Just Diagnosed

Posted , 12 users are following.

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

1 like, 66 replies

66 Replies

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  • Posted

    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.

  • Posted

    I have been told that it weakens the heart and can lead to heart failure.
    • Posted

      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.
  • Posted

    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

    • Posted

      Thanks for the reply Mick. I will try not to worry, but as you say it is not easy!
    • Posted

      Since taking the medication my resating pulse is around 54-60 BPM. Is this normal? It's never been so low.
    • Posted

      Hi Stuart,

      I am on bisoporol 1.25mg my  pulse rate hovers between 55-65 as Sian says that is better than anything over 100bpm.but anything below 40 needs looking at.

      my GP told me that the beta blocker is actually good for your heart.

      there are so many different types of heart rythmn problems my sister gets the palpitations every day but all her tests have shown its not AF and they have told her its nothing to be concerned about so she lives with hers with no medication, who would be a doctor so much to know.

      L.

    • Posted

      What did it used to be? 60/80 is regarded as the norm. Fitter people sportsmen and athletes often have heart rates in the low 40's. My doctor who runs marathons is quite proud of his 40's heat rate.

      Mine was always low in the mid 40's at least since 2000 after becoming hypertensive and getting a BP monitor. Then it showed irregular beats but at that time they were etopic beats with AF not starting until 2012. I was told last year that I needed a pacemaker because I was having 3.5 second gaps between beats for 15% of the time. That though seems to be debateable as the technichian who checks my pacemaker said that was not too bad and probably only happened while I was asleep.

  • Posted

    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!! 😁
    • Posted

      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 

    • Posted

      My episodes last anything from 4hrs up to 26. Ive been to a&e just once - right in the beginning before i was diagnosed. My pulse that time ranged from 120-158 or so, and i thought my heart was going to explode out of my throat!! Lasted about 4hrs, and that was the first time they loaded me with beta blockers. I was told to "take these for the rest of your life" to which i politely said "erm....no thanks, think i need to know whats going on first" (that went down well you can imagine!). It was a year later before things got bad enough to send me back to the doc for more tests, and now, a further year on, im heading in for second op. Total since first episodes is 3yrs now. My consultant was not happy i hadnt been given thinners considering the length of my episodes and related stroke risk because of that. I said my age, general health good etc. He feels the risk is still there, so thinners i take. If you are offered, check them out. The "new" type with "no" antidote for bleeds are easy and no fuss, and once i got past the first few days of bodu adjustment, ive been fine. Also, i understand that when you do eventually stop them, your risks of issues are less than with warfarin. Read up around all of that. My doc felt that due to my age and overall good health, ablation to aim to reslove was the route. Im with that, as the effects of the PAF are so debilitating and exhausting for me when having episode after episode. Ive had 25hr, 7day, full month of halter monitors to catch episodes,an echo and more ECG's than i care to count, but, my care overall has been spot on. Ask questions, research, and keep asking on here. This forum has given me massive reassurance and knowledge about this problem. .........and thank you for the best wishes. Lets hope sll goes well and i can report back soon!
    • Posted

      Oh dear thats funny - toblerone sets it off! What a strange one! 
    • Posted

      Try to ensure that you get a consultant for the first time. They are so busy that too often we end up with as assistant registrar or even a trainee.

      It is rather un-nerving when they keep on leaving the room to seek advice.

      With AF is worthwhile to pay to see an EP (expert on the electrics of the heart) rather than a cardiologist. The first time I saw an EP was when on the table for him to fit my pacemaker.

    • Posted

      Your ECG's print outs probably look like the shape of the Toblerone!
    • Posted

      Luckily i have PMI through my employer, so have an appt. on Tuesday with a cardio consultant. 

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