Tapering off Atenonol

[Jennapoo]

19 months ago, an angioplasty showed two blockages in my coronary arteries, 99% and 85%.  Two drug eluding stents were inserted.

I was put on a medication program of Lipitor, Atenenol, Lisinopril, Isosorbide, Plavix, aspirin, & fish oil, typical doses.

I have experienced considerable side effects the whole time, mostly tiredness, impotence, lightheadedness, afternoon flatulence and muscle pain.

My cardiologist suggested two months ago that I could wean off the Isosorbide, which I did, lessening the lightheadedness and impotence.

Two months ago the muscle pain became severe and debilitating.

I read up and saw that Lipitor was the major cause.  My GP (Not my cardiologist) suggested I stop the Lipitor.  I did and two days later, the muscle pain disappeared, like turning off a switch!

I see there are other ways to lower cholesterol than pharmacy drugs, like grapefruit, etc, but that these interfere with both Lipitor and Atenenol.

While on medication, I have kept up a considerable exercise plan and have significantly altered my diet.

Cholesterol went from total 260 (including a Bad number for Good cholesterol) to between 120 and 150, depending, with good cholesterol now excellent.

Average BP went from roughly 180/120 to usually 100/65.  Pulse from 90 BPM at rest to less than 50.

My question2 (to augment what my cardiologist and GP doctor say):

1) Can I wean myself from Atenonol, and how?

2) Should I stop taking Plavix before the two year anniversary of the stents and what will that do?  I want to avoid liver disease, if I can!

3) Once off Atenenol, will grapefruit consumed regularly along with a heart healthy diet and exercise likely keep my cholesterol low?

4)  Will Lisinopril suffice to keep my BP down, assuming I continue the proper diet and exercise?

5) Can anyone out there with good knowledge in this area make some general comments to guide me?

Thanks!

[Cleveland Clinic]

1) You can wean yourself down from the atenolol but should always be on a beta blocker. Have your cardiologist pick another BB such as coreg or toprol xl and try it out to see if your side effects lessen.
2) Ask your cardiologist to see how he feels.
3) I large scale trials this almost never works out even with patient's best  intentions. It is important that you stay on a statin.
4) Maybe, unlikely however given your BP before you started medications.