AF has returned - Resting HR 50bpm

[GordonS]

Hi all, my AF has returned 4 weeks ago following a period of 7 years symptom free after a successful ablation. I went to A & E with my HR fluctuating between 120 and 160 bpm for 5 hours. It was brought under control with Bisoprolol 2.5mg (I was previously on Lisinopril to control high blood pressure) and I was allowed home at 90bpm. My resting HR is now around 50 bpm which I think is a bit on the low side but doesn't seem to be causing any problems other than I still seem to be getting AF symptoms most days although not long lasting. I find it most disturbing at bedtime when I try to relax and all I can feel is the slow but heavy heart beat. I have a hospital follow up visit next week. Does anyone else have such a low resting HR?

[doodle68]

Hi Gordon I have a resting heart rate of 50 bpm and am happy with that.

Aged 69 and with P-AF I take beta blockers and read that is a normal hr under the circumstance although we are all different.

I make sure I take some exercise every day usually a number of brisk walks enough to make me breathless and to get my heart rate up .

I guess it depends what is 'normal' for you. If you think it isn't best to speak to your doctor.

[GordonS in reply to doodle68]

Good to know, I am 67 and cycle regularly when my average is more like 120 over a period of 4 hours or so. I just feel a bit uncomfortable at 50 as it used to about 70 before the beta blocker. Just trying to get other peoples views so I can get a wider perspective.

[rosyG]

Hi Gordon,

Seven years is very good- it's worth asking your doctors about future options now- don't leave it so you are too long in AF My resting pulse is in 40s- just watch for effect of beta blockers as dose may need adjusting - doctor will advise

[GordonS in reply to rosyG]

Thanks Rosy, I was thinking of asking to go on a lower dose. Hospital appointment next week. Also taking Warfarin now.

[Hidden]

normally resting pulse is 50 ish on 1.25 mg bisoprolol, now flutter is back its 75 with 2.5mg bisoprolol.

HR when sleeping is 42 bpm ish.

I do feel very lethargic on bisop, as most people do. And I find it difficult to shed any weight

[CDreamer]

Mine often dropped the day or 2 after AF episode to about 50-55. - then would return to my normal - but I have noticed my normal becoming lower so now I would say it is between 55-65.

[GordonS in reply to CDreamer]

what meds are you on?

[CDreamer in reply to GordonS]

None other than anticoagulants. Contraindicated for another condition.

[Nichyr]

I too worry now that my heart rate has lowered...it feels...off? I'm not used to my heart rate being in the 80s or below and it feels like I'm dying, but rest assured it's ok. Active people have a heart rate resting even lower than yours and that is a normal. i wouldn't be to worried but I understand the concern, it feels like you don't know if it's going to keep beating. Granted mine isn't as low as yours but with my IST my normal heart rate was over 100 no matter what I was doing, sleeping, sitting, etc.

[jwsonoma]

Hi Gordon,

Have you asked your Doc about a rhythm reducer vs a rate reducer?

I asked to be switched from BIsoprolol to Flecainide and my fib stopped.

I am also less tired off the Bis.

[Hidden]

My doc was adamant that I take Bisoprolol with Flecainide. From what I understand there is a risk of 1:1 conduction when in fast AF if taking Flecainide without the Bisoprolol.

[songbird74 in reply to Hidden]

yes I was told that too

[GordonS in reply to Hidden]

I can see how that makes sense. I used Flecainide last time as pill in the pocket.

[Caradomben]

Hi I have a resting pulse between 45-55. I was previously on 2.5 mg bisoprolol with a resting pulse Of 40-45. Recently had bisoprolol reduced to 1.25 mg after my pulse dropped to 30 when recovering from a fast AF episode in hospital. Now started on 50mg flecainide twice daily with the 1.25 mg bisoprolol . Must admit so far so good. Only thing I notice is that during the night I have at times short episodes of palpitations (Not AF) so hopefully this combination is working. 🤞

[GordonS]

Thanks everyone for their comments, all very useful information. How great to be able to discuss this with fellow sufferers. Time will tell how things progress, I am seeing the consultant I was seen by in A & E this week and a cardiologist next month. Medication is at the top of my discussion list.