cessation of beta blockers

my husband was diagnosed with VT four years ago.  He was running and started to get pains in his chest, that's how it was diagnosed.  He is now going on 58 and recently had  an MRI scan.   The scan showed that at sometime he probably had a heart attack but not a big one.  He doesn't like the side effects of the drugs that he is taking (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and aspirin) so he was refered to a heart specialist at the John Radcliff Hospital in Oxford. The cardiologist has said that he wants to lower the beta blockers then take him off them for good, as he thinks that this is the way to go.  I dont think so, and I am now really worried for my husbands welfare.  What if it comes back, once he stops taking the betablockers?? I've heard it can be fatal almost immediately.  thanks

[ed34]

Hi. I'm not a cardiologist, but I can share with you my experiences of coming off BB. I was on just 1.25mg of Bisoprolol, but this is a very strong BB. My Doctor obviously believed such a low dose would cause no problems if I suddenly stopped taking them. WRONG. After 24 hours, my heart felt like it was pounding so hard it was going to pop through my rib cage. A day later I felt all kinds of twitching in my chest which gave me dizzy spells. I went to my Cardiologist and explained the situation and was put back on the medication immediately. I was told to take one pill every 2 days for a month, and then stop. This worked great and believe me it feels strange for the first few weeks being off this medication. Your heart instantly jumps to attention when stressed and when you need energy. It certainly improved my quality of life and I felt like an athlete again. HOWEVER. A year later I developed 2 more large blockages and I'm sure this is because stress in my life had a stronger effect. I'm still off BB but will probably pay the price again. My advice, stay on the medication. I had a triple bypass and 6 stents, and my disease was stopped for 4 years on BB, now I have 8 stents and will probably need more. So, I am living proof how great these meds work. I know your Husband will be frustrated on BB, you can really feel them, but maybe they can adjust the dosage to get the balance right for him. Most Cardiologists just put you on a standard dose and do nothing more about it.

[erijon]

Ed gives good advice. I am not a doctor either, but there are other drugs that can take stress off one's heart and lower blood pressure, if that is the goal. Ask about an ARB (angiotensin receptor blockers) like Benicar. It helps the arteries to remain more flexible and better able to absorb the pressure of each beat relieving internal pressures. It works by blocking the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.

It does this without lowing one's heart rate and has very few and rare side effects. Just my thoughts, I'm sure the doctor will provide a better answer.

Good luck,

Jon