MVP/Beta Blocker/Raynauds

[cristabelle]

Hello, thank you for taking my question.  I am F upper 40's, dx with MVP 7 years ago, 2+ MR and echo's every 6-12 mths. My father had a MV repair in Aug. 06'. I am for the most part asymptomatic, since I have been on atenelol, and walk daily, total cholest. 113.

The last 2 winters,(our winters are short fortunately)  however, I have been having extreme coldness in my fingers. I work in the hospital and use my hands alot!  Went to the cardio, diagnosed with Raynauds.  He said my heart, EF is strong and fine. Tested negative for rheumatoid arthritis, DEXA was fine  He suggests it is probably the beta blocker and said we could try another one. We tried a channel blocker but it dropped my BP too much.  The next one on the list is Toprol

My question:  Are there some beta blockers that would have less of a constricting effect, and therefore be easier on the extremities for me?  Would I just have to keep trying different ones and see?  

Any comments/experiences from forum participants would also be appreciated.  Thank you most graciously

[cindybred]

A related discussion, beta blockers and reynauds was started.

[Rag123]

Interesting...  Have you been diagnosed with Raynaud's or do you think that you have it?

Sometimes my hands and/or feet will get hot - it's weird...

Someone had mentioned to me once that it might be Raynaud's. My cardiologist who did and echo and nuclear stress test recently which showed good blood flow, said I don't have it. I forgot to ask how he came to that conclusion...

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

cristabelle,

Thanks for the post.

Are there some beta blockers that would have less of a constricting effect, and therefore be easier on the extremities for me?

This is probably best answered by a rheumatologist. Looking through the literature there are conflicting results with beta blockers and raynauds. Typically, the though is that it is not a major factor in vasospasicity patients with Raynauds. There is noththing wrong with trying different medications. My caution would be to only change one thing at a time and make sure you give each change time to work.

good luck

[Rag123]

My doctor offered me a beta blocker for PVC's, however, I think he offered it only because I went to see him so many times.

I was considering it because he claimed there were no side effects, however, when I got home and looked of the side effect profile, I was floored. It was Sectral. It stated to be causious if you have Raynaud's, etc.

I asked him if I had Raynaud's and he said no. He said mostly woman have it and I don't. I asked because I have cold hands and feet a lot. I had a normal echo and nuclear stress test that showed good blood flow around the heart with no blockages.

What test(s) did you have done that indicate that you have Raynaud's?

[LukeL]

I have some raynauds like symptoms and am on a beta blocker so I know where you are coming from. I also had to contend with -10 temps this past week, while waking over 1 miles outside to my college classes. With that said I do believe there are some selective betablockers which only target heart tissue instead of the brain and other blood vessels. Just wait for the doctor to respond. Also just use some common sense and bundle up if you are going out. Also if need be where gloves when taking items out of the fridge and freezer, and wear socks and even gloves to bed.

[LukeL]

I am like you and only get cold hands and feet, along with ears and my nose. I can get ice cold hands by simply holding on to the computer mouse or remote control. So I have to use a little common sense in winter.