Had my ECHO today.

[HCMj]

Dr. says the velocity(of the blood) has increased, that my heart is "squeezing" too much. so he is weening me off of Lisinopril(ACEI) and doubling my dose of Verapamil(Calcium blocker). Any idea what the difference is? They both will slow down my heart rate, so why change? I've also been warned that my BP could drop suddenly and without warning. ......How's a girl supposed to work and support her family with all this junk going on?

[Hidden]

Hi HCMj, well, I found this online though it's not much use: 'They are different classes of blood pressure drugs and lower blood pressure through a different mechanism'. I guess it's the 'mechanism' of the lisinopril that your doc is assuming is causing the effect, just guessing. But that is a wild guess, perhaps someone else has a better idea. It does suck, trying to work while all sorts of weird things are happening with your heart, I have a lot of sympathy!

Lis

[HCMj in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. When you put it that way I guess it sort if makes sense. Like the difference between roller skates and a skate board. They'll both get you where you're going, just a little differently.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi HCMj

OK I have no medical training whatsoever, but this is my understanding.

Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) is mainly to reduce blood pressure, secondary effect is to slow heart rate a little, but not usually primary use.

Verapamil (Calcium channel blocker) is a rate control drug, primary use to slow heart rate, secondary effect to reduce blood pressure.

To be honest most people on this site report that it's easier to get used to calcium channel blockers than ACE inhibitors, so I am guessing he wants your heart rate controlled more than your blood pressue now.

Hope this helps

Ian

[HCMj in reply to Beancounter]

thank you, it does help. But today I have had more chest pain then I can ever remember.its not a painful pain its just a dull ache.I use to feel this way every once in a great while. But today it was most of the day.I suppose I just need to get used to the changes in the meds.thank you for your help and information. Be well.