Aa
beta blockers and/or ace inhibitors?
Dear Doctors,
What a wonderful forum this is! Thank you so much for making it possible for "nervous nellie's" like me to find help.
My husband had 2 heart attacks (same day) in 1993. Four months after his heart attack, he was experiencing episodes of ventricular tachycardia and ended up getting an implanted defibrillator.
His ejection fraction is currently 23. His BP today was 140/80, pulse was 91. A year ago, his BP was around 117/65 and it has been slowly creeping up. He is physically able to do everything he enjoys, like fishing, golf, walking, etc.
Lately he has been experiencing more arrhythmias than normal. His cardiologist does not have him on ace inhibitors or beta blockers. The only medications he takes are:
1 aspirin (81 mg) daily
1 Vitamin E (400 iu) daily
1 Centrum vitamin w/ Lutein daily
1 Cardura (2 mg.) daily
He has developed a cyst on his left side near his heart, which is now enflamed. He saw his Primary Care doctor today, who expressed concern that this infection is near his heart and if it spreads could create a serious heart problem. He has an appt. with a surgeon on Friday. In addition, the primary care doctor was very surprised that my husband is not taking either beta blockers or ace inhibitors and asked why, which is a question for which we don't have an answer.
My questions are:
1) Is it customary for someone with my husband's history to be taking one or both of these medications?
2) Could these medications help with his arrhythmia?
3) What are the contraindications for these medicines?
4) If the infection from the cyst spreads, what symptoms would help us know this and what steps should we take?
Again, thank you so much for all that you're doing to help make this world a better place. God bless you all.
Betty
What a wonderful forum this is! Thank you so much for making it possible for "nervous nellie's" like me to find help.
My husband had 2 heart attacks (same day) in 1993. Four months after his heart attack, he was experiencing episodes of ventricular tachycardia and ended up getting an implanted defibrillator.
His ejection fraction is currently 23. His BP today was 140/80, pulse was 91. A year ago, his BP was around 117/65 and it has been slowly creeping up. He is physically able to do everything he enjoys, like fishing, golf, walking, etc.
Lately he has been experiencing more arrhythmias than normal. His cardiologist does not have him on ace inhibitors or beta blockers. The only medications he takes are:
1 aspirin (81 mg) daily
1 Vitamin E (400 iu) daily
1 Centrum vitamin w/ Lutein daily
1 Cardura (2 mg.) daily
He has developed a cyst on his left side near his heart, which is now enflamed. He saw his Primary Care doctor today, who expressed concern that this infection is near his heart and if it spreads could create a serious heart problem. He has an appt. with a surgeon on Friday. In addition, the primary care doctor was very surprised that my husband is not taking either beta blockers or ace inhibitors and asked why, which is a question for which we don't have an answer.
My questions are:
1) Is it customary for someone with my husband's history to be taking one or both of these medications?
2) Could these medications help with his arrhythmia?
3) What are the contraindications for these medicines?
4) If the infection from the cyst spreads, what symptoms would help us know this and what steps should we take?
Again, thank you so much for all that you're doing to help make this world a better place. God bless you all.
Betty
Dear Betty,
1) Is it customary for someone with my husband's history to be taking one or both of these medications?
A: In general, unless there is a reason not to be taking an ACE inhibitor or a beta-blocker, we would use both of these medications in someone with your husband's condition.
2) Could these medications help with his arrhythmia?
A: Yes, the beta-blocker could help suppress the arrhythmias.
3) What are the contraindications for these medicines?
A: Hypersensitivity to the medications, severe lung conditions, renal problems, blood pressure intolerance, limiting side-effects of the medications.
4) If the infection from the cyst spreads, what symptoms would help us know this and what steps should we take?
A: I would watch for fevers, lightheadedness or increasing fatigue. If he is not looking well or feels worse I would take him into the emergency room.
1) Is it customary for someone with my husband's history to be taking one or both of these medications?
A: In general, unless there is a reason not to be taking an ACE inhibitor or a beta-blocker, we would use both of these medications in someone with your husband's condition.
2) Could these medications help with his arrhythmia?
A: Yes, the beta-blocker could help suppress the arrhythmias.
3) What are the contraindications for these medicines?
A: Hypersensitivity to the medications, severe lung conditions, renal problems, blood pressure intolerance, limiting side-effects of the medications.
4) If the infection from the cyst spreads, what symptoms would help us know this and what steps should we take?
A: I would watch for fevers, lightheadedness or increasing fatigue. If he is not looking well or feels worse I would take him into the emergency room.
Hi. Visit Jonsplace.org for a great heart support group for both your husband and the caregiver. There's a lot of info on what meds should be taken and it explains in english what beta blockers and ACE inhibitors do. Good luck.
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