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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
My 56 y/o mother
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.
My 56 y/o mother
by Paula__0__0, Jun 16, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Paula on June 16, 1999 at 15:11:28
My mother had Rheumatoid Arthritis for several years. She had been diagnosed w/ Rheumatoid Vasculitis two months prior to her death. She was hospitalized on a Monday to begin Cytoxan for the vasculitis. On Friday she was admitted into CCU w/ an irregular heartbeat and we were told it was a precautionary step. On Friday, I questioned one of the nurses as to whether or not my mother was receiving her Inderal (Propanalol). The nurse stated that although the meds were to be administered, Mama had not received it since she had been admitted into the hospital on Monday, therefore, Mama hadn't received her daily dose of Inderal since that Monday. I arrived at the hospital early on Sat. morning and questioned the on-call MD about the Inderal and he said he would inform the nurses to begin giving her the Inderal. Just a note - she had been on Inderal daily for 20+ years for an irregular heartbeat. Mama started having severe complications and was put on a repirator that Sat. afternoon and she passed away on Tues. morning. I received a copy of the death cert. today and the cause of death was Cardia Arrest due to Myocardial Ischaemia.
After some research about Beta Blockers, I understand that a beta blocker should not be stopped abruptly. Mama was also having hallucinations and some very "crazy" dreams. I have also read that abrubtly stopping Inderal can cause hallucinations and vivid dreams.
My question is this -- Could the abrupt stop of the Inderal have caused Mama's heart problems which ultimately led to her Cardiac Arrest?
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 16, 1999 at 16:31:23
I suspect that was not the sole reason for her death but I couldn't really comment without a complete review of her medical records. Was an autopsy performed?
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