DEAR DR. GOTT:
For the past 10 or 12 years I have been on diltiazem for high blood pressure.
I read in a book that this medication can cause liver damage but my doctor does not want me to change to a different drug. He says I have an irregular heart beat and this drug is best for my condition. I recently had a CT scan done and he says everything looks normal.
Is there something else you would recommend that would be safer to take and still be suitable for me?
DEAR READER:
Cardizem (diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and certain other cardiac disorders. It has also been shown to increase exercise tolerance for individuals with angina (heart pain).
As is the case with many drugs given over prolonged periods, it is recommended that kidney and liver functions be monitored at regular intervals. This can be done through simple blood testing. If you have elevated readings, your physician can either reduce your dosage, eliminate the drug altogether, or switch you to another medication. Keep in mind that all drugs have side effects, and you might be trading one set of problems for another. Therefore, if your liver chemistries are normal, I recommend you stick with the diltiazem and undergo periodic blood testing.
Your physician knows you best. It appears he is on the right track and is treating you appropriately.
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