How to manage tachycardia and hypertension?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had hip pain mostly related to sciatica and hip muscle pain. The doctor prescribed Methylprednisolone 1000 mg for me yesterday. The pain has subsided, but my blood pressure is slightly elevated at 135/75 mmHg, and my heartbeat is between 110 and 120 beats per minute. Earlier, it was 125/80 mmHg, and my heartbeat was 90 to 95 beats per minute. I feel a slight heaviness in the center of my chest and in my back. This may be due to prolonged bed rest or something else.

The fast heartbeat bothers me; it feels as if I am in a constant state of anxiety. What should I do? Can I continue with the current treatment, or should I take a blood pressure-lowering medication like Propranolol HCL? Please advise on how to relieve these symptoms caused by Methylprednisolone.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are experiencing tachycardia and hypertension due to the high dosage of steroids. Once you stop taking the medication, your vital signs should normalize. There is no need to take any antihypertensive medications at this time. For the fast heart rate, I suggest you take Metoprolol Sustained Release 50 mg at 8 a.m. Please consult your specialist doctor, discuss this with them, and, with their consent, take the medication. I also recommend doing a D-dimer test to rule out pulmonary embolism. Additionally, a repeat ECG (echocardiogram) should be performed for further evaluation.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

For now, you can take Propranolol. However, if you plan to use it long-term, Metoprolol is recommended, as it is cardioselective. Please consult your specialist doctor, discuss this with them, and, with their consent, take the medication.

Thanks and regards.