Why all the drugs at once?...

[Bennydog42]

I had a visit to the chest pain clinic last Wednesday. After describing my symptoms, I had a ECG, and was booked in for a CT scan on the 19th of this month. I was then given a prescription for: Bisoprolol 2.5mg, rising to 5mg after 5 days, Ramipril 2.5mg, Atavorstatin 20mg, Aspirin 75mg, and Nitromin sublingual spray. I am already on Amplodipine 5mg. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and was so shocked/worried about all these new meds, that I forgot to ask for the results of the ECG. I also didn't ask why I was given all the new drugs. My symptoms didn't seem severe to me. The first ECG taken by my GP, was clear. It showed no signs of anything wrong. Except a fast pulse. Considering how scared I was whilst it was being done, I expected some White coat syndrome.. Has anyone on here, had a similar experience? My anxiety has gone into overdrive which will be having an affect on my BP etc.. Please help.. Thank you. Chris.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Chris,

Do you have a follow up appointment? It can be a very stressful time, we all forget questions we want to ask. I'd suggest writing down questions you have as that way you'll benefit from getting answers plus it may alleviate some of the stress for you

Take care Mark

[Bennydog42]

Thanks Mark. I have an appointment on the 19th for the CT scan. I will ask them the questions then. I will try to see my GP on Monday. I'll ask her too.

This has snowballed from a little chest pain, to something else.. My anxiety, which I had under control, has gone mad.. Aspbergers, makes me want answers. So cross with myself for making such basic errors..

[Inamoment in reply to Bennydog42]

In my experience ct staff only know about doing ct scans. This is not to denigrate them, but they won't step outside their area of expertise

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to Bennydog42]

Don't beat yourself up, I think the vast majority are the same when confronted with major issues. You sit there trying to take it all in and forget to ask even basic questions , I know I did

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star]

Hello I had a very simular experience a couple of weeks ago and have been taking everything you are except the amoplodipine but I also have the spray for under my tounge...i to was in shock having gone from 0 to this lot in one day but I can see the reasons behind mine now..nothing much showed on my ECG and my BP is fine most of the time but my CT scan showed Cronic Heart disease so until I can get an appointment for an angiogramme nd they can make a decision on my treatment the pills are I think thinning my blood,reducing my cholesterol and lowering my blood pressure all in the hope that it will help prevent a heart attack or stroke ...my anxiety went through the window at the thought if taking them but although they might need adjusting slightly I have been ok with them the side effects are not to bad . Got a docs appointment in Monday to make sure all well before I go back to work..not an expert but I hope that helps you a little.jax

[Shandypants]

Hi Chris very similar combination to what I take. Very simplified version i know that mine are to lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, thin the blood and help with cholesterol levels all of which geared towards helping my heart. It’s likely they have done this as a precaution until they can find out exactly what is going on. It’s easy to say don’t worry and less easy to do but speaking to your doctor would be a good idea rather than waiting for the 19th for your ct. Tania

[Bennydog42]

Thank you Jax and Tania.. I think I will try to speak to my Doctor on Monday.. I still feel rather shocked.. Hoping that the CT scan has a helpful result. 🙄

[gal4God]

I’m on a lot of heart meds as well. I’m learning to cope wiv them slowly. I also have white coat syndrome. My heart rate in the hospital never gone below 100. Yet they can’t find a medical reason 4 it so fink its me stressing. If they ask I tell them that I am dressed which is the truth.

[tunybgur]

The ECG was possibly ok, but the fear with chest pain is that you may have circulation problems to the heart muscles (angina) which can have numerous causes.

Tha fact you were prescribed so many meds is precautionary until you have a scan and they determine what if anything is wrong, all these drugs do different things:

Bisopropol is a beta blocker, this is to slow your heart rate, lower BP and makes the heart work more efficiently.

Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor, this relaxes and widens your blood vessels and helps to reduce BP and the amount of water put back into your blood by your kidneys.

Atorvastatin is a statin for reducing cholesterol.

Aspirin will thin the blood to make it flow more easily.

The Nitromin can be used if you get chest pain (angina type symptoms) normally when exerting yourself in some way, climbing stairs etc, it works very quickly to dilate the blood vessels.

The above is standard operating procedure for cases like yours , once the problem (if any) is located I'm sure this prescription will be fine tuned to suit you. The important thing is to try and stay relaxed and not worry too much, easier said than done I know!

For your information I had a mild heart attack 5 years ago and was put on exactly the same drug regime immediately after, but this has since been refined to suit my particular heart issues.

[mariancolyer]

So sorry no-one explained about drugs. However, I have been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy this year and medication is keeping me alive. My heart function was 30-35% and with meds it has now increased to 45%. I feel very fortunate to have been living in an age when I was able to live longer as a result of meds. Do ask the question of your GP. They are very willing to tell you why and what you are taking. Sadly the poor old NHS are so strapped for cash and time that they rarely have time to explain things to us. Good luck with it all and be glad... try not to worry.

[JulesF]

Is there anyone who could come to your next appointment with you? My son has Asperger traits and any medical appointments are so difficult for him. When I can't go with him I ty to make sure he's written all his concerns and questions on a list to show the doctors. It's a tiny bit of advice but it might help.