Water . . .

[Finvola]

My AF has been suppressed for some time by Flecainide with a small amount of Bisoprolol and I have good quality of life and fairly good energy levels - until 3 or 4 days ago. The breathlessness, tight chest, lowered BP and wobbly legs returned but AliveCor repeatedly reported that all was normal. and I could feel no abnormal rhythm. Yesterday I tried to clean a window but had to give up, exhausted.

So, had a glass of water - and realization hit - dehydration?!?! Over the next few hours I guzzled 2 litres of water and gradually the symptoms went away. I assumed my water intake was OK and the weather here has been perishingly cold for weeks, so I was quite surprised.

I've certainly learned to take nothing for granted and thought I would share the experience, in case it can help someone else.

[Hidden]

Found this too Finvola, I've had to drink loads more water since started taking

bisoprolol and flecainide. Not sure why but if I feel a bit 'off' I drink loads of water and usually feel better in an hour or two.

[Chris147]

I have read alot about dehydration and read that if you are thirsty you are aleady dehydrated. So i have increased my fluid in take and like you am on flecainide and bisoprolol and also amlodopine warfarin and statins so i guessed this must affect your body. I was exhausted most of the time. So i just carry a litre bottle of water and fill it up. I drink water before bed and water when i wake up ditched the tea one or two a day no coffee no alcohol not coke. No symptoms! Also i read about heart attack and stating that keeping dehydrated is a preventative measure. Anyway good to read your post and interesting to learn you are feeling the benefits good to share. Best wishes Chris

[cyrilbarnes in reply to Chris147]

Chris,

I assume you meant keeping 'hydrated' is a preventative measure against heart attacks!

[CTG99]

The link between dehydration and AF, and the need to drink water was one of the takeaways from the AF Patients' Day last year. Unfortunately I'm still not very good at drinking more, but I know I should!

Caroline

[Runcrans]

Hi , I too feel quite ok on the bisoprolol and flec three months after starting it and feeling rubbish for months , now it's settled in I get a week now and again where I have no energy at all and really struggle also a thick head , I too never drink too much fluid never have maybe this could be my problem too cheers Paul

[gardenome]

I am aware of this too and find a sachet of Dioralyte helps balance the electrolytes when I have been dehydrated through forgetting to drink enough water

[cassie46]

I always drink at least 2 litres of water aday, cardic nurse reco mended this. I have permanent af and few symtoms but one is when ticker not working to well I retain fluid and it all kicks off. But my cardiac nurse always tells me to keep well hydrated. I always go out with a small bottle of water in my bag and often find if a feel a bit wobbly (sometimes happens) I drink some water and it helps a great deal. If I'm sitting wathcing telly I always have a large glass of water beside me from which I sip regulary. Also at night I have water readily available, I often wake up very thirsty, think it is a lot to do with some of the meds I take.