Posted by Fred23 on September 27, 2004, at 20:19:29
Quite a while ago I explained that my GP found that I had
high blood pressure, then later LVH (left ventricular
hypertrophy, a type of heart damage) due to the BP not being
lowered enough, likely due to my not taking a high enough
dose of the beta-blocker originally prescribed, after a bad
experience with a prior medication. When he also added an
ARB for the LVH, I then suggested a benzo for the anxiety I
felt was a key factor in the situation. (Along with my
genetic based GABA physiological origin theory.)He prescribed Ativan at up to 1.5 mg/day, with a few months
of refills, in 20 day supplies, running out a few months
before the ARB. On the last refill I called the nurse and
said that I'm actually needing closer to 2.0 mg/day, so
could they re-authorize at that dosage, on the day that I
run out. They did, for one full month, but with no refills.What I'm wondering is that since my family has a history of
heart problems, should I bring the whole blood pressure,
LVH, anxiety problem to a real cardiologist? A specialist
would be better equipped than a GP for treating the problem.While stress and anxiety can't directly cause high blood
pressure, those periods where the blood pressure are raised
do the same damage to the organs. And this is what I feel
the Ativan helps with the most.In other health forums I've seen patients discussing how
their heart doctor has them both on a beta blocker and a
benzo, so I wonder how accepted that practice is?What I would want to avoid is the cardiologist removing the
Ativan from the regimen. OTOH, I haven't discussed the long
term Ativan use with my GP, and don't know his long term
strategy for the ARB, either, which will run out before the
end of the year. I'm guessing he may want to see how the
LVH is progressing, so will want to set an appointment,
where all this can be discussed.
poster:Fred23
thread:396040
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040927/msgs/396040.html