Stopped diltiazem sick of swollen legs

[Hardjuice]

Having had AF for around 4 years now and classed as chronic permanent I’ve been on diltiazem for that period

My legs were really bad and troublesome burning hurting and swollen

Smal price to pay I was told to control my rate could be Age related anyway

So I made a decision to stop taking it two weeks back now my legs are almost normal again and I feel great Is my heart still playing up I guess it must

Will I have to take diltiazem again probably

At the minute I’m enjoying normal feet and ankles

[Hidden]

Hi Hardjuice, although I understand the reasons why, I hope you discussed stopping with your doctor first. If your heart rate increases it could have long term consequences, potentially more serious than swollen legs and ankles. There is alternative medication available and many here on the forum talk about beta blockers which do not seem to have the same effects as Bisoprolol.

[BobD Volunteer]

Some of us just can't take calcium channel blockers like Diltiezem or amlodopine. My legs /feet swelled up so badly in two days I couldn't get shoes on. Please speak to your consultant about alternatives and if you are only being treated by your GP ask to see a specialist.

[Hardjuice in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

Basically I’ve just put up with it

Getting wider shoes socks

Raising legs and all that

My legs arnt 100% back to normal But almost, the redness that came with the Edema is also fading I’m moving better not tripping over the slightest thing

In general feel normal

I’m under a EP who I was seeing every 6 months now dropped off for a year

Heart rate is sub 100 whilst resting but does kick off when I do the grass but returns after a time to sub 100 but I’m still in AF

[Hardjuice in reply to BobD]

Also I’ve noticed my visits to the bathroom have greatly reduced

[EngMac]

I read a study a few years ago that taking Diltiazem and similar drugs can cause permanent AF which could be what happened to you. I took it for a short while and since it made my AF worse, I stopped and haven't taken it since. Maybe your heart will calm down and revert back to intermittent rather than frequent AF. I would be interested to know if it does.

[Hardjuice]

Hi EngMac

I’ll keep an eye on it

[jeanjeannie50]

I have to say I don't blame you for stopping the diltiazem. Think I'd have done the same with your symptoms. I have to say I haven't a clue what that drug is, or for. Perhaps you need to have a chat with your GP.

Glad your legs are better now.

Jean

[carkat22]

Glad to read this. Have been on 140 mg Adizem twice a day. Finally admitted to hospital for five days, very unwell with fluid overload legs, feet and around heart and lungs. I have now cut one tablet out and as you say glad to feel my body is back to normal again. No side effects so far. Just hope am doing right thing.