Tachycardia and Ivabradine

Posted , 4 users are following.

I am a 25 years old female. I've been dealing with tachycardia for the past two years. I am not sure where to post this so, bear with me.

I had several ecgs done, 24 hours Holter monitoring, and echocardiography which ruled out any heart condition. I am otherwise healthy.

My resting rate is constantly 90-115 bpm. It spikes up to 130-140 during my walks.

Cardiologist prescribed me ivabradine 5mg/2 times a day. I've been taking it for 5 days and heart resting rate has lowered at around 80 bpm on average, and 60 bpm while sleeping, which is good.

However, I feel like stopping it because I started having this feeling of breathlessness, dyspnea, mainly at rest.

Is it possible in any way that I am not used to a lower HR, hence 'needing less hair' hence the dyspnea?

I am used to palpitations and high resting rate so, I feel like I could live with it; question is, can I live with it? If so, should I limit physical activity in any way?

Thanks in advance to anyone who might have a clue.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Morphine is a bad idea.

    • Posted

      Morphine? Mind to elaborate? I am not taking any other medication, a part from an iron supplement, nor drugs of any kind. I barely drink coffee.
  • Posted

    I was on a very small dose of Beta-Blockers, as an ex-racing cyclist, my at rest heart beat was quite low anyway, went down to 40 on the beta-blockers, but one of the reasons (I have stopped taking them was becuase it make me feel "like my lungs no longer work". A wopman at work, without prompting, claimed she felt like "her lungs didnt work", when she was on beta-blockers. 

    • Posted

      I tried beta blockers in the past but could not tolerate even the smallest dose because it also lowers blood pressure. I had the same feeling of breathlessness. At least I am not imagining it.

      The current medication (ivabradine) is not a beta blocker - works on the 'natural pacemaker' lowering heart rate. That said, the side effects should not be worse than the actual gain.. Hopefully things will settle and I won't have dyspnea too often. Still, in a perfect world I'd rather keep the tachycardia.. Thanks for the insight.

  • Posted

    I  have had ivabradine for a few years now and take 2.5 once a day. I feel you need to go back to your doctor and tell them how you are feeling.  I believe the heartbeat shouldn't go below 70 when taking it, so measure blood pressure before taking. Hope this helps but don't just stop taking it. 

    • Posted

      I monitor heart rate with one of those pulsometer watches so I feel tranquil about it - it never goes under 70. I won't stop taking it but I'll surely talk to my doctor and possibly have the dosage adjusted over time. Good to know 2.5 once a day works for someone, perhaps it'll be enough for me, too. Thanks Bethy for the helpful answer!

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.