beta blockers

[Blooto]

years ago when I first started having infrequent AF attacks the medics put me on betablockers. My AF seemd to worsen quite quickly and I suspect/wonder if the drugs actually make it worse. Trouble is its not something you can prove as you dont know what would have happened without any drugs.

[BobD Volunteer]

Blooto, AF begets AF is an oft used phase. The more you have it the more you will get it. This is why many EPs favour early ablation to stop it in it's tracks. I doubt it is the drugs.

[mumknowsbest Volunteer]

Hi Blooto

I agree with Bob, I am afraid some people only seem to have it infrequently others it just seems to gallop on. I too doubt very much its the drugs

[TheStand]

Blooto,

I don't think the beta blockers are to blame for the increase in attacks. As stated above, AF is a progressive condition and can increase in severity and frequency quite fast.

One thing to keep in mind though is that beta blockers do not stop the attacks from happening. They just slow down the heart so the attacks are not quite as bad. To stop or reduce the frequency of attacks either Rhythm Control meds or a procedure like ablation is required. Even using rhythm control meds will not last forever. As the AF progresses larger dosages or stronger meds will be required and can lead to a permanent or persistent form or AF. For many the best approach is one of the procedures to try and stop the AF early.

Tim

[Terjo]

I must query this as I've felt one hundred percent better after coming off bbs there's no norm everyone's different. I was on beta blockers for about ten years and kept asking to come of them but only managed this when I had a bad dose of flu last Christmas and the dr said not to bother with them as I was on antibiotics I felt so much better and was able to taste my food and lots of things improved after this the doctor agreed to let me stay off them. Until we saw how things were going. I'm having the best summer ever and just hoping my luck lasts.

We're going to London next week and seeing the family again. Flower show, galleries and lots of talking! Must keep up with my breathing I'm taking my resperate machine with me

Hope you feel ok Blooto and get on with your meds. Terjo

[xfrack]

When I had the AF episode in March which hospitalised me, my consultant changed my medication from the beta blocker, Sotalol , to the beta blocker, Bisoprolol. Apparently the Sotalol increased the duration of the p to q interval on the ECG which allowed in extra beats.

You may get on better with a different beta blocker.

It is not acceptable that you have a medication that makes the symptoms worse..

Have you tried avoiding the triggers and controlling AFs with breathing techniques and sipping ice-cold water.?

[amanda26]

hi,

i dont think it could be the tablets. but to be honest they didnt work at all for me!!!

it could be that ur suffering from AF and there not working for u neither and it seems there making it worse.

go and see ur doctor, i was changed to flexanide

[purple]

I am on my 4th kind of beta blocker and all have given me side effects. The latest, carvedilol seems to cause headaches & flashing lights migraine, this is on the lowest dose half of what the consultant expects me to take. Other problems with bb's have been cramp/tetany in toes and fingers, Constipation & stomach pain, depression & irritablility, nightmares, dreams, frequent waking in night, pains in fingers & toes. Don't know what the alternative is since the consultant seems to think I do need them to keep me safe. Any ideas?