I am on medications for high BP and get breathing problems. Why do I get this?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 62-year-old male. I have high BP and essential tremor. I was on Betacap 40 and Losartan 50, but have stopped since I was not comfortable and developed breathing problems. Now I am on Telma 80 and Tenormin 50. This takes care of my essential tremor as well. I am concerned that I may develop breathing problems. Is Tenormin safe? If not, kindly advise alternative medicine. My BP shoots up to 160/90 mmHg at doctor's visit. Otherwise, at home, BP is almost normal. I have anxiety issues as well.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Beta-blockers treat essential tremor like Propranolol (Betacap), and Tenormin (Atenolol) is another such beta-blocker. Breathlessness is a known side effect of beta-blockers. Atenolol (Tenormin), however, is a cardioselective B1 blocker. Hence it is also used as a drug for blood pressure. If your BP is currently well-controlled with the medicines you are taking, continue them because it will also keep your tremor under control. I feel the breathing problems you develop is more likely due to anxiety issues.

However, later on, if you develop breathlessness, have a checkup with a physician who will see if you have bronchospasm, and then he might change Tenormin. Otherwise, you can continue it. For anxiety, may I suggest you consult a psychologist (not a psychiatrist) so that you can be advised breathing exercises and stress relieving exercises.