Jenmo73
05-06-2009, 03:43 PM
My sister in laws mother is approx. 86 years old. Starting early Saturday, she was having chest pains, and pain in her arm, as well as elevated blood pressure. After being admitted to the hospital for observation, (3 days) and several tests, the doctor said he simply can't find anything. While in the hospital her pulse was very low at times, and as they would get her BP under control, it would slowly start to elevate again. Took her home last night, and elevated again, gave meds, went down, and then back up a few hours later. They perfromed several tests in the hospital and the doctor said the heart looks fine. No sign of a heart attack. Anything out there that might mimic a heart attack? I just can't believe that there is nothing causing this. Any help would be most appreciated. Should have added that she has been tkaing 100mg of Atenol (spelling) 2x daily, and he reduced to 50mg 1x daily.
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midi77
05-07-2009, 05:05 PM
Atenolol is a horrible medication in regards to side effects. If her heart checks out fine, I do know that the medication can cause reflux, which may be the reason for chest pain. It tends to relax the LES, which causes acid to enter the esophagus. Acid can also cause heart rate changes, especially when aggravations in reflux occur.
midi77
05-07-2009, 05:07 PM
Also, you mention that they dropped her dosage, did they do this gradually? If not, she could be experiencing rebound effects from the lower dosage. It can take quite a bit of time for the body to adjust after a dosage change.