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Atrial fibrillation and fast heart rate , side effects of bisoprolol and amioderone

Posted , 13 users are following.

Startreknewf
Startreknewf

I am so pleased to have found this site and hope to get some useful advice from fellow sufferers of atrial fibrillation and fast heart rate. Last August I was so concerned about being breathless that I saw an out of hours GP who said it was asthma and gave me antibiotics and steroids . I finished the courses of both with no difference in how I felt so was given two more courses of steroids (done by my GP over the phone) . By November I was no better and saw my doctor who said my heart rate was 155 beats a minute and there was also an arrythmia .An ECG followed and I was sent at once to hospital where further tests were done over the next three days as an in patient. Atrial fib and fast heart rate were again diagnosed and I was started on Diltiazem and warfarin treatment. The swelling in my legs was a real problem in the weeks following so my GP cut the Diltiazem dose in half. The cardiologist said that in six weeks they would do a Cardioversion which happened in mid December so would continue on the Diltiazem and Warfarin . I was also taking Valsartan Hydrochlorothiaxide 160mg daily for my BP ( long term for years) . Unfortunately the Cardioversion failed so I have just seen the cardiologist who has changed my medication four days ago from Diltiazem to  beta blocker Bisoprolol ( 2.5mg twice  a day ) and amioderone , an anti arrhythmic drug , (200mg three times a day for one week, then two daily for a week, then one daily from then on). I also take Warfarin and Valsartan . He didn't talk about the impact or side effects of these new drugs, and was dismissive of my concerns about amioderone saying it took years for side effects to be a problem. He said they will not be doing another Cardioversion but will control my problems with the medication. However, my breathlessness is worse , I feel so tired, my chest and whole body feels heavy and weighed down and even a short walk or climbing up stairs is a major undertaking - not easy when I have dogs to walk . I already have a substantial weight problem and am seeing a kidney specialist next week since my GP is concerned about recent kidney function tests. Frankly , I am not surprised since all this medication must be affecting the kidneys. I desperately need some informed advice about how to get my life back. An added complication is that I am judging dogs at Crufts in March and can't see how I will manage that when I will need to be on my feet for hours going over dogs. I appreciate the fact that treatment can not be immediate and am very grateful that it's free here in the UK but need someone to take an overview and coordinate the effects of the medication and choices I may have . 

0 likes, 38 replies

38 Replies

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  • charles67285
    charles67285 Startreknewf

    Posted

    You cannot beat what my cardio chap did , he put a pacemaker in for me so only one blood pressure tablet and one anticoagulant tablet per day, never felt better like this in years
    • Startreknewf
      Startreknewf charles67285

      Posted

      Yes, I am wondering if ultimately a pacemaker is the solution, but no one has suggested this yet .Perhaps at 68 they want to wait ? Since I was only diagnosed in November I suppose they want to try medication first. 
    • billhopefull
      billhopefull charles67285

      Posted

      I would echo Charles's comments with regard to having a pacemaker.

      I was given one to counter apnea which it has but also improved my quality of life a lot. I had mine fitted when I was 73

      I do know a lady who had one fitted when she was 86 and she celebrates her 93rd birthday on 14 February. Incidentally she has suffered from af for 52 years!

  • elizabeth_12
    elizabeth_12 Startreknewf

    Posted

    I too had a pulse rate of 150 BPM when I went to my GP 4 yrs ago. After ECG he confirmed I had A/F. I was put on bisoprolol increased to 10 mg, rampril and aspirin. I had lots of bad side effects but my GP would not change my meds. I saw a cardiologist last year ( very unhelpful,no discussion) and was prescribed digoxin and warfarin. My New GP discussed my concerns,changed the biso to atenanol ,did not prescribe digoxin( I'd read about it's effects and it needs monitoring). No warfarin either at my request. Since then,the atenolol was increased...more weakness,could hardly stand or walk...same as biso, and I had blindness in my right eye. I was checked at the hospital and all was clear but the doc thought it best to treat it as a TIA. As a result, I now take anti coagulant rivaroxiban..no side effects or monitoring needed . My GP has since left. I've had a recent appt at yet another new GP,check up. I asked her if I could reduce the atenolol... She ok'd it but warned that the AF would be worse! After 2 weeks of lowering it to 25 mg..what a difference. AF pulse rate is much the same peaking at 107bpm,blood pressure is much the same,but my legs are stronger and safer..not as wobbly when I stand. My head is clearer,no horrible dreams,feet and hands not as cold and I don't wake up in the night to numb hands! I'm feeling lots better,but still concerned that I've done the right thing. I m going to try this for a few months and go back to see her. My last blood test showed I was on the point of type 2 diabetes. I asked if the beta blocker could affect my sugar levels. Her answer was no,but I've researched the beta blocker and it can increase blood sugar levels but can also lower it! My experience isn't good. I don't feel confident with any of my GP s,because when I've raised concerns I don't think that they've been addressed. I've had no explanation of my side effects which have had me in worried sick. I've read info on this forum ,which has given me the power to question,even if my questions at my Gps isn't answered. This forum is a life line. You're exactly right we need these meds to be monitored,recorded and coordinated. I'm with you all the way.
    • Startreknewf
      Startreknewf elizabeth_12

      Posted

      Hi Elizabeth, yes, you are absolutely right about lack of coordination between consultant and GP. It is easy for my cardiologist to see me once , weeks after my original sudden admission to hospital but otherwise everything is left to the GPs and my own GP admits this is not his area of expertise. Because my kidney function readings have declined my GP decided to change my Valsartan Hydrochlorothiazide , which contained a diuretic to Losartan which has no diuretic. Within days I was swollen and putting on weight at a great rate- over half a stone in 3 days. I took myself back to the GP and asked to go back on my original tablets but he remains unconvinced. So I actually went back on the Valsartan since I had a few weeks left, and I have now managed to get rid of a fair bit of excess fluid. However , I see the kidney specialist this week so I am not sure what will happen next. On top of that, the cardiologist decides to put me on two new drugs at the same time ,with no guidance as to side effects . So again my GP has made the decision himself to take me off the bisopropil and monitor the amioderone himself. I accept that in fact my doctors are doing their best, but it is very worrying coping with all this stuff by yourself. This is why this Forum is brilliant . You get the chance to discuss your treatment with other people who have experienced similar problems.
  • Startreknewf
    Startreknewf

    Posted

    Well, turns out that the reason for my poor kidney function tests is the atrial fibrillation which is affecting the oxygen levels in my blood.sothe kidneys are not working effectively. Struggling at the moment - at night I feel the fibrillation more and this morning I was sure my heart rate was really fast. I even thought about contacting my GP but it's tricky since when I saw him last week he suggested doubling the amioderone from 200mg a day to 400 mg in two doses. I haven't done this because I am concerned about the side effects of this drug but it is obvious that it isn't effectively   sorting my problem of fast heart and fibrillation. My GP also considered putting me back on Diltiazem which I was on from Octoberto January, before the cardiologist put me on the amioderone and bisopropil  which I reacted badly to . But he seemed worried about the interaction between the Diltiazem and amioderone. I also take valsartan for my blood pressure. I am going next week for a second opinion with a private consultant at Glenfield Hospital , Leicester . Hope to get some help there. 
    • billhopefull
      billhopefull Startreknewf

      Posted

      When I was on amiodorone the Consultant ensured I had checks for liver, kidney and ? every month. I do not understand the lack of coordination between your GP and the Consultant it is foreign to me. Also concerned at the GP's advice given his stated level of knowledge.

      If possible would recommend  you seek advice from a "recognised" Cardiac consultant. Best of luck with your "new" consultant

    • elizabeth_12
      elizabeth_12 Startreknewf

      Posted

      I hope you get full and reasoned answers to your concerns. It really is not good enough to have to live with this awful health problem and not be able to find a solution or care plan in place,by GP or cardio doc. I can't get any discussion going because my Gps all 4 that I've seen over the past 4 years will not listen. I've ended up thinking that the side effects were due to being overweight and bad posture. Thankfully this site has reassured me that I'm not going round the bend!

        I'm now cutting back on atenolol...50 down to 25 . For the past month...what a difference. More energy,my head is clearer,I can walk! However.ive been having,fuzzy heads,adrenaline rushes.and nervous feelings. According to stuff I've read online,it's very difficult to get off beta blockers. My BP seems ok...not exactly sure,buts it's much the same as before,110/79 HR 89! I'm hoping that I can get through and stop the atenolol completely. Who knows what to do after that!

      have you seen the treatment for AF abalation using a freezing technique? It's carried out in one of the London hospitals,takes about 1 hour, 3 hours in hospital to check you out and then you're allowed home. Success rates are much higher...think it was over 80% as against 50 % using normal technique. Maybe you could ask your cardio doc about it. Good luck with the consultation. Let us all know how you get on.

    • Pam143
      Pam143 elizabeth_12

      Posted

      Elizabeth - do you know which London hospital performs these freezing technique ablations?
    • elizabeth_12
      elizabeth_12 Pam143

      Posted

      Sorry but I can't remember where I read  about it. I've googled for the info...not easy to find,but look at Barts hospital and London Bridge. I will continue to look out the info for you. Also chech through health boards online for info. 

      I was wondering if the Liverpool heart and chest hospital offer this treatment? 

      Let me know if you find out any info.

    • Pam143
      Pam143 elizabeth_12

      Posted

      Thanks, Elizabeth.  Will have a search myself, too and report back if I find anything!
    • elizabeth_12
      elizabeth_12 Pam143

      Posted

      I've found the article. It was in the daily mail . Go online daily mail ...health  there will be various articles come up.  Look for...How a touch of frost ....atrial fibrillation. It gives a full account of one persons experience and it was done at St Barts hospital in London. It looks amazing,but I'm scared stiff and also I live out in the sticks in Cumbria. Hope this helps you.
    • Pam143
      Pam143 elizabeth_12

      Posted

      Thanks for this, Elizabeth.  Can understand your feelings, I have them, too!  Beta blockers seem to be a no no for me, nasty side effects with all of them, and the consultant said an ablation would be the next line to take.  I, too, live out in the sticks, in Lincolnshire.  Perhaps you and I should go to Barts together and offer mutual support!  Wonder if you can choose to go out of area?
    • derek76
      derek76 Pam143

      Posted

      You can choose to go out of your area. When I lived in Edinburgh I chose to go to Newcastle for a better prostate surgery than available in Scotland.

      A friend in the Highlands asked to be referred to Kings College in London. They even paid his travel expenses and accommodation.

      I actually spoke to Barts about a new blood pressure trial about four years ago. All the places had gone but they did offer me the chance of attending their Hypertension refferal centre. As I live in Sussex I did not take them up on it.

  • Stokie1
    Stokie1 Startreknewf

    Posted

    Thank you for your reply. I have seen my GP today who fully understood tthe trouble I am in with taking Amiodarone. He has advised me to take half a tablet and will see me next week to check if my symptoms have improved. He is going to write to the Consultant re this and he has advised that a pace maker would be the solution to my problems. At last someone that seems to understand and advise.
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