Correct meds?

[Deb Willardson]

I have a brother, 42 years old with a history of hypertension, gout and hiatal hernia.  Three days ago he experienced "crushing chest pain" while at work.  His blood pressure was 140/122.  He went to the local hospital where they did an EKG and also checked for a blocked artery.  The EKG was faxed to a larger hospital.  They said he has pericarditis.  His hypertension drug was changed from vasotc to lotrel.  He is taking allopurinol for the gout.  They gave him 800 mg. ibuprofen for NSAID's.  His BP is still high - 130/120.  When should the medication take effect?  Is this the best med for the condition?  Should the MD put him on a steroid anti-inflammatory?  I have read of others who are put on naproxen sodium.  Is that better than ibuprofen for the conditon?

He has a follow-up appointment in 5 days but as of yet is not getting much relief.

Thanks.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Your brother needs much better BP control.  although I would ask you to recheck his numbers ( 130/120 is probably inaccurate).



Pericarditis is caused by inflammation to the lining of the heart and causes severe  pain.  Nonsteroidal antiinflammatories are the drug of choice but may pain may remain for several weeks.  



Generally we reserve steroids for severe or recurrent cases.