Control of AF

[A-U-B-Y]

Does Bisoprolol control AF by regulating the heart rate

[Hidden]

As I understand it bisophonol is a beta blocker- it is a rate control drug. It reduces your resting heart rate and reduces it speed when not resting. There are other drugs like flecadide which are rhythm control drugs which helps keep the heart in a sinus rhythm. Bisophonol is taken by people with AF to reduce their fast heart rate especially when in AF. For me (I'm not in AF all the time) I used it as I found it helped me not to go into AF. I think it worked for me as a fast heart rate is a trigger for my AF - exercise, stress etc. This is my understanding and am happy to be corrected!

[A-U-B-Y]

Hi Richard

Thanks for your prompt reply. I also have paroxysmal AF, and I'm wondering could this be just used when having an attack and not on a daily basis as I'm experiencing some not so nice side effects. Prior to being diagnosed I was unaware that I had a fast heart rate

What is a normal resting heart rate

[BobD Volunteer in reply to A-U-B-Y]

Normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 although some people might say 80 as higher number those are the medical definitions. Below 60 is bradycardia above 100 is tachycardia.

For those who are very fit rates down to 50 are acceptable and I once tested a chap with a rate of 36. He was in his 70s and an ex LIfeboat man and perfectly happy with his rate. He laughed like a drain at my face when I took it.

[Hidden in reply to A-U-B-Y]

Hi, as far as I know it is just rhythm control drugs that are used as a pill in the pocket. It may be worth asking your cardiologist to recommend other drugs to try. Mine sent a list to my doctor so I could try a few over time rather than having to wait and see him again before trying others. There are calcium blockers which are similar but these effect your blood vessels making it easier for your heart to pump. This means you don't have that 'limiter' on your heart. I'm on Nebivolol which is a mixture of both and they are working wonders for me - no side effects and no AF - I've got my life back. Normal resting heart is roughly 60. - 80 however this can vary.

[BobD Volunteer]

Bisoprolol is a beta blocker which slows down your heart rate ---- and you for that matter. It is normally the first line of attack for most doctors. Rate control is normally first then rhythm control with a different family of drugs if that doesn't work. There is no right or wrong solution. only what improves quality of life since AF is not something you can usually "cure." .ALL AF treatment is only about improving QOL. By slowing the heart it is hoped that the symptoms of palpitations will be reduced but no beta blocker does anything to stop the AF from happening.

Hope that helps but there is a good booklet on drugs in AF on the main AF Association website if you wish to learn more.

[Mrspat in reply to BobD]

I have a small quibble with the statement that Bisoprolol slows down your heart rate - and you. I've been on 10 mg Bisoprolol for four and a half years, following heart surgery and had pre- existing and post operative AF. Probably due to the surgery and in no way compromised by the Bisoprolol, I can do much more than I could before - swimming, using an exercise bike, walking miles without breathlessness. My resting HR is about 62. I have asymptomatic AF and am only aware of some ectopics.

[A-U-B-Y]

Thanks as always Bob. You have a comprehensive knowledge of AF

AUBY

[A-U-B-Y]

Hi Richard Thanks for the information on the calcium blockers

I had read about them,but I didn't know how they worked.

I have found that I have had no information from my doctors apart from you just must get on with it and don't complain.

Do you and Bob think it would be a good idea for me to see an EP privately, so that my medication can be discussed fully.

Your comments would be appreciated as this illness has hit me for six and I'm still trying to get my head around it as well as coping with the side effects.. I'm trying to remain positive..

Thanks again

[Hidden in reply to A-U-B-Y]

Hi again. Shame about your doctor - just get on with it doesn't get you a quality of life. Keep been positive there is a solution out there. It sounds like it's the side effects of your drugs not your heart causing the symptoms and it's a lot easier to change drugs than it is a heart! It's been four years since I was diagnosed and it is only this last month when I think I feel as close to i did to four years ago before diagnosis. I'm not sure I'll ever feel perfect because the mind will always play a part with anxiety. Finding the solution to AF is a long journey but you do get there in the end. What I have learnt is you need to take control if you don't push and ask questions you don't get. I became very clear when I went to appointments what I wanted to get out of it. Ideally you should be able to go back to your EP and ask to try new drugs. If you can afford to go private it will certainly speed up the process for you. Good luck!

[CDreamer in reply to A-U-B-Y]

It wasn't until I saw an EP privately that I got anywhere at all, and I only did that after finding this forum and attending the AFA annual patient conference.

I couldn't get on with Bisoprolol at all, living with the side effects day in, day out was worse than the AF.

[A-U-B-Y]

Hi Thanks for your advice and kind words. I've only seen a cardiologist once since being discharged from hospital just before Christmas and I was told that apart from my paroxysmal AF my heart was in pretty good shape, that was good news !! However when I mentioned that I was experiencing some side effects , they were dismissed , as no they couldn't be -- nothing to do with the meds and this train of thought has continued with my GP.

Everything is being put down to anxiety!! l appreciate that I have some anxiety but I do know the difference between feeling ill and feeling anxious.,and the main reason I feel anxious is that I have these side effects,

A consultation with an EP has never been mentioned, in fact I did not even know that they existed before I joined this community.

Can you refer yourself to an EP or do you have to go through your GP.

Thanks for listening

AUBY

,

[cuore in reply to A-U-B-Y]

Metoprolol can be compared to Bisoprolol since they are both beta blockers. When I was diagnosed with atrial flutter my GP put me on 25mg of Metoprolol which badly agreed with me, even causing my palpitations to get worse, and my whole body to be sluggish and down. When I next saw my GP, I informed him that I would not take them anymore. When my condition deteriorated to atrial fibrillation , my GP put me on Verapamil which is a calcium channel blocker. From this drug I do not have side effects. So, I would be more vocal about specifically what these side effects are plus their severity: otherwise, your GP and cardiologist may think you are experiencing minor side effects and you will eventually get used to Bisoprolol.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to A-U-B-Y]

Nice guidelines are that if your GP can not control your symptoms within one months then you should be referred to a specialist. This can be an arrhythmia nurse specialist, EP or often a cardiologist but since these are mere plumbers rather than electricians they seldom have full up to date knowledge of the ways forward. You can ask you GP to refer you nut it sounds like he is form the dark ages and will not be too helpful. Find an EP near you (there used to be a list by area on the main AF- Association website) and ring their secretary. It might cost you £150-£200 but well worth it and you won't be shoved out of the door after five minutes. You may need a letter from your GP once you have the appointment.

[A-U-B-Y]

Hi CDreamer, Thanks for your input.I'm inclined to think that it is the Bisoprolol that's causing the side effects, I'm hoping that they will settle down soon, as at the moment they are very trying and very worrying as I don't know what they're doing to my body. I have always had good health and have found this very difficult to deal with.

I intend to consult an EP,so that like you I will be able to see a way forward.

Thanks again

AUBY

[PaulDB]

What side effects are you getting? I've been on bisoprolol for 15 months so far.

[Hidden]

Hi, yes you can ask for a referral. You can also ask for help with your anxiety. I'm in the Leeds area and their system is an online application (doesn't need to go through your GP). For me there was then a follow up meeting and it was recommened I got support with CBT and mindfulness. I haven't looked back and was amazed how much I was constantly aware and anxious of my symptoms it becomes a habit and the training helps break it.

[hirwaun]

It didn't work for me i had terrible side effects. They also tried me on dronederone that also didn't stop my AF. I'm having my second ablation in 4 weeks first one allowed me 6 months wioAF so fingers crossed.

[TonyRands]

I am going to be prescribed bisoprolol by the cardiologist when I have my next cardioversion, as it seems to be a high heart rate which stimulates my af, eg while mowing the lawn. He said he will determine the dose when he has seen what my rate is once I am in sinus after the cv. I believe from the AF society handbook (page 11) that beta blockers can be useful once the heart rate has been returned to normal. I certainly hope so.

[nettecologne]

I take biso or sotalol as pill in pocket when in PAF. Helps with the speed during AF , which is high in my case. Not with the AF, which terminates spontaneously anyway after about 8 hrs. Taking any betablocker continuously does not agree with me and does not prevent AF in my case.

[Hidden]

I hate Bisoprolol but I have to say it does the job and now after 18 months I feel I am starting to tolorate it better.

I take 5mg at night along with my anti coagulant and 5mg in the morning. Maybe it's all in my head but when I take it in the morning I can feel a relaxing my chest. Gives me some comfort that I have some protection.

[Dodie117]

Ask for referral to an EP. You can then discuss your options sensibly including medication type or ablation. I opted for ablation, had it done in November 2013 and so far no more AF!

It is normal to be a bit anxious but you are right to say you know the difference so push for referral. Good luck 🍀

[A-U-B-Y]

To PaulDB

My symptoms are tingling, aching, legs

My face,eyes temple and scalp feel irritated.sometimes burning , sometimes a coldness. This puts my whole body on edge!

Tiredness and lack of energy

Also a feeling of depression and anxiety, for which I am seeing a therapist privately.

I would like to thank you all for your messages of support , invaluable information, and advice

It's good to talk!!

AUBY

[Plai in reply to A-U-B-Y]

Maybe reduce your dose of bisoprolol. I am on the lowest dose. I had nightmares and panic attacks on 2.5. Still waiting for more tests but I don't want to continue on bisoprolol when they have a clear picture of what is going on.

[Jomama]

Had mine two weeks ago and I've always felt and heard my heartbeat, particularly when I'm resting and laying back. Don't forget the heart is irritated now and your rate is probably higher. Will take a bit to settle down as it heals, which can be anywhere from 3months plus. Good luck!