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What Causes Breathlessness While On Metoprolol?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015
Question: Am on a beta blocker, metropolol, but get a bit breathless sometimes. Only taking 45 mls. Ime taking this for some arthymia. Should I be taking more or is there another I can take. The arthymia only occurs infrequently.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Meriton Siqeca (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can switch to another medication.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, sir! I am Dr. Meriton, welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.

Beta blocker act on bronchi by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors there. This blockade results in bronchial constriction (narrowing), hence the breathlessness. In your case, beta blocker is being used to prevent bouts of supraventricular arrhythmia (which I am assuming is atrial fibrillation). For this purpose, a beta blocker can be substituted with a calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil or diltiazem, which do not have side effects on the lungs. You should discuss with your cardiologist, about the dosage and frequency of use.

If your symptom does not subside after this substitution is done, then further investigation should be carried out.

I hope I was helpful. If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Meriton Siqeca (1 hour later)
There seems to be symptoms of onset of arthymia. My voice seems to be faltering,not the usual tone and i am a bit anxious.Is thereany strategy i can use to stop it coming on? Or, when i have it to get rid of it .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Meriton Siqeca (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
EKG

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back!

If you have established cases of arrhythmia and you feel lika another episode is happening, once triggered, it should be converted to normal sinus rhythm properly. As a precaution, try to cough hard three or four times. I would recommend you to go the emergency room as soon as possible and get an EKG done, to establish first if this is a burst of arrhythmia. If this is the case, then pharmacological means have to be administered, such as intravenous lanatosid C to slow the heart rate and expect self-converting to normal sinus rhythm, and/or intravenous electrolytes to correct the possible electrolyte disturbances, especially potassium. Antiarrhythmics should be tried, if self-convertin by slowing the heart rate down results unsuccessful. All these measures should be undertaken in a healthcare facility, whete proper monitoring is readily available.

I hope I was of help. If you do not have further clarifications, close the discussion and rate the answer. Good luck!

Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Meriton Siqeca

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 775 Questions

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What Causes Breathlessness While On Metoprolol?

Brief Answer: Can switch to another medication. Detailed Answer: Hello, sir! I am Dr. Meriton, welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Beta blocker act on bronchi by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors there. This blockade results in bronchial constriction (narrowing), hence the breathlessness. In your case, beta blocker is being used to prevent bouts of supraventricular arrhythmia (which I am assuming is atrial fibrillation). For this purpose, a beta blocker can be substituted with a calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil or diltiazem, which do not have side effects on the lungs. You should discuss with your cardiologist, about the dosage and frequency of use. If your symptom does not subside after this substitution is done, then further investigation should be carried out. I hope I was helpful. If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help. Kind regards, Dr. Meriton