"Pulse Pressure" - Input anyone?

[Mb]

Hello everyone!

Ross, Nancy, Henslyee, and all! Haven't posted much lately, as I have been SO busy at work, that I haven't found the time. Ross, I am so very sorry to hear about your son.

I have a question. My husband (dual valve/a-fib/severe tricuspid leak) had some dizzy spells (pretty bad) two weeks ago, and the Dr. decreased his atenenol. We hadn't been really good about taking his HR or BP for a couple of months prior to that, as he seemed to be doing ok, except for two trips to ER that didn't have much to do with those issues.

However, since his HR and BP had gone so low, I've started taking them again, at least once a day. His Pulse Pressure (PP) is large. (This is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures). His PP has been running 55 to 70. Then, he read an article in the paper that talked about this as being a prognostic indicator for earlier mortality. I have done a search on the internet, and found some info, but nothing that linked PP with meds or valve replacements. My initial thoughts are that is must be the meds....the f-aib....or the mechanical valves, as he his blood pressure itself is not high (atenenol????).

I would really appreciate any info that anyone might have.

Thanks!

Marybeth

 

[hensylee]

I, too, will watch this one. I am tired and have been for awhile. I wonder if it's the atenolol. I have taken two per day for a long time. I omitted one once (a year or so ago) and told my local dr. He invited me to cut that out so I went back to two. Yesterday I again omitted one and did again today. So I am waiting with bated breath to see what others have to say. Don't worry, I have an appt w/cardio on the 14th and don't think I will die before then, and I will check this out with him.

Good to see you, Marybeth - sorry y'all are going through some stuff again.

 

[bvdr]

Ann,

I was like a walking zombie on atenolol. I was so tired I didn't know what to do. I was taken off of it after a couple of months.
I sure hope your cardio appt. goes well!

Marybeth,

Sometimes a high PP is a symptom or the result of aortic Insuff.
I was just thinking if your husband had both mitral and aortic problems then the mitral symptoms may have been dominant and masked the aortic symptoms. Your profile didn't say how long ago your husbands surgery was so I don't know if could still be lingering or if it was recurring. Anyway, I was just pondering. You will probably just have to run it by his cardiologist to see what applies in his case. His heart history seems complicated so I don't think a run of the mill statistic should be applied to him.

 

[Mb]

Hello All:

My husband had his surgery two years ago, October. Both his aortic and mitral valves were replaced with St. Jude valves.

He does have a severely leaking tricuspid valve, a-fib, and CHF. He is 57.

He is taking the atenenol for the a-fib. It is supposed to keep his heart rate under control upon exertion. Like he says though, he really does no exertion anymore! He has exertional limitations. For example a one mile walk just poops him out. Takes about 1/2 hour too. But he does try to get out a couple of times a week for that walk, as it does make him feel better. We do see the Dr. soon though, Oct. or November. We will see what developes.

Marybeth

 

[Nancy]

Hi Marybeth-

So nice to see you on the forum again, but not for the reasons you are here. I'm sorry to hear that Wayne is having heart things again. These guys always have something going on.

I can't help at all with your questions, but I hope that things go well with the appointment in Oct. or Nov.

Say Hi to Wayne. Joe is doing OK, just getting over shingles on his face, and they are pretty painful.

Good luck, and don't be a stranger, now.

 

[Les]

Hi,
I take 100 mg Atenolol in the morning and 100 in the evening along with .25 Digoxin just to keep things on an even keel. It doesn't affect me if I'm running regularly but when I'm not, I feel tired and sluggish.
__________________
Les AVR '93 / '95

 

[Blanche]

Marybeth:
I read a short article in the morning news about pulse pressure that concerned me too. I made a note to discuss it with my doctor at my next visit, October 1. From what I remember, the article said pulse pressure above 50 was an indication of atherosclerosis, which was gererally caused by high cholesterol.
It was the atherosclerosis that the article said contributed to the increased mortality rate. The article also stressed that pulse pressure problems could also be found in people who had normal blood pressure.

I will let you know what I find my doctor.

Blanche