swollen ankles and shortness of breath?

Question

My mother had a stent put in about 1 month ago. She was put on toporol and plavix. Lately she has been experiencing swollen ankles and shortness of breath. Could this be related?

Answer 1

very definitely it could be related, she could be in congestive heart failure, she needs to see her cardiologist like yesterday.

Answer 2

Plavix or clopidorel is a platelet thinner added to aspirin for a year or more after stenting and has few side effects.Toporol is the highly selective beta blocker metoprolol. Beta blockers lower blood pressure and help angina and also reduce cardiac risk, they can however precipitate cardiac failure. The breathlessness and ankle swelling suggests this may be occurring. ( though it may be due to her heart condition and not the drug, ) She needs to see her GP as she may need the addition of a diuretic to remove the fluid that is producing these symptoms. Despite the fact that it may be being caused by the beta blocker, these are often continued anyway.

Answer 3

Shortness of breath and pins and needles are indications of poor circulation. Swollen ankles is an indication of retaining water. Got kidney problems? Do some mild excersise. Walking.

Answer 4

Nano,

You have a lot of good advise here. The swelling and shortness of breath should be taken seriously. You should notify the cardiologist that this is happening ASAP. If swelling gets to the knees or the shortness of breath becomes difficult to tolerate, go ahead and go to ER. Meanwhile, minimize fluids, elevate legs and wear compression stockings if you have them.


Data Point: I was told by an ask a nurse program to go to ER when swelling made my knees disappear in an hour or two.

Answer 5

shortness of breath is a side effect of toporol. I had the same problem when I started this drug too, but I cut the pill in half per my doctor and it has helped alot. I now take 12.5 mg. Find out how many mg you Mom is taking and have her tell her doctor of her side effects. The swollen ankles I am not sure about, but she should inform the doctor of that as well. Good luck, hope she does better.

Answer 6

Metoprolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and to treat heart attacks. Extended-release (long-acting) metoprolol also is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Metoprolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.
Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to prevent harmful blood clots.
Swollen ankles and shotness of breath indicate that her heart is not working properly. Consult the Cardiologist.
Please see the web pages for more details on Metoprolol (generic name) Toprol XL (brand name) and Clopidogrel (generic name)Plavix (brand name).

Answer 7

a side affect of toporol is shortness of breath. swollen ankles does concern me she may be holding extra water associated with congestive heart failure GO TO DR

Answer 8

she should prb go the the hosptial.sounds like congestive heart failure.im no doctor however this could be something very important.

Answer 9

It sounds like she is retaining water in a big way, I strongly suggest in seeing the doctor. ASAP!!!

Answer 10

i would say related so to the doctor now