AFIB and Breo Inhaler

[Kjab]

Hi: I had cardiac ablation 6 weeks ago and have suddenly developed breathing problems. I went to a pulmonary doctor this morning and she has prescribed Breo Ellipta inhaler. Is there anyone here who is using this medication? Should I worry about going back into AFIB on this? Thank you

[rosyG]

I would ask also where you had your ablation (unless you have already done this) as can have pulmonary complications some time after ablation- just check to be sure

[BobD Volunteer]

Why did you not go back and ask your EP about this? Wheezing at 6 to 8 weeks is not unknown from my experience and I suspect caused by a slight amount of pulmonary stenosis. Frankly I would not take anything my EP had not prescribed.

[Kjab in reply to BobD]

I did ask my EP and I even saw him for an appointment. He said that he did not believe it had anything to do with the ablation and suggested I see the pulmonary doctor. She took me off Spiriva (which my regular cardiologist had put me on) and put me on this. She also gave me an antibiotic to take for 10 days.

Can you tell me more about your experience with the wheezing and coughing? It developed out of the blue. There's no way I can get through to the EP to ask about the Breo inhaler... takes days if then. But the pulmonary doctor does know my history about the ablation. I just very nervous about hurting my heart.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Kjab]

Like I said three ablations and had wheezing problems at around six to eight weeks with all. Settled eventually. We are all different and few EPs have had ablations.

[Goldfish_]

It does contain a long acting beta agonist which will stimulate the heart as a side effect, which in theory could affect af , but this will need to be balanced against your respiratory problems . Your spiriva also is a cardiac stimulant so I doubt this will be very different. I wouldn't bother worrying about it though as the worry could precipitate your af!

[Kjab in reply to Goldfish_]

Thank you Goldfish - you are a sensible person with calming advice. Here's a big hug for you!

[Kjab]

I haven't been okay for 7 years (I wish!), I just had my ablation done in July which is why I'm nervous about this Breo.

[Buffafly in reply to Kjab]

I used to go into AF when I got breathless so using a combined inhaler was the best option. It is better to use one puff of a combi (steroid and bronchodilator) than two puffs or more of a bronchodilator because bronchodilators do stimulate the heart (like adrenaline). Also the steroid has a cumulative effect which makes the tubes less sensitive so less medication is needed. It is dangerous NOT to use your inhaler as prescribed 😨 !

[Kjab in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you for taking the time to help me! I think you're right and I'm going to use it again tomorrow. I feel less nervous about it.

[Buffafly in reply to Kjab]

😌

[Jonathan_C]

Hi - for what is worth, I have found any AF meds I take seem to affect my asthma (which is only exercise induced), especially the beta blockers I am on now. Surprisingly I have not found much about this on the web. I have put questions on this forum and someone tried to help but even though they spent a lot of time doing web searches couldn't find anything conclusive (BTW i really appreciated that persons help, it may have been Bobd).

This actually surprises me considering that ablations target the pulmonary nerve endings in the heart (please correct if I am wrong, which I think I am but I know I am not completely wrong!).

[Kjab in reply to Jonathan_C]

Bobd is the best, I agree! I am only on Eliquis since my ablation back in July of this year, but I've been told to use Flecainide as a PIP if I go into Afib. That drug killed me while I was on it, by the way. I am just so confused because three doctors (family doctor, the PE who did my ablation, and my regular cardiologist who monitors my cholesterol, etc. ) all said I have asthma. Out of the blue? Just starts up one morning with no warning? I highly doubt it. And I passed the tests the pulmonary doctor gave me for lung capacity, etc. She gave me the Breo anyway and also gave me an antibiotic. Who do you trust? Ugh.

[Jonathan_C in reply to Kjab]

I have always thought my asthma was a symptom of my heart issues (valve) and only realised it was asthma last year. i went to a pulmonologist. I had x-rays and spent about 2 hours doing tests and i didn't see anything that gave any evidence of my asthma .... so ja, thats how asthma is. it could go away as suddenly as it appeared.

[Polski in reply to Jonathan_C]

It is known that bisoprolol shouldn't be taken by people with asthma. I think there are other beta-blockers which are OK.

[Kjab]

Hi Polski: I hate to sound stupid, but what is bisoprolol? Is that Eliquis?