Taking Lisinipril For Hypertension. Getting Fluttering Sensation In Upper Abdomen. Any Ideas?

Posted on Wed, 5 Dec 2012

Question: Relatively healthy, 169 lbs, 67", hypertension bp approx. 140/85, taking lisinipril...so I',m getting these flutter sensations upper abdomine, below the rib cage to the left and right of sternum. Painless, just very annoying and very pronounced. They don't stop, I feel it mostly when sitting or lying down. I have a drs. appoint tomorrow...do you think that is fine.

Answered by Dr. Stephen Christensen (2 hours later)

Hello. Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I'm Dr. Christensen.

I can understand your concerns about this new symptom.

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to diagnose your condition without an examination, and there is one worrisome possibility that should prompt you to either call your physician immediately or seek medical care elsewhere on a fairly urgent basis:

People with hypertension or other forms of heart disease occasionally develop cardiac dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) that cause palpitations (the sensation of fluttering in the chest or upper abdomen). While many dysrhythmias are well-tolerated and not particularly XXXXXXX some can deteriorate quite suddenly into rhythms that are life-threatening. This is particularly true in people whose electrolytes -- potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc. -- are out of balance.

Lisinopril, while generally a safe medication, sometimes causes hyperkalemia (high potassium), and this could conceivably trigger a cardiac dysrhythmia.

I hope that all makes sense. The bottom line here is this: call your doctor as soon as possible; he or she may want to see you before tomorrow.

I'll be available to answer more questions if you have any. Otherwise, I hope things go well for you!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Stephen Christensen (4 hours later)

Thanks Dr. i went to the ER today...blood test, cardiac monitoring, x XXXXXXX and everything is normal. I recently recovered from a persistent cough that lasted about three weeks....Drs. think chest cavity irration with muscles spasms from cough. I have follow up on Monday. I appreciate your help.

Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Stephen Christensen (2 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I'm glad everything went well at the ER. Hopefully your muscle irritability will settle down within the next several days.

While you're waiting for your follow-up on Monday, you might consider applying ice packs or warm packs to your upper abdomen/lower chest. (Some muscle spasms respond to cold, while others do better with heat; still others improve with alternating heat and cold [15-30 minutes heat followed by 15 minutes of ice]).

If you decide to try these modalities, don't turn your heating pad higher than "medium XXXXXXX and always place a dry towel between your skin and an ice pack.

Good luck!

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E