<s>[INST] I have side effects from 2 medicines that I am taking. They are for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. I have taken them for about a year and 3 months. I believe I am toxic to these medicines at this point and I am worried about taking them. What is the best way to taper the medicines? This happened once before and I ended up in the intensive care for 7 days due to the medicines. I also had elevated potassium and was in critical condition for a short time. The heart problem was not present any longer and I had been taking the medicines for several years. No one knew why the heart was not a problem any longer. Some doctors thought that I had a virus that attacked the heart. The echo was 35 and I had heart failure diagnosed 2 different times now. But, the first time, it went away after taking medications for several years and maybe the same thing has happened this time. I have a cardiologist but he wanted to operate. He can not tell what is wrong with my heart so I have not agreed to have surgery at this point. What would you recommend? I think I am in more danger from the medications at this point than from the heart [/INST] Hello, I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.first I need to know exactly which BP medicines you are getting. Without knowing it I can't give you any information about side effects. But as you mentioned pottasium, I presume that it must either April or similar kind of medicine which in fact is very good medicine for BP and heart failure .in view if side effect it should be changed. Actually no medicine is without side effect, real art of a doctor is to use it smartly getting desired effect and avoiding side effects depending upon patients constitution. You must continue medicines for BP and heart failure life long. In your case what is the cause of your heart failure ?you have not given any detail about investigations. I can't opine on surgery .you have not mentioned which surgery and for what indication ? I am quite willing to guide you further if you provide me all details. My best wishes Chat Doctor.  </s>