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Post by michelle scaglione on Mar 6, 2009 14:12:27 GMT -5
Dear David
My son is 16 years old. He takes Losartan for his heart. At this time his heart is functionally ok. My question that he has very fast heart rate. It goes from 100 beats per minute to 129 beats per minute should I give him a beta blocker to slow it down?
Will this fast heart rate hurt his heart?
Thanks
Michelle
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Post by David Feder on Mar 7, 2009 12:11:24 GMT -5
Michelle:
Actually the beta blockers are used to reduce heart rate; they also reduce cardiac work and make the heart work with energy saving. An echocardiogram will help in the decision to start the beta blockers. But before starting treatment with beta blockers the doctor will look for other reasons for this increase in heart rate as hypoxia, anemia, thyroid changes, etc.
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Post by michelle scaglione on Mar 7, 2009 14:25:00 GMT -5
Dear David
The Drs cannot get an echocardigram on my son. They say his chest wall is too think. We did a cardiac MRI 1 year ago and are scheduled to do another one in 4 months. It showed his heart working fine. He has always had a fast heart rate. I will request the tests you mentioned. I was told that the beta blocker will have a negative effect on how well the heart squeezes at least in the short term. Did you ever hear of that?
Michelle
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Post by David Feder on Mar 7, 2009 15:15:32 GMT -5
The dose is adjusted for each person; beginning with the low dose and gradually increase does not cause problems in the short or long term. The medication is contraindicated in asthma and bronchitis
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