Why should one take beta blocker when blood pressure is already controlled?
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My father is 66 years old, has hypertension since past 25 years, is on Olmark A 40 and hypothyroidism since past six years and taking Thyronorm 50 mcg. Recently, diagnosed with atrial fibrillation with controlled rate. He is taking Acitrom 3 mg now, his blood pressure is 120/80 mm of Hg. He is on homeopathic mother tincture crataegus for the heart. Recently, he has checked his INR which came 1.51. He had shown to a doctor. He only started Acitrom 3 mg. He also said to take Met XL 25. But as he could not get it easily from medical shops, he did not start. My query is when his blood pressure is controlled to 120/80 mm of Hg and is not having palpitation, then why should we start Met XL 25 (beta blocker), as this may lower the blood pressure again? why should a patient take more medicines?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Firstly, his INR (international normalized ratio) is not in range. It should be between 2 to 3. So, his Acitrom (Acenocoumarol) dose should be increased to 3 and 4 mg on alternate days (3 mg on one and 4 mg on the next day) and get his INR checked after one week. INR should be checked monthly. Alternatively, if there are no financial issues, then he can have tablet Dabigatran, which is a blood thinner and does not require INR monitoring. Next, regarding Met XL (Metoprolol Succinate), the reason for the prescription is to control the heart. His heart rate may be on the higher side. So, he might have started. Also, this is for preventive purpose as well. His heart rate intermittently may rise to a very high level. So, beta blockers will prevent it. He is not on any rate control medicine at present. If heart rate increases, then his BP may fall, and he will have shortness of breath, chest pain, etc. If BP falls significantly, then the dose of Olmark (Olmesartan) can be decreased. If BP persistently stays below 110 mg/dL, then he should have just Olmark instead of Olmark A (Olmesartan and Amlodipine). Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
That means we should start beta blocker irrespective of taking Olmark A 40, and if BP goes down, then we have to make changes in Olmark rather than making any changes in beta blocker. Can he take Atenol 50 mg instead of taking Met XL 25 mg?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, beta blocker is the first choice in patients with atrial fibrillation. Do changes in Olmark if needed. Atenolol is an old medicine and is not frequently used nowadays. However, there is no significant difference between the two and he can have that. But, start with 25 mg, not with 50. All the best.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Cardiology
Related Questions
My heart rate increases with exertion. Should I be worried?
I feel as if my heart is pounding irregularly. Can it be atrial fibrillation?
My heart rate is high while doing exercise. Please advise.
Is it safe to stop anticoagulants in a patient with pulmonary hypertension and atrial fibrillation?
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
My heart rate is 98 bpm. Am I prone to arrhythmia or tachycardia?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
