Problem with heart meds- -I think.

[rogerwho]

I am 76 years old, I had a bypass 14 years ago.  Recently, my PC Dr put a holter monitor on me, and the results was not very good. . .so, they put in a stent, a defibrillator and pace maker (august 13,2010.)  They have put me on
some new meds (right now I am taking Lisinopril, Carvedilol(Coreg), Lipitor, Lasix(as needed) and asprin, Oh yes, Plavix.

The angagram (sp) Indicated I have one artery totaly shut off.  They also said my Enjection Fraction was 30.

Since I have been back home I have felt terrible, most of the time.  Right at first I thought it was the 8 day stay in
the hospital.  My Glucose jumped from 120 average to 176 average,  I have a productive cough and my lungs feel like I have been strangled (like when you get water in your lungs swimming ) I have gained 9 lbs and I get dizzy and almost faint(if I don't set down).

After doing much research on the subject, I have come to the conclusion it is the Carvedilol, I am taking the smallest effective dose, but I Just can't seem to tolerate it.  I was once on another bata blocker (atenolol) and I tolerated it very well, but it only blocked the b1 channel (Carvedilol blockes b1 & b2- - I think).

My question is; Is anyone with a low Injection fraction on a drug regime that does not include Coreg or Carvedilol.

I need some advice. . .if I don't improve I'm going to quit this thing. . .I think.

I know that your response may be:  See your cardiologist . . .well for me it ain't that simple.  I am a DAV an they have me setup to see him in February.; . .I guess they are over worked, but I'm not willing to wait that long.

Thank you in advance for your advice. . .RogerWho

[2010KAT]

I agree with Yvette.  

[Yvette BG]

Well, I'm not a doctor. How people tolerate medication varies a lot from person to person. I've heard about and read about more people having trouble with Lisinopril than with Coreg.  

The fact that you have a productive cough, your lungs feel like you've been strangled, and you've gained 9 pounds are of concern. From what I understand, you could be having heart failure and/or pneumonia. Does your primary doctor know this is what's been going on? If not, I would call him/her and explain how you've been feeling. They may move up the scheduled Feb. cardiology appointment.

Good luck,
Yvette