choice treatments in COPD with systemic hypertension

[danac]

Dear madam/Sir,

My question is-"what treatment choice one has if he/she is suffering from mild systemic hypertension associated with COPD ?". I am thinking that Ca channel blockers (Nifedipine, etc.) may not be the best choice in this case. I would really appreciate your opinion at your earliest convenience.

Many thanks.

[National Jewish]

There are five major groups of medicines used to treat high blood pressure, also know as hypertension.  They are diuretics, alpha-adrenergic blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.  Each is equally effective in lowering blood pressure (BP).

Beta-blockers can make breathing problems worse.  So in general they are not used to treat high BP in people who have asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  Diuretics and ACE inhibitors do not cause problems with asthma or COPD.  Calcium channel blockers, like nifedipine, are generally not the first choice for treating high BP.

[RTFLY]

Have you thought about submitting this question into the "Heart" forum? The Cleveland Clinic Foundation hosts that forum and may be able to assist you with your answer. This also may be a question that you want the physician who prescribed the medication to answer. I am not a physician, but I do not know of any reason why calcium channel blockers can not be used in COPD patients to treat hypertension unless there is a marked sensitivity to a certain drug. I think ACE inhibitors are also very beneficial. Again though, the RN that hosts this forum may have more info for you as would the MD in the "Heart" forum. Good luck and take care...
                                          JCI RRT RCP

[terur]

I was just wondering if you read the whole answer from the host forum.  Beta Blockers may cause more breathing problems if you have COPD.  I've read this on many sites.

[RTFLY]

I hope you read all of my answer when I stated that I am not aware of any problems associated with giving COPD patients calcium channel blockers unless there is a mared reaction to any certain drug. I also stated that ACE inhibitors are very beneficial, as did the RN in her forum. I do not see or recall where I stated that beta blockers were good for COPD patients. I am glad to see you are reading my answers. Take care...
                                            JCI RRT RCP

[terur]

I never said that you stated beta blockers were good for COPD. In fact, my comments never even mentioned anything of what you stated in your post.  But, you are right. I went over your post and you did say calcium channel blockers not beta blockers.  My mistake, sorry.  Why are you getting so upset?  So, I read your post wrong and thought I might just make you aware that your  contradicting what the host forum said, but as I said, I read it wrong.   We all make mistakes, including you.  I also agree with you that you're not a physician, so why are you acting like you are. Take care.

terur

[sonnie700]

A related discussion, What is Best Channel Blockers for COPD was started.