Guest guest Posted June 27, 2010 Report Share Posted June 27, 2010 I have now been on CCB diltiazem 240 mg for 15 days since prescribed at my heart cath. I have gained 5 lbs of belly fluid in two weeks despite dashing, eating more foods that contain potassium such as bananas, v-8 etc. I have read CCB's can cause weight gain. The 240 mg diltiazem has done a much better job dropping my blood pressure than 10 mg Norvasc. The systolic number has dropped at least 15 points averaging 143 the diastolic has been <= 90, however the pulse in my right arm is difficult to detect while the left arm is very easy and bp in my right arm is usually 15 points higher than the left. The aforementioned numbers would be an average of both arms. I have noticed recently nurses were also having trouble getting a pulse sound in my right arm and moving the cuff to the left arm to get bp. My skin is very thick and arm sticks are about impossible for most nurses. I usually get iv's in the back of the hand as a result. Do others wit PA find this the case also? I have noticed significant drop beats while on the diltiazem. My heartbeat was like a clock before the diltiazem. My chest pain has significantly decreased though I did have a spell of minor chest pain w/ SOB and significant irregular heart beats which prompted a call to my cardiologist on Tuesday. Instructions were to continue my dosage as I was probably getting used to the medication. My pulse has been within normal range pre and post diltaizem in the 60's. This water weight has me yearning for a lasix but since I have the appointment with Dr. Kramer this Thursday, I hesitate to take it. Any thoughts on these points? Charlotte Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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