RE: [Harp-L] Harp and blood pressure

[chicago bluesman <chicagobluesman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hmmm.....you know, my doctor has me on a beta blocker for HTN and when he prescribed it he said that a potential side effect was that it would make me quiet, less conversational.  Meaning, I would talk less, feel that I had less to say, like the threshold would be raised as to when it's worth the effort to form ideas and express myself.  He says he gets complaints from the wives of men on beta blockers who feel they notice such a change in their husbands who are on a beta blocker..  I think he cautioned me about this potential side effect because I talk for a living: I'm a psychologist.  Anyway...I've been on toprol xr 50 mg qam for maybe 4 years now and I can't say that I've noticed anything.  I've never read anything about this potential side effect, either--I think he was just sharing his own anecdotal observations, for what that's worth.  Anyway...if beta blockers can make you quiet (and I'm not really convinced of this), maybe they can suppress musical expression, too?

John

> Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2012 16:45:01 -0700
> From: emiesterschal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [Harp-L] Harp and blood pressure
> 
> This is an odd combination I know. Maybe some one has been in the position, of having elevated blood pressure, and has had to take blood pressure meds, and having the meds effect there harp playing, It has to do with timing, wind, stamina, and concentration. I have been through two sets of meds already. One has not good, the other was better but I still feel like I am a little off, is this something I will get used to, or should I change my meds because my harp playing is not up to par? The actual playing does wonders for me, calms me down, gives me pleasure. I will ask my doctor about this, but maybe some you have been in the same position? Thanks in Advance Eric S.