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Family Medicine  (Expert Forum)
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“Atenlol” causes chest pain and asthma?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.

“Atenlol” causes chest pain and asthma?

by Akarc, Apr 02, 2007 12:00AM
“Atenlol” causes chest pain and asthma?

Hello,
I have a question regard to the medication call Atenlol.
I was diagnosed as High blood pressure couple weeks ago.
I had my nose bleeding for couple of days after my dental surgery the other day. Right before the oral surgeon put me on to sleep, he said my blood pressure was very high, and asked me if I am taking any medication for this. The surgeon ignored my high blood pressure since I never had high blood pressure in my life, and thought probably because I was nervous. (it was 178/148 that day)
For 4 days after the surgery, my nose bleed in the morning everyday. I thought it was caused from my dental surgery so I went to see my family doctor. My doctor thought that nose bleed is nothing to do with neither my dental surgery nor my high blood pressure.
She thought the high blood pressure was caused by my anti-depression “Paxil” so she told me to gradually go off of it while we go thru several tests. We did blood test, urinal test and EKG. Everything was normal. (except my blood pressure was over 180/120 everyday)
Now she put me on to Atenelol to lower my blood pressure, but now I have chest pain. It is worse when I go to sleep.
Also I have asthma in the past, and not sure if it’s because of this Atenelol, but I get wheezy now. (I haven’t had this for many years until now)
I also get dizzy several times a day. I can’t explain well but feels like that vision shifts (or shake) really quick. (it could be because of going off of paxil, but it’s been 3 days now since I am totally off of it)
Sorry for the long and confusion question, but if anyone could give me any suggestions or opinions, it will be a great help.
Thank you so much.
Akarc

p.s. I made an appointment with other doctor for second opinion on Wednesday.

by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 03, 2007 12:00AM
Atenolol is a beta-blocker, which can exacerbate asthma.  

If you are having chest pain associated with the markedly elevated blood pressure, I suggest seeking medical care immediately (i.e. going to the ER).  Heart damage can occur in such a setting.

If atenolol is making the asthma worse, discussing other blood pressure medications from another class should be considered.  

A stress test should also be considered once the blood pressure is controlled.  This can determine if blockages in the arteries is responsible for your chest pain.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (1)

by Akarc, Apr 02, 2007 12:00AM
To: Additional Information
I forgot to tell you that my age is 32, Female (Asian) and I have several people who's got high blood pressure in my family.
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