PM AND BETABLOCKERS

I had a PM implanted 3/29/2019.  Mid February I had a TCI and was prescribed Lipitor and Plavic with a heart monitor for a month and to lose weight.  Early March I was dizzy one night and passed out.  Saw a cardiologist who recommended a PM.  But took me off Atenolol because my blood pressure was too low.  By this time I have lost 20 lbs and working out 30 minutes 5 days a week.  I was supposed to see the cardiologist a week later but I had a slow pulse issue and my heart stopped for 4.5 seconds.  They implanted the PM the next week.  My cardiologist wanted to put me on flecainide and I asked why and he said, "I don't have to take it if I don't want to".  But after the surgury he still wanted me to have it.  Before I was discharged I asked his associated (releasing doctor) about the prescription and he said why would I need that I just had a PM put in.  A month later I saw my cardiologist and now he wants to put me on Metoprolol, which is another beta blocker.  I spoke to my physician of record about it and that I was concerned.  She understood my concern and told me to take my blood pressure 3 time a day.  Well I haven't started taking the Metoprolol yet and question my cardiologist about it lowering my blood pressure and he told me it was to prevent AF.  I thought that is what the PM is for.  I have asked for a second opinion.  Thought please.

2 Comments

No

by AgentX86 - 2019-05-20 16:42:11

A pacemaker does absolutely nothing for AF (wish it weren't so). Metoprolol, and other beta blockers, slow the electrical activity of the heart down. As a side effect,  they also lower blood pressure but that's not the intent. Flecainide is an antiarrhythmic, which is intended to tame Afib (with varying degrees of efficacy). Be very careful of ANY drugs in this class. They're, without exception, toxic. Some more than others but generally, the more effective they are, the more toxic they are.

You shouldn't (only) be seeing a cardiologist, now that you have a pacemaker and especially since you have Afib. You should be seeing an electrophysiologist- an electrical specialist. Cardiologists are plumbers.

disagree

by ROBO Pop - 2019-05-20 19:32:12

First Beta Blockers are not for treatment of electrical issues. They lower the blood pressure. Doesn't mean you have high blood pressure, but lowering it takes some of the strain off of the heart. But rather than figure out whos right, google it and ask your doctor why you are taking it.

Second do not consult multiple doctors until you find one who tells you what you want to hear. Cardiologists are the experts on your heart. Electrophysiologidts are just Cardiologists who specialize in the electrical system of the heart. Just because you have a pacer diesn't mean you should be dealing with an EP. In fact many places you only see the EP when you get your device implanted or need some other cardiac intervention thats electrical in nature. I never see an EP until I get my device replaced otherwise see a Cardiologist. But backvto my point nobody should change your treatment regimen for your heart except the Cardiologist.

Yep drugs can be toxic...if you are unfortunate enough to have a reaction, but they are proven highly effective in treating heart disease and can extend your life. Your doctor weighs the potential benefits for you versus the possible side effects. Sure you can still have problems, but its unlikely and if you do tell your dr right away. Don't start self treating, you probably don't have medical malpractice insurance..

 

Additionally, pacemakers are in fact used in treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. I have a CRT-D and am paced in both ventricles as well as My Atrium (for A-Fib).

Again when you get conflicting information just ask your Cardiologist.

 

Good luck

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