After experiencing some palpitations and breathlessness over the past week or so I went to see my GP. I had an ECG, was sent to A&E, admitted to hospital for further tests and diagnosed with AF. My heart rate was not particular fast,
I'm still in AF and have been given Bisoprolol to control my heart rate. I've had problems with palpitations and chest achiness for the past 2 years and have had numerous ECGs which have always been normal so this is a bit of a shock. I'm a bit confused as to what happens now really. I have got an apt with a consultant coming up, but does this mean my life style wil have to change? How can I get back to normal heart rhythm? Can I still drink alcohol? I don’t drink a lot but enjoy a couple of glasses at the weekends and have some birthday parties coming up. Also, what about exercise? A month ago I was training for a charity cycle ride and was riding 20-25 miles a time. Where does this leave me? Since taking the Bisoprolol I have been getting headaches – will they subside in time?
I have undertaken some research of my own but I would be good to have some views from other on this forum. I’m 47 years old.
Thanks,
Stuart
Beats me. That's what I don't get. How can you ride for so long and be in abnormal rhythm. What are the consequences? Always hearing more likely to have a stroke with afib. Blood thinners help but not with the rhythm..What is brisopolol. Is there another name for this drug?
Bisoprolol is a beta blocker and brings your heart rate down and usually the first AF drug tried.
Hi Stuart, firstly (and this is I think the hardest) try not to panic, I know it can be a shock when you first get a diagnosis. What is likely to happen is you will be followed up by a visit to the consultant, who may then give you a portable holter monitor to wear for a few days so they can see what your heart is doing. The Bisoprolol also known sometime as Cardicor will help to reduce the electrical impulses in your heart and may help to stop the AF completely, it will also reduce your blood pressure therefore taking the strain off your heart a bit. There are many different drugs used to help with AF and they work slightly differently but generally they seem to start with a Betablocker to see how you get on and then will introduce other types of medication at a later stage. There are 3 different types of AF. Paraoxymal AF comes and goes, sometimes your in it and sometimes it stops, medication can help to control the intervals and length between them. Persistant AF is AF that doesn't stop on it's own and once your in it the only way to stop it is by having a Cardioversion (where they use the paddles under general anesthetic to stop the heart, it then in theory starts again in a normal rhythm) it is a very reliable way to treat this type of AF. Permenant AF is where neither of the above options work and you are just in it all the time, it never stops, and with medication to help take the strain of the heart and the use of blood thinners it can be tolerated for the rest of your life (although an ablation - where they use a wire to burn away a very small area of the heart where the impulses are coming from) can be an option.
It is generally not advisable to drink alcohol or caffienated drinks as both of these substances temporariliy contsrict blood vessels making your heart work harder (and it's already doing that)! You can do exercise but try not to over do it and go for the burn, gentle exercise, walking, swimming are all good and no weight bareing exercises eg weight lifting etc.
Bisoprolol like any medication has different side effects for different people, personally it makes me very dizzy and nauseous sometimes but mostly I am ok now, give yourself time to adjust to the dosage, takes a good month. Good luck with your AF journey, it's very common and your not alone!
what can I say sian has said it all, and very well indeed. as they will tell you AF in itself is not life threatning its the baggage it brings with it, but they will find the right meds for you, as sian says give the bisoporol time my body didn't like it at first takes about a month to get used to.
you will find the support you need here, those suffering are the best to talk to and they are a great bunch of people.
Take care and good luck with your journey
L.
I have been told that it weakens the heart and can lead to heart failure.
Hi Stuart,
I agree that Sian's summary is one of the best I have seen. It just takes getting used to and sorting out the best medication for you. Bisoprolol has not been a problem for me but everyone is different. Sometimes side effects subside as your body gets used to the medication, if not there are usually others they can try. Good luck its early days and depends what they find by further tests, as to what can be done. Try not to worry, easier said than done..Mick
Hi Stuart. Sian has given a great, straightforward summary. Im 52. No other health issues and like you, a couple of years back started having PAF. Im just packing to go into hospital for my second ablation. I started with bisoprolol but it made me feel rough. I was changed to verapamil and was much better. After the first ablation which was about 80% successful, with agreement of cardiologist, im off that now, and just taking rivaroxaban thinners. You will begin to learn what seems to set you off, andfromthis forum, the triggers are diverse!! Currently, mine include being cold, over tired, and toblerone!! No other chocolate, just that one. Tea isnt an issue for me either. Stay positive. This forum has great experiences and thoughts. We're all here with you!! 😁
Metaprolol is a beta-blocking drug related to propranolol, used to treat hypertension and angina.
Heart failure is a frightening phrase but If you have heart failure, it does not mean your heart is about to stop working. It means your heart needs some support to do its job, usually in the form of medicines as it is not pumping blood around efficiently.
told heart attack not heart failure..scary
Hi Stuart, I recommend googling 'Legacy PI throws down gauntlet to US physicians'.
A medscape page should come up at the top of your search results.
Scroll down, There is a 15 min clip that's well worth watching (well I think it is).
Last month I wasn't in AF and could cycle 20 miles. The last time I went out, earlier thsi month, I struggled with any sort of incline so I knew then there was something wrong.
Sian,
Many thnaks for the detailed reply. I have read alot of information over the past few days and there is a lot to take in. I suppose I'm just looking at others experiences in how they have adjusted their life style. The messages I have had back indicate that alot of people are able to stay in sinus by knowing their triggers or through medication. I'm worried that i'm stuck in AF and at risk of a stroke. I'm not on blood thinners as I didn't meet the diagnostic criteria - I was too young!
Many thanks for the reply and comments. I'm looking forward to seeing the consultant so I can chat through my options.
Do you stay in AF long after getting cold etc? How do you get back to sinus? I've never been that fond of toblerone!
Good luck with the op
Many thanks - i'll have alook
I'm on Metaprolol, used to control my AF.
Thanks for the reply Mick. I will try not to worry, but as you say it is not easy!