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Suggest Treatment For High BP

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Posted on Thu, 11 Sep 2014
Question: Shoukd my MD have started me on metoprolol when he suspects poss. pheochromocytoma? metanephrine level is hi. Also puton hytrin but BP still hi. HR 100-130's
Im waiting for my MRI results of adrenal glands. What otger med should i be on for sinus tach 100-130's at rest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Calcium channel blocker

Detailed Answer:
A class of blood pressure medications from the family of 'Non dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers' such as diltiazem or verapamil are effective in slowing down the heart rate in addition to lowering blood pressure.

You are correct in knowing that beta blockers like metoprolol alone are to be strictly avoided in pheochromocytoma. But generally endocrinologists give adequate doses of alpha blockers like hytrin then proceed to add a beta blocker type medication a couple weeks later after assessing certain parameters.

So I dont know if you were managed according to these broad principles.

Sometimes when patients are referred to me for suspected pheochromocytoma, they are already on beta blocker type medications such as metoprolol, and then we have to somehow manage the situation.

The key thing in your individual situation is also the sinus tachycardia. People who have pheochromocytoma typically do not have a sustained tacky. They tend to experience episodes of high blood pressure, headache, sweating and fast heart rate.
So a thorough evaluation for persistent tachycardia is also relevant in your instance, before initiating treatment with the medications I mentioned above.
For example, a simple non fasting blood test for TSH will help rule out an over active thyroid as one of the potential causes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (11 hours later)
My tsh is normal. My MRI of adrenal glands came back normal. Would a holter monitor be appropriate for the sustained tachycardi 100-130 or searching for other causes for the hi metanephrine level of 1.6.a
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Holter is fine but a cardiologist needs to evaluate you systematically.

Further work up for the elevated metanephrines entails a complex strategy best performed by an endocrinologist. This entails:

1 Assessing degree of metanephrine elevation

2 Postural changes that might have falsely raised metanephrines

3 Lab test method used to test metanephrines

4 Possible drug interference resulting in false positive test result

5 Further confirmatory testing for metanephrines and catecholamines

6 Other modalities to look for paraganglioma type tumors if blood test indicate the presence of this.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For High BP

Brief Answer: Calcium channel blocker Detailed Answer: A class of blood pressure medications from the family of 'Non dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers' such as diltiazem or verapamil are effective in slowing down the heart rate in addition to lowering blood pressure. You are correct in knowing that beta blockers like metoprolol alone are to be strictly avoided in pheochromocytoma. But generally endocrinologists give adequate doses of alpha blockers like hytrin then proceed to add a beta blocker type medication a couple weeks later after assessing certain parameters. So I dont know if you were managed according to these broad principles. Sometimes when patients are referred to me for suspected pheochromocytoma, they are already on beta blocker type medications such as metoprolol, and then we have to somehow manage the situation. The key thing in your individual situation is also the sinus tachycardia. People who have pheochromocytoma typically do not have a sustained tacky. They tend to experience episodes of high blood pressure, headache, sweating and fast heart rate. So a thorough evaluation for persistent tachycardia is also relevant in your instance, before initiating treatment with the medications I mentioned above. For example, a simple non fasting blood test for TSH will help rule out an over active thyroid as one of the potential causes