Atenolol and Stress Test

[adpsmp]

Greetings - next week I am having a nuclear stress test for CAD issues. I received the preparation instructions recently and they want me to stop taking Atenolol 48 hours prior to the stress test. I currently take 50mg at night and 25mg in the morning.

I've read that you should not quit Atenolol without tapering off over a period of time. The directions for the stress test came from my cardiologist - who has prescribed the Atenolol, so it should be ok, right?

Should this be a concern?

thanks - Andy P

[Linda]

Andy

I would call the cardiologist and verify this. You say you are having the test for CAD issues. Sometimes, the instructions are pre-written and just "routine". As you have HCM and CAD issues, you are not a "routine" CAD patient. If you talk to a person other than the cardiologist, make sure they understand that you have other conditions and that they actually do ask the cardiologist specifically for you. Otherwise, that person may be making a decision for you that they are not qualified to make.

Best wishes with the testing - Linda

[Sarah]

we get this question all the time. Linda is 100% correct --as usual (she is a nurse).

i've had cardiologists tell me to stop taking beta-blockers cold turkey only because they didn't know better. seriously. NOT a good idea. double-check with your doctor personally.
s

[Lisa Salberg]

Ditto to what Linda said.
Lisa