Newby

[Duncklco]

Hi, new to the community, I have had palpitations and ectopic beats for many years and took a beta blocker for this.

However over time this progressed into AF and after my last episode it has not returned to NSR, I had an ECG last week and GP has started me on Bisoprolol (2.5mg) and Xarelto , it's only been 4 days but I hoped I would have returned to normal.

What are other people's experience of this medication and should I expect results or perhaps a higher dose?

Not seeing Consultant until Feb.

Colin.

[pottypete1]

Welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately whilst Bisoprolol can help it is only a rate control drug not a rhythm control drug.

AF is chaotic irregular rhythm.

Xarlto is an anticoagulant which is designed to minimise the risk of stroke.

If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life severely and if you have been anticoagulated for 4 weeks then talk to your GP about talking to the hospital about a cardioversion.

February is a long time to wait and if you are really feeling bad don’t hesitate to attend A & E.

Having said that AF in itself is not life threatening and if the symptoms are not too bad then you might be happy to wait until your appointment in February.

Pete

[jennydog]

Pete is absolutely correct.

You do not indicate what your heart rate is currently. I also take 2.5 bisoprolol and it cuts my rate from about 80 to 65. 1.25 is the lowest dose, 5 is common and 10 is top daily. I take it at night. It doesn't suit everyone and is notorious for causing tiredness and breathlessness.

If arrhythmia is your main problem then the Cardiologist may well prescribe something like flecainide to take alongside the bisoprolol. GPs can't do that.

Best wishes

[BobD Volunteer]

Bisoprolol is a beta blocker and just slows the heart rate down. It is not an anti arrhythmia drug and sadly only hospitals can prescribe these in the first instance so you are pretty much stuck till you see a consultant. If you have any chest pain , feel faint or pass out then you must go to A and E which may speed things up a little. You would not be able to have a cardioversion for at least a month until the anticoagulant has been in your system a while so just be patient . AF won't kill you but it does change your life. Avoid alcohol. stress. large meals etc and read all you can about this condition from AF Association website.

[KarinaC]

Hi, I suffered my first AF attack at the end of August and after having a cardioversion was sent home with 2.5mg of bisoprolol but as it reduced my heart rate to 48 per minute it was cut to 1.25mg. I had my second AF attack last week, luckily it reset itself after about 36 hours. I'm now on 1.25mg of bisoprolol and 50mg of flecainide. I'm 46 and struggling a bit with the diagnosis. Does anyone know if there are any support groups in the York area?