High Blood Pressure??

Wondering if anyone out there has developed high blood pressure since getting a Pace Maker? Just a thought that occured to me. Never had high BP in the past but in the last few months it has been high. I take Toprol XL 100mgs for SVT and have for years which also lowers the BP. 2 months ago doctor put me on a drug called Atacand for high blood pressure. Started with 8 mgs. and then increased it to 16 mgs. Still taking the Toprol but when I had the prescription refilled the pharmacy gave me Metoprolol, the generic for Toprol since they now have the Metoprolol in extended release and my Insurance company insists on the generic. So....am wondering if maybe the generic of Toprol is not working as well or if the PM has anything to do with the high BP or if it is all just a coincidence and this is now a new problem I have to deal with. I have a St. Jude dual lead PM and last check up was being used less than 1% of the time. Thanks.

Vicki

6 Comments

Yes it happened to me.

by bowlrbob - 2007-10-30 01:10:47

i never had high blood pressure until after my PM was put in. I have had it ever since. I now have to take atenolol every day. No Doctor seems to know why my blood pressure went up but it has. You ask too maybe someone can come up with the answer. Bowlrbob

Toprol

by ela-girl - 2007-10-30 02:10:13

Heya, Vicki.

I, too, take the Toprol XL but only 50 mg daily. I have always had low BP and still do even after the pm implant. So, I can't answer your questions there. But you mentioned how your insurance is making you get the generic of Toprol XL. I went to get my prescription for Toprol the other week and the pharmacy had filled it generic without my asking. My insurance will force me to get the generic in January but until then, I am insisting on having it filled as brand. I am one of those people who really believes that the generics honestly don't affect me the same as the brand meds. But I just read an article in a medical journal that says that the thought "generics don't work as well as brands" is a really big myth. Reason? The FDA regulates generic meds just like it does brands and the generics must have exactly the same active chemicals as the brands they copy; so, you'll get the same medical benefit.

My EP actually brought this up when I had my pacer check 2 weeks ago because he had to write me a new script for the Toprol. He was like, "Oh yeah. There's a generic now that may save you some money. You can do what you want. Doesn't matter to me. They work the same." Hearing that from him also gave me peace of mind.

So, i just wanted to share that with you for what it's worth! Hope yuo can get everything under control or at least find some answers!

ela-girl

I can't take the generic

by blessed - 2007-10-30 07:10:14

Hi~ I saw your post and starting laughing because I have been dealing with the exact same thing in regards to Toprol XL. My last refill was substituted with the new generic one and I also didn't want to take it but after talking with a trusted pharmacist I tried it for 2 days. Long story short- I only took 2 doses and by then it wasn't controlling my tachycardia. So...I fought for the "real" stuff again and got it and no problems whatsoever again. I have no problems with generic meds-take some myself however I do feel that there are some slight differences-whatever they may be and you have to take what works for you. So as far as Toprol XL goes for me-it's the real stuff all the way. Good luck with everything!!
Blessed

Stress Test

by mhkitchens - 2007-10-30 07:10:18

Rsample,

My Doc would not let me do a stress test on the running machine. He said that it would give to many false positives for someone with a PM. I had to go with a chemical stress test.

Let us know how you make out.

MH

Yep, I also have post PM blood pressure!

by rsample - 2007-10-30 07:10:18

Hi Vicky,
I am 5 weeks post implant. My pacemaker only works when I am idle and my rate drops below 50 BPM. Before implant, I had 130/70. Now it runs 144/95. I go in this week for a 5 week appt. and do a stress test on the running machine. The Dr. seems to be clueless why BP went up. Let me know if you find an answer. Why did you need a PM?
rsample

unbranded Meds

by Peter.Nash - 2007-10-31 02:10:14

I definately think there is a difference... not sure what but some generics seem to have not the right effect.. I think the active ingredient may well be the same but the carrier/ or the buliking what ever you may call it differs .I think they use all sorts of things ..starch/corn and such like these in there self can have an effect on you... but over all I think if possible stick to the branded meds never mind what the the powers to be think at the end of the day it all revolves around profit margins not what is best for us.... just my thought on the matter Peter

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