AF with Warfarin and Bisoprolol.

[Solara]

Diagnosed a year ago with a blood reading of 1.1 so was put on warfarin and bisoprolol. All ok until a couple of months ago when the symptoms increased in length and frequency. How is it I am taking bisoprolol 1.25 mg but still getting attacks several times a day? Go increased the dose to 2.5 but had to come off it as I nearly passed out on a couple of occasions. I can cope with all this if I only knew what was happening to the heart and is there damage being done.

[BobD Volunteer]

Bisoprolol is a beta blocker to reduce heart rate when in AF and has no anti-arrhythmic value so will not stop episodes happening. You need to see a specialist in arrhythmia and work out a sensible treatment plan since your current doctor does not seem to be helping you. . Great that you are on anticoagulation to help prevent AF related stroke.

[Solara in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob for your reply. You have answered my worry. I must add that I have had nothing but prompt attention from my GP. The fault is mine as I didn't quite understand, and never asked him the same question I asked you. Having read some of the posts regarding the problems of getting on warfarin, I was lucky my medical centre acted so rapidly. My gp had me an appointment at the heart specialist within a very short time. Many thanks again.

[starry-eyes]

As Bob says, you need to see an arrhythmia specialist because GPs don't start prescribing anti-arrhythmic drugs and you might need further tests. You might also ask about the newer anticoagulation drugs. It's all about informed choice.

[nettecologne]

With me Bisoprolol or any betablocker taken constantly makes AF worse. It makes the number of receptors in your heart go up while blocking them at the same time. I use betablockers as PIP and do better that way.