Can using a decongestant for a clogged nose cause bradycardia?

Question

Hello doctor,

My wife experienced a hypertensive crisis. For years, she has been taking Coversyl 5. She believes a decongestant used for a clogged nose may have contributed to the hypertensive crisis. The doctor altered her therapy to Concor 2.5 and Coversyl 5 with posology. Please find the latest four days' worth of monitoring data attached. Does my wife's continued use of the existing posology put her at risk for bradycardia issues? Please assist.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Suppose her blood pressure was normal on Coversyl 5 mg for years and suddenly increased. In that case, it means there may be some acute medical issue causing blood pressure to rise, like acute anxiety, missing doses of medicine, and decongestants may also raise blood pressure. For such a reason, blood pressure should be monitored daily.

It will normalize once the acute event subsides. Concor (Bisoprolol) is a medicine that affects heart rate and has a negligible effect on blood pressure lowering. Usually not prescribed for blood pressure. If her blood pressure remains normal, continue to monitor her heart rate. At rest, the heart rate may reach 49 beats per minute without any problem. After seven days, withdraw Concor (Bisoprolol) by halving the dose for a week. Then, stop and monitor blood pressure and heart rate. Revert with the answer to assist further.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. Every person has different safety levels. If her heart rate is that low, an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be done to see whether it is sinus brady or some block. Usually, in young, healthy persons, the heart rate may drop to the 30s in sleep. In some, a heart rate of 60 causes problems.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.