I’ve had palpitations and ectopics for several months but never a fast or irregular pulse (usually a solid regular 72). Last month after 24 hr ECG monitor I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF. Angiogram showed no structural heart issues. I was extremely surprised as I thought a rapid pulse was always present for AF and I can honestly say that I have never registered a raised pulse.
Am now on bisoprolol, rivaroxaban and atorvastatin.
But I feel worse! I now can’t eat properly due to indigestion/bloating so have lost loads of weight. I find it difficult to find a comfortable position in bed and can only sleep for a couple of hours then I wake suddenly feeling awful, so I’m knackered. My pulse is also extremely low, between 46 and 56!
As the mornings and nights are the worst, after doing lots of reading and research, I wonder if I might have Vagal AF? It might explain why the meds are making me feel worse if they aren’t the ones I should be on? Does any of this ring a bell with anyone?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Written by
Neuroticgirl
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Hi! I'm on Bisoprolol, too. If your symptoms continue, you should speak to your GP about it. There are other medications available. Don't suffer needlessly. Good luck!
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Hi. I too am taking rivaroxaban and bisoprolol, but not artovastatin, which is a statin drug. I have found that the bisoprolol makes me more tired than I used to be, and I get acid stomach from time to time, which I think is due to the rivaroxaban.Other than that things aren’t too bad. If I were you I’d talk to your G.P. or cardiologist about how you are feeling. It may be that combo of medication needs to be reviewed and changed. When I was first diagnosed with AF I was given drugs that wiped me out so they changed them. Don’t stay silent and put up with feeling dreadful. Talk to someone is my advice. I wish you well.
If you have vagal AF you shouldn’t have beta blockers. The way to work it out is to see if all episodes come at night/ after big meals/ when you lie down at night. There are other meds if needed so discuss with your doctor
No I shouldn’t be on beta blockers if I do have vagal AF, which is what I’ve just told my doctor who agreed with me! I’m coming off them over the next 2 weeks. Thank goodness as I’m pretty sure they are making me feel horrible. Thanks for your post.
well spotted- some people with vagal AF, in well accepted studies, have been in persistent AF at the end of the study year because of wrong meds. It does limit treatment a bit- they suggested flecanide for me but I haven't taken it yet as episodes so far have self corrected after a couple of hours.It is thought Flec. is safer with a beta blocker- so catch 22 really!!
not sure wye your on Bisoprolol if your pulse is in the 40 is, as Bisoprolol slows your heart rate down, but don't listen to me im no cardiolagist thats what i was told
Been on bisoprolol 10mg and Dogoxin 250mcg and Rosuvastin 5mg these keep from having arrthymias that I had on my early stages. Feel that I'm controlled however do have gastric discomfort after my evening meal. You possibly need to see your specialist to adjust your medication Like possibly need to do.
A heart rate in the 70s is well within the 'normal' resting range of 60-100, so I'm curious as to why it was considered necessary to slow this down - and if the result has been to drop it into the 40s then no wonder you feel unwell.
Hi. You’re answering my post from a few years ago, this may, or may not, interest some on this site who remember my posts.
Briefly I was diagnosed with AF but I was certain I hadn’t got it - my symptoms weren’t right and the drugs I was put on made me ill! I thought I was going mad.
So after some months of nonsense, I got a second opinion, came off all the drugs, had lots more investigations, an indwelling loop recorder for 2.5 years and a final absolute assurance that I had been correct- I never had and still do not have AF!
I AM an anxious person but I always knew that (hence my user name). That is what was wrong - not AF!
I am absolutely fine now. Loop recorder is out, off meds, have no issues. Discharged from follow ups and mightily relieved it’s all over. I do realise this does not mean I will never develop AF but I am at no more risk than anyone else.
I reported the consultant who caused all the trouble in the first place!
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welcome. AF is characterised by an irregular pulse, its doesn't necessarily have to be fast but often can be. 
Heart Rate Part 2: simple machines
Light at the end of the AF tunnel - a success story
Glossary
Will my AF get worse if I don’t take medication.
AF Without Symptoms 
