Breathlessness

[Stucoo]

Hi, I'm in persistent AF and have been on 2.5mg of Bisoprolol since diagnosis in May. Over the last few days I have experienced episodes of what I can only describe as breathlessness. I can walk distances OK, but get a feeling of not being able to get a full breath when I'm sitting at my desk at work. Is this something to do with the Bisoprolol or the AF? I'm due to have a cardio version in about 10 days time and had a pre-assessment this week and mentioned it to the nurse. She was unconcerned and thought it was the AF - I was fine at the time.

I also started Apixaban a month or so ago.

I have suffered from anxiety in the past and I admit I am worried about the upcoming cardio version coupled with my and my dog being very ill, so I have a lot on my mind at the moment.

Thanks,

Stuart

[BobD Volunteer]

Stuart, anxiety and AF go hand in hand I'm afraid but one thing I can tell you is that there is nothing to worry about re the cardioversion. OK yes they tell you all the things that might go wrong but mainly so your relatives can't sue them . ha ha. The breathing thing may well be the AF but it can also be the bisporolol. Anybody with asthma should never take beta blockers for those reason and even those never diagnosed with it can suffer increased breathlessness on such drugs.

Try to relax and go with the flow. I'm sure you will feel better after the DCCV.

[MisUse]

Not sure where you live, but pollen and humidity and pollution have affected me dreadfully over the last few weeks. Pollen has been V high, as has humidity so that may have had some effect on you. Wednesday was a particularly bad day, felt as though I could not get any air all day, but better the next day, although always breathless. Hope you feel a bit better soon Jean

[Stucoo]

Thanks for your replies Bob & Misuse. Really could be anything; I was out last night with friends and was fine. One of my friends i met with with last night , who i haven't seen for a few months is a paramedic and said I was really young to have AF but I should be thankful that I've been diagnosed and being treated.

[teach2learn]

I found myself feeling breathless at odd times when in AF, as well. Even now, after successful ablation (something you should consider if/when the cardioversion fails) I will have an odd coughing or breathless sensation when I bend over! I forgot to ask doc about this at my last followup. I hope the cardioversion works well for you. As for age, my nephew in his early 30s has afib and already undergone ablation, so it happens.