Hi Sir, I am 31 yrs old male. I have a symtom of anxiety and mild palpitation (not increased heart rate but increased amplitude) from last 2 years. I had got full heart check up in Aug 2011 and everything was found OK. I went to the doctor again in May 2012 and complained about my existing problems of occassional palpitaion and anxiety. Doctor precribed to take prolomet xl 25 mg . Since then till October 2012 I was on the same medicine untill I started having a symtom of shortlessness of breath. I complained this to another doctor and he asked me to taper the dosage to 12.5 mg. Since then I am on Prolomet 12.5 mg. I tried to quit it somedays back but it resulted in increased BP (140/95). I am scared with continuing this medicine as I have read it has adverse effect on heart. Although I feel better with this medicine, I want to quit it because of the known side effects. Is there any alternate medicine which doesnt have an affect on heart or kidney . Or could you guide me as how can I quit this medicine. Also I have mild Mitral Valve Prolasys. Thanks and regards, Anupam
Hi young man, thanks for the question. People with Mitral Valve prolapse are known to have heart rhythm disturbance (leading to palpitations) and heightened anxiety (related or unrelated to palpitations). Beta blockers are the treatment of choice for this and has beneficial effects (and not deleterious) on the heart. It does not affect the kidneys. I hope you have also had 24 hour or 7 day continuous monitorinsince you are ONG of your heart tracing to look for heart rhythm disturbance in the past. If you don't have any symptoms now (since you are on proposed) you don't have to have heart trace monitoring now if not already done). You are young with high BP and hence would require a thorough investigation for secondary hypertension. I hope this has been done by your physician. If you have had a kidney scan I would be keen to know the result. Most important for you is to have your BP under control and see a cardiologist regularly. Trying to come off a medicine which is going to help you is not advisable. Let me know if I can be of any further help. Best wishes