Two key pieces of info. Cheney's doctor's letter, circa 2000 (allergic to

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

pomegranates, BTW) and a list of medications that would be used for the cardiac conditions listed in the letter (with concurrent description of their interaction with alcohol)

A million thanks to Mabus for the posting the letter on another thread. What a great find.

I had posted a couple of days, speculating about medications the vice may be on with his history. This letter makes that speculation much easier, since one would presume he is being treated in accordance with the latest clinical evidence for post MI (heart attack), as well as for a confirmed history of CAD.

First, the letter...again, major, major props to Mabus, who posted this in another thread.

I found the letter from his doctor in 2000 listing Cheney's ailments


It is summed by the sentence that says "Mr. Cheney takes a long list of medications which are monitored closely by myself and Dr. Reiner."

Mr. Richard B. Cheney has received his care at The George Washington University Medical Center since 1985; I have been his primary care physician since 1995. At this time, Mr. Cheney is in excellent health. His major medical problems include:

* Coronary artery disease: Mr. Cheney has had several prior heart attacks and has undergone one bypass surgery (in 1988). He is followed closely at GW. His heart disease is treated with medication and is followed closely by myself and Dr. Jonathan Reiner, head of our Cardiac Invasive Laboratory. A most recent update of Mr. Cheney's cardiac history is attached in a letter written by Dr. Reiner. His vigorous lifestyle and exercise tolerance are excellent.

* Hyperlipidemia: Mr. Cheney has had a long history of elevated cholesterol. This has been vigorously and successfully treated with medication.

* Skin cancer: Mr. Cheney has been treated for skin cancer. He continues to be monitored closely for any recurrences.

* Knee injuries: Years ago, Mr. Cheney underwent successful surgical therapy of his right knee for old athletic injuries. There has been no recurrence.

* Gout: Mr. Cheney has had several minor episodes of gout of the foot. I monitor this closely.

* Allergy: Pomegranates (anaphylaxis).

* Cancer screening: Mr. Cheney is up to date with his colon cancer and prostate cancer screening. His last PSA (prostate specific antigen blood test) and colonoscopy were normal.

* Medications: Mr. Cheney takes a long list of medications which are monitored closely by myself and Dr. Reiner. He has shown no side effects of any of these medications which would alter intellectual performance or impair his judgment. http://www.doctorzebra.com/prez/a_cheney2000.htm

Now, the likely medications, and potential interactions with alcohol consumption, per an OP I posted a couple of days ago:

1. First, beta blockers, which are given to patients after heart attacks to reduce cardiac workload. They can used for CHF Congestive Heart Failure, in most circumstances, as well.

While on beta-blockers, you should also avoid eating or drinking products that have caffeine or taking over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, antihistamines, and antacids that contain aluminum. You should also avoid drinking alcohol, because it can decrease the effects of beta-blockers.

http://www.tmc.edu/thi/betameds.html

2. Diuretics are usually prescribed, for BP control and to remove extra fluids.

The dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. Drinking alcoholic beverages may also make the drowsiness worse. While you are taking this medicine, be careful in the amount of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for long periods of time.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/20236...

3. An ace inhibitor is generally prescribed, especially if Congestive Heart Failure is present.

Also, do not drink alcohol until you have talked about it with your doctor. Alcohol can increase the low blood pressure effects of ACE inhibitors, making it more likely that you may become dizzy or faint.

http://www.tmc.edu/thi/acemeds.html

4. Post MI (heart attack) patients are always on an anti-coagulant of sorts.
Currently, I believe, Plavix is currently recommended, based on the most current clinical evidence.

If you drink alcohol, faintness or dizziness may be worse.

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/p/Plavix.htm

5. An anti-hypercholestermic, or statin, (for cholesterol) is also usually prescribed for patients at risk for CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)

Also, do not drink alcohol and take statins until you have talked about it with your doctor.

http://www.tmc.edu/thi/cholmed.html

LOL, at the "vigorous lifestyle and exercise tolerance" for which he received praise from his doctor. :rofl: MKJ

[phillysuse]

1. Alcohol and gout

Alcohol plays a major role in gout exacerbations. Alcohol both incfreases uric acid production and at the same time decreases uric acid secretion in the kidney. That's why it is often difficult to control gout in alcoholic patients.
Mr Cheney is likely on low dose aspirin which also raises uric acid levels and is also on diuretics which trhemselves raise uric acid levelsl. So the more he drinks, the more likely his gout will be out of control. With a little luck, he might also get uric acid ki8dney stones if his urine is supersaturated with uric acid.

So Dick, drink up and enjoy your next attack of gout.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

2. Nice summary. Between his cardiac issues and gout, he is a poor candidate

for alcohol consumption.

That said, Here's to you, Vice Dick...down the hatch! MKJ :toast: :beer:

[MADem]

4. Remember when he was stumping around on the cane awhile back?

The media called it an 'old injury' but many clever folks here suspected gout.

Perhaps DUCK!!! Cheney has been hitting the sauce a bit more than usual....

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

12. There was a pic posted here with one of his feet in a slipper, the other

in a regular shoe.

This was fairly recent. I wish I'd bookmarked it. It was actually kind of creepy. MKJ

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

3. Self kicking for the "pomegranate allergy" :)!

MKJ

[Benbow]

6. Bin Laden: "Note to self: send Cheney bottle of pomegranate liqueur"

Remove original label and substitute some pink liqueur label.

[hlthe2b]

7. ok, now.. don't get any ideas...

We will not invite him to a tequila sunrise party--heavy on the grenadine..

that would be wrong, wouldn't it? :evilgrin:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

11. ROFL, that was my first thought when I saw the allergy...no grenadine!

:rofl: MKJ

[cliss]

5. Thanks to you both, BHP and Mabus -

We are doing a terriffic job of keeping Cheney on Center Stage.

I know he wants to crawl back into the woodwork, like a big tarantula spider which has been discovered.

"There is no crevice for you to hide in now, Mr. Cheney"

[enid602]

8. Cheney

I pity the poor devil who had to administer Cheney's colonoscopy.

[upi402]

9. 1 beer = many more for a highly medicated person

and i bet he lied about the amount of "beershz" he had at "luntsh".

[peekaloo]

10. Old athletic injuries. Dodging the draft was considered a sport on a lot

of campuses I guess.

Then again, supplicating oneself to Satan must be hell on the knees.

:evilgrin: