Can One Determine A Person's Health Condition Based On The Medication They Take?

Posted on Thu, 7 Jan 2021

Question: Both my spouse and I have been recently diagnosed with hypertension, a XXXXXXX since we are both active and reasonably healthy at 67 years of age. I am being treated with metoprolol, which seems to help. My husband is taking ibirastrate (sp) instead, and his results don't seem as forthcoming. I know that my med is a beta blocker and his is an ARB (I am retired from working in cardiac care, cardiac rehab, so the meds themselves are familiar. Perhaps my husband is diabetic or has kidney problems I have not heard of? He is not one to hold back info. I am curious about the different prescriptions for a similar condition (hypertension.) Can you shed some light on these meds and possible reasons for their choice as treatment? I would be most appreciative. Thank you. XXXX. YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Malik (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Choice of medication for hypertension depends on many factors

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Medication choice for hypertension depends on many factors such as hypertension stage, co-morbid conditions, race, risk factors and tolerance of medications.
Based on research evidences Joint National Committee (JNC) releases guidelines on the management of hypertension. According to a recent JNC guidelines angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are indicated to patients who have chronic kidney diseases, age over 70 y and African-Americans. Stage I (blood pressure reading less than 140/90) hypertension is treated with one medication from: Thiazide diuretics, ACEI/ARBs, or calcium channel blockers. Beta blockers have more effect on the heart (decreases workload) than blood vessels therefore beta blockers are indicated to patients who have co-morbid conditions such as ischemic heart diseases and heart failure. If blood pressure is higher 140/90 patients may require 2 or more medications (co-morbid conditions).
After the diagnosis of hypertension all necessary laboratory tests are performed to identify existing co-morbidities. Your doctor prescribed different medication to you and to your husband based on your physical exam, lab results and other investigations. For example your husband might have higher than normal creatinine therefore he was prescribed ARBs.
The information that I provided is a general information about medication choice in the management of hypertension. In order to answer your question correctly why you and your husband taking different medications we should have the results of your medical investigations.

Hope, this information is helpful for you. Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know.

Thank you

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana