AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question My husband suffered a severe heart attack. Two stents were put in. He has very low blood pressure as a result of the heart attack. He has been slightly dizzy at times, and had some pressure in his chest during climbing of stairs or stooping to do some physical exercise. The pressure stops when he stops. He is back to physical work as a contractor, and feeling fine. He has some muscle soreness, and joint pain, but he had some of this joint pain and muscle soreness prior to the heart attack and may be due to overuse injuries. His chest pressure and dizziness has happened around six times, and has happened in the past couple of weeks since the Dr. increased the Lipitor. Could it be the drugs, and is it dangerous to stay on the drugs?
Answer Dear Eileen
It is unlikely to be dangerous to stay on these drugs but, if anything, perhaps the dose of lisinopril should be reduced. I say this because lisinopril lowers blood pressure and yet you say he has very low blood pressure. This in all probability causes his dizziness. It is very unlikely that the Lipitor is causing any of these symptoms. This type of drug used to lower cholesterol levels is very safe and there is talk of it being available without a prescription because of its safety profile. The pressure he feels on climbing stairs could be due to angina (not enough oxygen getting to the heart muscle) and should be reported to your doctor or preferably a cardiologist for further evaluation. If it is anginal pain it is comparitively easy to treat. I would not stop or lower the dose without proper consultation. It is impossible for me to assess the situation accurately over the Internet so please discuss the options with your doctor and you can relate to him my suggestions for consideration.
