Dizzy spells post-op

[Ben, Ohio]

I had the Ross procedure on August 8th and am continuing to do the walking three times a day as instructed in the hospital.

I have lightheaded spells very often when standing up. And yesterday I has an extream dizzy spell when going for my evening walk with my son. I am not sure if any of this is normal, but I did call my doc and left a message for him. I also have spells of blurred vision and a sensation of darkness surrounding my eyes.

The following are the meds I am on, I think they may have something to do with this:

Altace 2.5 mg one per day

Prilosec 20mg one per day

Metoprolol 50 mg one 2x per day

Restoril 15mg one or two per day at bedtime (stopped last night)

Darvocet-N100 one or two every 4 to 6 hours as needed ( haven't taken any since yesterday at 11am--> took it more for the back pain I was having than the pain associated with the open heart surgery.)

I appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions.

I have been told that beta blockers can cause all of these symptoms, is that correct?

Again, thanks;



Ben Smith

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Ben,

Yes, the beta-blocker could be causing these symptoms if your blood pressure or heart rate were dropping too low but the Altace can also drop your blood pressure too low.  Darvocet can also make some people lightheaded as could restoril.  Next time you have one of these episodes be sure to check you heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend stopping both the restoril and darvocet and/or lowing the dosages of altace and metoprolol.  I would follow-up with him on these issues.

[Selena]

I've had extreme dizzy spells for the past couple of days.  I'm 27 yrs old. I had a baby 2 years ago.  While I was pregnant I developed preclampsia.  My blood pressure went to extreme high readings during labor.  After I had my son I started taking a water pill everyday.  After about a yearlater my heart rate increased so, my heart doctor put me on a beta blocker.  I've been taking these pills once a day for the past 2 yrs.  The last time I went to the doctor he told me my blood pressure was fine so, he started me taking the water pill only every other day.  It seems like since i've started this my blood pressure and heart rate are to low.  I took my pressure a few minutes ago and it was 104/64 pulse 59.  I guess my question is should I be taking these pills?  What could be the cause of my dizzy spells?  Here are the names of the 2 pills:  Triam/HCTZ 37.5/25

Atenolol 25mg.



                               Thanks,

                                 Selena

[Selena]

I've had extreme dizzy spells for the past couple of days.  I'm 27 yrs old. I had a baby 2 years ago.  While I was pregnant I developed preclampsia.  My blood pressure went to extreme high readings during labor.  After I had my son I started taking a water pill everyday.  After about a yearlater my heart rate increased so, my heart doctor put me on a beta blocker.  I've been taking these pills once a day for the past 2 yrs.  The last time I went to the doctor he told me my blood pressure was fine so, he started me taking the water pill only every other day.  It seems like since i've started this my blood pressure and heart rate are to low.  I took my pressure a few minutes ago and it was 104/64 pulse 59.  I guess my question is should I be taking these pills?  What could be the cause of my dizzy spells?  Here are the names of the 2 pills:  Triam/HCTZ 37.5/25

Atenolol 25mg.



                               Thanks,

                                 Selena