What Should I Do For Heart Palpitations And Hypertension?

Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a 45 year old male, no major health issues. Recently I've been having heart palpitations and hypertension 150/90, no chest pain, at night when I first go to bed? My doctor prescribed xanax but it isn't helping. Last years' transthoracic echo was normal, as was a 12 lead ekg. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (48 minutes later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.

Hypertension of 150/90 means you do need antihypertensive medicines to control your blood pressure.

The tablet xanax you are taking contains alprazolam which is an anti- anxiety drug and can help palpitation only and that too if it is anxiety induced.

It has got no effect on blood pressure.

You need to get some appropriate antihypertensive drugs prescribed to control your blood pressure as soon as possible.

In my opinion beta blockers will be a good choice for you. You also need to exclude causes other than cardiac causes for palpitation like thyroid gland hyperactivity, etc.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

Wishing you good health.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika