TIA

I have had my pacemaker for 5 years.  I had SSS.  In the pasted couple of years I still have some PVCs.  Just recently I went to the ER for facial numbness and was diagnosed with possible TIA.  I was put on a low dose of beta blocker along with asprin.  After taking the beta blocker I had pain and pressure in my chest but the doctors could not figure out why.  I stopped the beta blocker on my own and the pain is almost completely gone.  My question is, can beta blockers actually cause chest pain and if so why?  Would a calcium channel blocker be something better to try?

[ireneo]

I can't recommend CCB's because I had a bad experience with one (Verapamil). I ended up in ER and had to stop the med. It's a very individual thing. Many people take CCB's with no trouble at all. You won't know until you try. Beta blockers are not for people with asthma. Do you have asthma perhaps?

[heart2heart]

I have never heard of BB's causing chest pain. I have been on beta blockers for over 20 years. Most of them are contraidicted in people with asthma, however I have mild asthma and take atenolol. I tried Verapamil but the side effects were awful. Atenolol has never caused any chest pain in me, I can not live without it. I don't know what to tell you except that you must work with your doctor in finding the right medication.

[Momto3]

I took Inderal for many years and never experienced any pain.  Initially, it made me tired and sluggish, but no discomfort or pain.  

Within 20 minutes of taking my first dose of tenormin (atenolol), I was shaking all over.  I thought I had accidentally overdosed, scared the heck outta me.  I called the doctor and was told to stop taking it and to try and sleep it off.  Apparently, I had a central nervous system reaction...last dose I took!  Back to Inderal.

I've not taken any CCB's, but some people find they work well.  

What type of follow up do you have?  You may want to phone your doctor's office and let them know you're not taking the BB.  They may try a different medication.  Glad to hear you're feeling better : )