Low pulse

[Lorna058]

It's over two years since my ablation and I have been really well since. Recently I have been getting breathless. My pulse is low, 48 - 52. Could my AF be back, or can my bisoprolol or flecainide be the culprit?

[rosyG]

My resting pulse was in low 40s with no meds and now tends to be higher and I have much less AFib ( extra potassium in diet more exercise etc) so I think bradycardia does let the errant signals kick in- I may be wrong!!

[Lorna058]

7.5 mg daily in my case. Fed up now, because I was doing everything right. Lost plenty of weight, taking exercise etc. Now walking makes me breathless

[Hidden]

If your low pulse rate is new and you have been on the same dose of Biso for a while, then an ECG would be advisable. New breathlessness needs checking out independent of your heart rate, though clearly the two are likely to be linked.

[pottypete1]

I was on Flecainide and Bisoprolol for years. Most if the time my resting heart rate was circa 45-48bpm.

I was diagnosed with bad conductivity and for that reason taken if Bisoprolol which is the rate controlled drug.

A good idea for you to get your breathlessness investigated.

Pete

[higgy52]

My pulse is 48 to 52 after my Ablation yesterday, and they have took me off Bisoprolol i said to the nurse can i keep the bisoprolol for emergencies she said no

[pottypete1 in reply to higgy52]

That is a shame.

I have been taken off Bisoprolol and my EP told me if necessary to take the smallest dose if I get Atrial Tachycardia. I also, whilst on a regular dose of Flecainide, have been told I can take Flecainide as a PIP if I develop AF.

There is no doubt each patient is different but I am not so sure that this variation in advice is just because of this.

It seems to me that whilst control of AF is still being developed it is reasonable for us mere mortals to get a much more consistent approach.

They cannot all be right.

Pete

[Buffafly in reply to pottypete1]

I was told before my ablation (performed as an alternative to pacemaker because I had possible tachybrady syndrome) that I might be able to use my Diltiazem/Propafenone combo as PIP if I had an episode, but after the ablation I was told I could only take medication on medical advice, no explanation! I assumed something must have been noticed during the procedure?

[pottypete1]

The trouble is that we are all different and have differing heart conditions. It is not a good idea for us to generalise. What is right for one patient is not right for another.

Having said that I still think there is a significant variation throughout the specialists on how best to treat and to manage each persons condition. I am not sure they cannot all be right.

I have never changed anything in my regime without medical advice and nor should anyone else. If someone is not happy with what they have been told by one expert they should seek a second opinion not just ask us.

Pete

[rosyG in reply to pottypete1]

Hi Pete,

I think the question was whether the meds could be the cause- good to ask people for their experiences- plus we have some with medical knowledge on here- but all say don't change anything without asking one's doctor

[pottypete1 in reply to rosyG]

Totally agree Rosy.

I think our forum provides a much needed support but as we agree, whilst we have a broad range of knowledge and experience, no one should change meds without consulting their EP/Doctor.

Pete

[Flimmeri]

In my opinion it is your bisoprolol. You are taking quite a bit of it. After my ablation and taking only 2.5 and then half of that, my heart rate was very slow and when in Afib it kept on stopping, longest for 8 Seconds. I felt terrible. Now have a pacemaker which does not let the heart go so slow and pause too long.

Seems to work well. I still get episodes of af, but they are not so bad.