What Are Diltiazem XR And Losartan Taken For?

Posted on Wed, 19 Nov 2014

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

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 Answered on

Sat, 13 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a slightly enlarged aorta. I never had high blood pressure before having a heart attack four years ago. I am on diltiazem xr and losartan. I am wondering why I am taking two blood pressure medications. I know that some times they are used for other things than blood pressure, but I am not getting clear answers from my cardiologist.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answer to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking HCM!
I read your query and understood your concern.

Based on the data you provided you suffer from a heart attack four years ago and you have a slightly enlarged aorta. To prevent myocardial remodeling a major complication of heart attack doctor will put you on losartan (which is an ARB, an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker).

You are reporting also that you have had rhythm disorder in the past due to thyroid problems. You should monitor your rhythm regularly and you may wash out diltiazem gradually within six month. For this i recommend contacting your cardiologist and discussing about it. If during the wash out of diltiazem you experience rhythm disorder then you should continue with it. These kinds of changes to your medication regime must be done under the watchful supervision of your Cardiologist.

Hope this was of help!
Dr. Benard

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj