Atrial Fibrillation/Blood Pressure Meds Connections

[Hunsaker5225]

76 yrs, had section of the Aortic replaced because of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm, also replaced the Aortic Valve made with "Cow" material and a triple bypass at the same time. They ran many test and found "AF". Doc put me on Amiodarone. Other meds include BP meds, some of witch cause "irregular" beats. Interested in AF as related to "irregular" hearts beats. Suspect BP meds are causing problems resulting in AF. Anyone ran into these issues or connected BP meds/AF?

[BobD Volunteer]

Sorry to disappoint you but this is unlikely. AF is a very common arrhythmia especially in those over 60 and often exacerbated by bypass and other heart surgery,

[JaneFinn]

Hi Hunsaker, and welcome Impressive photo there ... hope you're recovering well from all the surgery.

It seems to me that quite a lot of meds have an irregular heart beat as a possible side effect- I noticed that on my BP tabs too. I honestly don’t think doctors can know for sure, but I understand it’s very unlikely to be caused by the meds. There’s so many other likely causes.

But you could always ask to try an alternative BP tablet which might suit you (though best check with a pharmacist for any that don’t carry arrhythmia as a potential side effect). No harm in trying, but I think I wouldn’t get your hopes up too much. Good luck

[Ianc2]

Early days yet. You may find that your heart will slowly settle down as it recovers from all the rejigging that has taken place and that your heart is much more powerful despite the afib. I had my valves tweaked in May 2014, with an ablation a year later. I followed the recovery program and gradually gained stamina and strength and I now feel very much better.

I have a few enduring memories of the operation one of which is wandering around the wards with all the kit of devices, recorders, pumps and odds and sods in your picture. As I walked along with it the medics would step aside and regather as I passed by. It was a bit like being the invisible man.

The other memory is of listening to the whooshing sound of blood being pumped through the newly repaired valves. Good to hear just before you sleep.

I hope you can persevere with your recovery, gentle regular exercise is the key I think along with all the other lifestyle changes you may need to make. I still have a slightly irregular rhythm but it doesn't really bother me.

I take warfarin and rampiril for blood pressure. I am slowly reducing my weight in the hope that I can minimise or get rid of the rampiril as I am a bit sceptical regarding the side effects of taking a bucket load of pills and try to address the causes rather than the symptoms.