Anyone take Cardizem CD 240?

[Red931]

I take Cardizem CD 240 for my blood pressure. I have been on it for about 16 years. I have a slow resting heart rate to begin with as I was very athletic when I was younger. I was also an avid weightlifter. Anyway, I had ankle reconstruction surgery on 2/18/09 and have been confined to bedrest for quite sometime. I just started physical therapy and they are not doing anything except slight movement of my ankle right now. I still am not allowed to walk on it and have to wear a brace up to the knee since the cast was removed a week ago. So, I don't get any exercise.

Having been inactive for so long my heart rate has gotten lower while still on the medication. Last night my HR went down to 39 and has been staying up in the high 40's all day long even before the surgery because I had several shoulder surgeries prior in the last 18 months.

My doctor noticed that my resting heart rate was 46 when I had my EKG for pre-admission testing prior to the surgery. He was not too concerned as he knew I had been inactive for sometime and that the Cardizem lowers the pulse. I don't think he looked ahead and considered the length of my bedrest after the surgery. He also said that the Bradycardia didn't seem to be bothering me and that my body had adjusted to it. No fainting, shortness of breath etc.

Well now I am jumping up out of my sleep as it seems that my heart rate is going too low while I'm asleep.

I did not take my pill today and my heart rate has returned to normal between 60 and 64 beats per minute at rest. My question is has anyone else had this problem with this medication and if so did they change to something else or just lower the dosage?  I know there is a 180mg and 120mg dosage.

I have to see my doctor tomorrow and I'm sure that my EKG will be normal but I want to be ready for what he throws at me because he is very satisfied with how this medication controls my blood pressure. He had to go through ten medications years ago before he found this one that worked for me.

Also, I have not experienced any palpitations today since I didn't take the pill and I did take my Hyzaar 100/12.5. Does anyone think I will experience any problems not taking the pill? I have never missed a dose for a full 24 hrs. even when taking a stress test.

I need to get some sleep.

[Red931]

Ma63,  I hope that works out for you and you get off medication. I hope that happens for me one day also.

banglamom, I am having the same thing going on today with the Norvasc. My BP is 109/53 right now and it is 4:30pm. My heart rate is at 61 which is normal for me but  I haven't had blood pressure this low while being awake since I was a teenager. It actually has me a bit tired. I had to take a nap. I hope this is the right drug for me because I could get used to this. The ankle is another story for the pain forum. lol

I thank you for your concern.

[banglamom]

I take cardiazem cd 240 and it has the same, but backward, effects for me.  I've never had high bp- but rate too fast.  The med helped bring my rate down, but sometimes my bp is like 70/30 and I could just fall right over.  The balance act can be difficult.  Hope your ankle gets rehabbed quick and you'll be able to resume your activity to your satisfaction.  Take care.

[Ma63]

That's good. I have had AFib for a long time. I will be going in next month for an Ablation.
The doctor said if it worked he can take me off of all my medicine.. That's want I hope for.

[Red931]

My doctor agreed and switched me to Novasc. My EKG and heart rate came back normal during my exam.

Thank you for your advice and concern.

[Red931]

Thanks for the advice. I am seeing my doctor this afternoon. What is strange is that I have been on the medication for 16 years and never had any problems.

I am pretty sure the doctor is going to say it is because I have been sedentary for so long due to surgery as long as my EKG comes back okay.

I will let you know the outcome.

[Ma63]

I take the same medication. I had to stop another blood pressure medicine because my heart rate and B/P went so low.. You know your body better than anyone else so tell the doctor to lower the medication. I did

[Red931]

I forgot to add that I also have a mild Mitral Valve Prolapse. I have had it since I was a teenager and it has never bothered me. However, I know that it can act up with age. That is why I was glad that my heart rate went up after not taking the pill today.

With all of the surgery I just went through the last thing I need is to have a Pacemaker put in.

I know I am going to get a Holter Monitor tomorrow anyway. He is going to want to see what my pulse is regardless of what he does with the medication.