Re: tenormin

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on September 23, 1998 at 09:00:30:

In Reply to: tenormin posted by tracy on September 22, 1998 at 20:20:57:






Someone I care very much about was diagnosed with a blocked
artery and 9 months ago and was prescribed tenormin 50mg daily.
His palpitations continued - even increased - and so did his
dosage to 100mg daily .  Still on this dosage his palpitations
continue - usually stress induced - but very real.  He is experiencing
a great deal of stress right now - some that he cannot control -
much external pressure - and although he is in otherwise great
shape - he runs 10 miles per week or more - he is concerned
about these continuing palpitations.   To further complicate the
issue -  his father died of heart failure at 37 - this knowledge is
forever looming as he is about to celebrate his 37th birthday .
I have many questions  -  for someone diagnosed with a blocked artery -
what more if anything can be done by the patient or doctor to
control - remove the blockage ?  Will the blockage dissipate with
proper care ? Is the tenormin effective treatment ?  Should there
be greater concern due to the history ?  What are the effects of
drinking alcohol while on tenormin if any ?  I apologize for rambling -
I would just like him to stick around for a while and the more
palpitations I see him experience the more concerned I become .
Thank you very much !
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Dear Tracy
If he already has a completely blocked artery at age 37 that is a very serious problem. Tenormin is a good medication for people with palpitations or coronary artery disease. If he is having palpitations, he ought to avoid alcohol for that reason. The blockage will not dissipate, even with proper care. More importantly any other blockages need to be kept from progressing.
What did the rest of his cardiac catheterization show? Has he had a stress test? Any evidence of a prior heart attack? What are the palpitations due to? What is his cholesterol level? These are just some of the important questions that need to be addressed. Without knowing the answers to these questions, all I can advise is that your friend needs to be under the care of a cardiologist.
I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back. I wish you the best of luck.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).