Coreg and Arrhythmia

[BionicBabe]

My electrophysiolgist/cardiologist prescribed Coreg and Lisinopril for my condition. I have episodes of ventricular tachycardia, apparently brought on by a focal wall abnormality in my left ventricle. I also have atrial fibrillation. I have an ICD as well. When I mention to other doctors that I take these medications, they insist I must have high blood pressure. I don't have high blood pressure and never have. My EP says he prescribed these drugs in order to lighten the work load on my heart and I think increase or at least keep my EF stable. He also says the Coreg can reduce the arrhythmia. Does anyone else take Coreg and/or Lisinopril for similar reasons?

[BionicBabe]

Thanks for the tip! I'll talk to my doctor more about the Coreg. I take 20 mg once per day, which is, I believe a somewhat low dosage. I'm curious if the Coreg makes everyone feel so tired all the time. I've read/heard many people say that it does. It certainly wipes me out. Good luck with round 2 on your ICD! By the way, how was the replacment surgery compared with the original?

[Momto3]

Sounds like you've really done your homework and that you have a great cardio!  I've gotten those funny looks when nurses and others listen to my heart.....It's kinda funny because when they listen to my heart (which is quirky), I watch their facial expressions and see the puzzled looks.  I let them know, I'm aware of what's going on and have regular checkups, etc. I've learned so much from this site and from the people here; I feel so much better prepared for my appointments.

Hope you're finding great information!  Have a terrific day!

Connie

[Paul622]

I also take Coreg for heart rate moderation, without having HBP.  I also have a ICD, which was just reacently replaced. (battery died of old age).  Tip.  When they tested the ICD last week there was insufficant margin in the threshold .  [it took more than 25 J to convert me, when the divice can only put out 35 J.]  As a result I was kept in CCU and started on Betapace, with a reduction in Coreg.  Betapace reduced the threshold current, whil Coreg can increase it.  Beware, if you are taking Coreg there is a chance that you may need to have the ICD adjusted/tested to verify it can still convert you out of VT, something that my cardiologist didn't at first recognizse as a concern.  

[BionicBabe]

Momto3: It's usually the doctor's Medical assistants who think I have high blood pressure and they look at me funny when I explain my condition. My primary care physician is very well aware of my condition and why I'm on the meds and she is the one who referred me to my EP, so I think I'm in pretty good hands! I hope so! I'm basing it on instinct and comparing notes with people on this sight as well as my ICD support group website.

PikaPika: It sounds like you have some questions about your cardiologist's knowledge. Have you talked to him about medications? Maybe you might consider a second opinion.

[PikaPika88]

Oh!  I've mild Mitral valve reg., moderate tricupid valve reg. severe hypokinese, myocardial infarction, mild enlarge LA.  My EF has 59%.  Angiogram proved that I didn't have a block artery.  All my arteries are open widely.  

I have AF and AT seldom.  I wasn't put on any drugs.  I have a pacemaker to pace out any abnormal rhythms.  At first, my cardio set it to 70's.  After a lots of begging, he turned it down to 65, which it now stayed at 65.  I think my heart still working too hard.  He didn't know I should reduce the workload of my heart?  Or do you think he is not experienced enough?  I think I wasn't in a good hand of the cardiologist, compare with you too?

[Momto3]

hahahaha!  I hear ya!  When my doctor called and told me I had cardiomyopathy, I was clueless!  Not anymore : )

When I developed PVC-induced CM, I don't think it even had a name.  At one point, I was going to be part of a case study, but my pictures (echocardiograms) were not clear enough to be included and pics were an important part of the study. I'm told it's a rare complication of frequent PVCs.  It was a very interesting time while the doctors were trying to figure out what was going on.  Thank goodness, I was in good hands.

Thirty-four is really young to be sitting in a cardio's waiting room.  I remember going there in my early 20's and looking around wondering, WHY I was there.  I felt completely out of place.  Now, I'm blending in a bit and I think I liked it better when I was the young kid on the block...

Are you still seeing the doctor who insists you have high blood pressure?

[BionicBabe]

Thanks for your response. I also have a mitral valve prolapse, but am told it is very minor with mild regurgitation. Oh, I also have atrial fibrillation. Oh yeah and getting away from the heart for just a moment I also am suspect for glaucoma. I'm only 34 years old. Jeez, what's gonna hit me next? I read your profile and response and it sounds like you've got a good doc too. Awesome deal to have two successful ablations. I've never heard of PVC induced cardiomyopathy, but then I'd never heard of a lot of these terms we throw around until a few months ago.

[Momto3]

I believe that many cardios prescribe an ACE inhibitor (lisinopril) and Coreg to reduce the heart's load.  Sounds like you have a good doctor who is looking out for you.  When I had cardiomyopathy (mine was "PVC-induced cardiomyopathy" and it resolved after two ablations), my EF was 40% and I was told medication was very important.  My EF is back to normal, but now my BP is a little borderline (upper 130's over 80 sometimes) and because I have a leaky mitral valve and a history of CM, I'm back on lisinopril to reduce the workload.  

Great news on the clean arteries!!  

[BionicBabe]

Yes. I have what my doctor describes as a focal cardiomyopathy. There is a part of my left ventricle ( a focal wall abnormality) that doesn't pump properly or at all. He says my condition is mild, but it does cause the VT. My ejection fraction is 45-50%, which I also understand is borderline low/normal. Yes, I do have an ICD due to the fact that during my EP study, doc was able to induce a sustained VT. Otherwise, my arteries and heart muscle in general are in good shape. Thanks

[Momto3]

Hello

My EP also prescribed lisinopril for reasons other than hypertension.  At one point, I had cardiomyopathy and just like your doctor said, my doctor wanted to lighten the load on my heart.  I believe Coreg is a very common medication for similar reasons.  Do you have any idea if you have cardiomyopathy?  Do you have an ICD for the VT and/or for a reduced ejection fraction?