AF question

[Rocket1974]

Hi I have been advised that I had an AF episode and the doctors carried out an emergency cardioversion. This was five days ago and I still feel tired and have big dizzy spells.

Can any one offer advise on us this normal ?

[CDreamer]

Are you monitoring yourself regarding BP, HR & Rythm?

[Rocket1974 in reply to CDreamer]

Heart Rhythm is ok but he dizziness comes and goes although I feel tired all the time ?

[Hidden in reply to Rocket1974]

Did they put you on any medication?

[Rocket1974 in reply to Hidden]

Yes bisoprol ? 5mg per day

[Hidden in reply to Rocket1974]

That could be the issue. It is a beta blocker which slows down your heart - it can cause tiredness and dizziness especially if your resting rate is very low. It can take a bit of time to get use to it but if you don't there are different drugs to try or a reduction in the dosage may help. I would make an appointment to see your GP to discuss it if it doesn't improve soon.

[Rocket1974 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that. I have taken them at night in instructions from pharmacist.

I will give them a bit longer to see. It does help if I eat when feeling dizzy but that will just lead to me eating all the time. 😂

I was thinking it was the AF again but probably the drugs

[Hidden in reply to Rocket1974]

I hope you get it sorted - good luck!

[rosyG in reply to Rocket1974]

lots of people on here have said it doesn't suit them and have changed to a different drug so don't suffer too long!!

[Hidden]

I would recommend that you take your pulse and see if it still has a regular beat. It maybe that your heart has gone back to AF. Can you contact the department that did the cardio version to gain some advice.

[CaroleF]

You could try splitting the bisoprolol dose into 2 using a pill-splitter (not expensive, from the pharmacy) and taking half at night and half in the morning. I did that with GP consent and found the side effects I experienced when on bisoprolol were not as acute. Happily (for me!) it didn't make me dizzy, but all my 'oomph' got up and went. (+freezing cold hands, legs like lead, weight gain)

Tiredness and dizziness are known side effects of bisoprolol.

[Hidden]

When I was first diagnosed, I was prescribed Bisoprolol, but I started on 1.25 mg and was gradually increased to 3.75 mg which I believe is the recommended process. A bit late now, but it's highly likely that it's Bisoprolol that's causing your tiredness. For many, this can improve over time, but if not, there are alternative beta-blockers and also calcium channel blockers, such as Diltiazem, which may be better for you. Generally, these need to be prescribed by a cardiologist/electrophysiologist, but if you have access to an Arrythmia nurse, it might be worth asking the question.....good luck, John

[Annekw]

I couldn't cope with Bisoprapol 2-5mgs and my Gp cut it to 1-25 mgs- no problems now!

He did not recommend cutting tablets in half- gave me a new prescription.

[Rocket1974]

Well my GP has agreed to drop me to 2.5mg from the original 5mg !! Here's hoping it gets better

[Hidden in reply to Rocket1974]

Excellent - I hope things improve. It may take a while to settle it won't necessarily be instant.

[Rocket1974]

So far so good with the drop in meds. Although still feel irritable at times ?

My wife says she feels like she has her husband back !!

Due to see consultant for first time on Tuesday so here is hoping although my pulse had not changed or jumped out of time. I lucky to have private med insurance at work so have been able to get through the system quickly.

Question is what tests will they do does anyone know ?

Thanks as always for the tremendous help from all contributors to the site 😀