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[Beckyr86]

Hi everyone I have a chd and after two surgeries as a child I've been symptom free for 18 years. In may this year I had two very frightening episodes which I now know were because of an atrial flutter, since those episodes I've felt awful, I finally got an appointment with my cardiologist on the 8th June who diagnosed the flutter, I'm now on 5mg of bisoprolol and warfarin as I await a cardioversion and an appointment with a new doctor to discuss an ablation. Problem is I still feel awful still and the anticoagulant isn't working so I'm a long way from my cardioversion still, is it normal to still have lots of palpatations while taking the beta blocker? My cardiologist made me think they would stop. I would appreciate any tips or advice thank you

[rosyG]

I wonder what you mean about the anti-coagulation- are you on warfarin and you are not in range yet? It does take some time to get in range for some people. The clinic should be helping by adjusting doses for you.

Bisoprolol won't stop palpitations but reduces the heart rate so it should help you to feel a bit better - however, there are alternatives that suit some people better so go back to your doctor and discuss this, saying how bad you are feeling. It can take time to get sorted out but you will get there!! I hope you feel better soon. let us know how you get on

[Beckyr86 in reply to rosyG]

Sorry yes I'm not in range, it's been 5 weeks and my inr is still 1.0 my cardiologist originally told me that I'd have my cardioversion 6 weeks after starting warfarin but obviously that isn't the case.

I will go and see my GP and discuss possibly trying a different beta blocker or trying a higher dose as the past few days I've felt like I did before starting them.

Thanks for replying

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Beckyr86]

You normally need to be in INR range 2 to 3 for at least four weeks prior to cardioversion. You need to push the clinic to up the dose if nothing has changed.We all metabolise warfarin at different rates so the dose is not relevant. All that matters is the resulting INR. I manage to stay stable on 4.5 mg but know people who take 15 or more to get there. Be proactive and bang some tables.

[Beckyr86 in reply to BobD]

They are upping the dose every week. I'm currently on 6mg but haven't had any change at all so far from my original 1.0 my nurse says they have to follow the algorithm when upping the dose

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Becky, sorry to hear you are still feeling awful despite taking Bisoprolol. That drug never helped me at all and it was like I'd never even taken a pill, but Metoprolol really helped. If you have been on Bisoprolol for several weeks and it hasn't made a change to your heart rate I would see your GP and ask if you could try something different.

Best wishes.

Jean

[Beckyr86 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you Jean, it seemed to work for a week then stopped so they doubled the dose but again after a week the palpations were back, since Saturday though my heart is once again bouncing around my chest and I'm exhausted I'm going to phone the specialist nurse tomorrow and see what she says. I'm awaiting an appointment with an electrophysiologist so I'm hoping he may be more helpful.

[Flaka in reply to Beckyr86]

I am taking Coreg after taking a couple others that didn't seem to work. Coreg works great for me with no side effects that I am aware of.

[jeanjeannie50]

I think that's a really good idea to ring the specialist nurse. I've done that many times. Good luck in finding something that helps. Be aware that a lot of drugs that are more efficient can only be prescribed by an EP.

Best wishes

Jean

[MtLSteven]

Don't forget your local Pharmacist. Arranging a 121 with them to discuss your prescription and possible alternatives may give you confidence in discussions with the GP.