was a result of the pain medication or the onset of heart disease (my dad died of a heart attack when I was 16). I have a mitral valve prolapse and so was worried maybe something horrible had developed. My gyno seemed completely unfrazzled by my declaration. He said it was a common side affect of dealing with chronic pain. He tested my thyroid and sent me to my GP just to be safe. All the tests were negative and the conclusion was that indeed my pains were a result of stress. I was prescribed beta blockers, was also told they are commonly given for "stage fright", and was instructed to take them "as needed" for my chest pain.

I was TERRIFIED before I took my first one, but they really do help. I don't take them often, but when I do they relax my heart and make me feel a little mellow and happy. Try not to worry yourself with all the "heart" talk. Think of it as valium. I think it will help.

Good luck to you!

Clementine