Myasthenia Gravis and Cardiovascular Medication
Myasthenia gravis may pose a risk to patients using cardiovascular medications to treat heart conditions (coronary artery disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart arrhythmias). Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and statins should be used cautiously. Lidocaine (Xylocaine), Procainamide, and Quinidine are some drugs known to have caused adverse reactions with MG.
Do you have Myasthenia gravis and are on or have been on cardiovascular medications? Which ones and what dose? Did you notice any triggered symptoms?
How long has this persisted if you had no problem using cardiovascular medications?
- Jodi, Team Member
I have been on a beta blocker and a statin for 30-plus years, since long before I had MG. My neurologist's position is that, due to my long-term use, I am probably fine to continue. I keep the doses low (statin 10). He says it's a matter of balancing risks, and there is no clear cut answer. Because we can control my MG symptoms satisfactorily right now, my greater risk is cardiovascular.
No
I take meta topical for rapid heart rate. My weakness is getting increasingly worse. If I don't take the topral my heart rate shoots up to 130,140 or higher
Anyone have any suggestions for another medicine that would decrease heart rate? Thanks so much.
sorry to hear you are experiencing increased weakness. Have you had an opportunity to speak with your physician about what you are experiencing and getting their opinion on what may be helpful? If you haven't reached out to them already, I would encourage you to do so. Wishing you well. Kindly, Jessica (Team Member)
Yes
Jodi, thanks for ur concern. I actually texted my cardiologist totally and am waiting to hear. In answer to a question someone else asked, no.i do no feel my myasthenia is being controlled well. I would love another dr or onion but my options are limited. Love this group. It helps so much.
Here is a great resource for finding MG specialists in specific areas, if you reside in the United States: https://myasthenia.org/living-with-mg/find-medical-experts/
- Jodi, Team Member
