Coreg

[Chris0218]

How long do you have to be on Coreg before your ejection fraction improves?

[Momto3]

WOW!!  That is confusing. Thanks for the clarification.

My Dad (and others) take Coreg for CHF and I think that's where the higher limit is best.

I also take lisinopril for optimal BP control because of MVR == same thing, as low as comfortably possible (no passing out).  

Thanks again!!

[kenkeith]

There is some misunderstanding...my fault.  I take coreg with lisinopril to lower heart rate and lower blood pressure.  Coreg can lower the HR, and as you know, I very slow heart rate can cause clots, and with MVR an individual is more vulnerable.

My docotor wants my BP as low as possible without side effects such as passing out!.  And I believe the lowest possible BP is generally the  goal as you stated.  But coreg also effects the heart rate, so that enters the equation for optimal dosage.

The ACE inhibitor dilates (relaxes) blood vessels, and a beta blocker slows the heart rate.  But coreg as a beta blocker also has the ability to relax vessels.  Sorry for the confusion.

[beachjay]

The Coreg didn't improve my EF but it did improve my quality of life. Took about a year to start feeling better and now five years later feel pretty good and my EF has finally risen a little !

[Momto3]

I think I may have misworded what I said earlier......sorry

I thought that Coreg is generally titrated as HIGH as the patient can tolerate, is that right?  Are you taking Coreg for MVR?

[kenkeith]

I have MVR and it is contraindicated to set a low parameter (clotting implications), but I agree usually the goal is to set as low as tolerable.

[Momto3]

I've been told that the Coreg dose is titrated as high as the patient can tolerate for optimal benefit.

Kenkeith, do you find that to be the case?

[kenkeith]

An individual's EF may never improve, and coreg may help prevent any progression.  However, if the low EF is related to a dilated (overworked) left ventricle (pumping chamber), the medication can reduce the heart's workload and with less stress there can be a recovery if and when the left ventricle returns to normal size.  

If the circumstances and conditions are successfully treated with medication, recovery can be months.  Usually, improvement is seen with a follow up echocardiogram, and that is often scheduled each year.

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