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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Beta Blockers with clear coronary arteries
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Beta Blockers with clear coronary arteries
by jtodd, Jun 22, 2002 12:00AM
I'm a 56 yr old WM, diagnosed in 1998 with idiopathic cardiomyopathy. My EF is 25%-30%. I've seen two different cardiologists (Brigham and Women's Hosp, Boston and Lahey Clinic, Boston)who agree on the same treatment, but I'm confused. My only medication (aside from 81mg aspirin and Vit. C and E)is 3.75 mg of Vasotec. I can't quite tolerate 5mg. My BP is about 122/70. I don't seem to ever retain any fluids at all, but once in a while I get short of breath at unpredictable times, and sometimes for a few days at a time. Then I might be fine for a week or more. No real pattern. HERE'S MY QUESTION: Both cardiologists agree that since I did not have a heart attack, and since my angiogram showed my coronaries to be clear, that I am clearly NOT a candidate for Beta Blockers. I am fanatical about my diet and keep my cholesterol at about 160 without drugs. Do you agree that I wouldn't benefit from a beta blocker? Are there other meds that I could benefit from? What about digoxin? I want to be doing everything possible to maintain my health and maximize my life expectancy. I don't want to take any unnecessary drugs, but I read so much about the wonders of beta blockers. Why aren't they suitable to me?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Jun 23, 2002 12:00AM
Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy (ICM)
ICM is a condition where the heart muscle is weakened as a result of an unknown cause.
In people like yourself the addition beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, which you are already on, has been shown to be quite helpful. Digoxin is medication that improves symptoms but has not been shown to improve outcome as have beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. It is possible that beta blockers would be helpful for you. However, you have been evaluated at some fine institutions and I would discuss these concerns with your doctors.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
ICM is a condition where the heart muscle is weakened as a result of an unknown cause.
In people like yourself the addition beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, which you are already on, has been shown to be quite helpful. Digoxin is medication that improves symptoms but has not been shown to improve outcome as have beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. It is possible that beta blockers would be helpful for you. However, you have been evaluated at some fine institutions and I would discuss these concerns with your doctors.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
