what happens when a doctor prescribes cardizem to a 62 yr old man with normal blood pressure?

Question

Had heart attack caused by cardizem

Answer 1

Brand name:
Cardizem
Pronounced: CAR-di-zem
Generic name: Diltiazem hydrochloride
Other brand names: Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Tiazac
Why is this drug prescribed?

Cardizem and Cardizem CD (a controlled release form of diltiazem) are used in the treatment of angina pectoris (chest pain usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries) and chronic stable angina (caused by exertion). Cardizem CD is also used to treat high blood pressure. Another controlled release form, Cardizem SR, is used only in the treatment of high blood pressure. Cardizem, a calcium channel blocker, dilates blood vessels and slows the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Cardizem for loss of circulation in the fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon), for involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia), and to prevent heart attack.
Tiazac and Dilacor XR are used in the treatment of high blood pressure and chronic stable angina. They may be taken alone or combined with other blood pressure medications.
What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Cardizem.
•More common side effects may include:
Abnormally slow heartbeat (more common with Cardizem SR and Cardizem CD), dizziness, fluid retention, flushing (more common with Cardizem SR and Cardizem CD), headache, nausea, rash, weakness
•Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, allergic reaction, altered way of walking, amnesia, anemia, angina (severe chest pain), blood disorders, congestive heart failure, constipation, cough, depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive urination at night, eye irritation, fainting, flu symptoms, hair loss, hallucinations, heart attack, high blood sugar, hives, impotence, increased output of pale urine, indigestion, infection, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain, labored breathing, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, muscle cramps, nasal congestion or inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, personality change, pounding heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, reddish or purplish spots on skin, ringing in ears, sexual difficulties, skin inflammation/flaking or peeling, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, sore throat, taste alteration, thirst, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vision changes, vomiting, welts, weight increase

Answer 2

The American Heart Association set new guidelines for normal B/P ranges and 120/90 is too high. They want to see an average pressure of 117/68. So, your B/P of 120/90 is too high and 100/50 is okay. Please remember that B/P fluctuates throughout the day and night and throughout your lifetime. B/Ps are typically lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon/early evening. And the average B/P for a healthy 5-year-old is very different from that of a healthy 15-year-old and a healthy 75-year-old. B/P is affected by stress. Stress comes in many forms. Even Illness, strong emotions and obesity are forms of stress on the body. Pretty much everything is a form of stress. And stress can, at times, be a good thing. So "stress" is a general, catch-all word. Yes, of course you experience stress whether or not you know it when you see it. An isolated reading of 120/90 may not be significant. High or low blood pressure is generally determined by what the values are consistently. Spot checks won't establish a baseline unless done in a specific way. Check your B/P with the same equipment on 3 different days and at 3 different times of day (Morning, mid day and night). You'll get a much better idea of what your baseline B/P is and how it rates according to the AHA.

Answer 3

High blood pressure is not the only reason Cardizem can be prescribed. It does have other uses. Who told you Cardizem caused the heart attack? I have never heard of that.