Medication

[Highhandicapper]

I found out about my atrial fibrillation etc by accident and at the time I felt fine im on so much medication now and feel really bad breathless and able to do the things I used to do I really feel I want to stop the medication but I know that that would be stupid unless I take advice I wondered if there was any substantiation for the fact that beta blockers can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is what I seem to have developed

[Bshersey]

Some people can't take beta blockers because the pills make them breathless. Essentially, they do the same thing to the lungs that they do to the heart in terms of slowing everything down. Everyone in my family has afib. But I am the only one who can tolerate beta blockers. There are plenty of other medicines. If your current meds aren't working for you, please go back to the doctor and ask for something different. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right mix.

[IanMK]

A lot of people are asymptomatic and find out they have AF by accident. You’re not on Bisoprolol are you? It’s commonly prescribed but not well tolerated by some people. It can take some time for your body to acclimatise to it so you may need to persevere. Ask for an alternative beta blocker if the effects are Intolerable.

[Highhandicapper in reply to IanMK]

Thanks for replying I will persevere trying to get different medication ! It is bisoprolol that I am on !

[IanMK in reply to Highhandicapper]

You didn’t mention how long you have been taking Bisoprolol. I meant to persevere with Bisoprolol if you have not been taking it for long.

[Highhandicapper in reply to IanMK]

I have been taking Bisoprolol for just over a year .

[IanMK in reply to Highhandicapper]

That’s long enough

Have you had the breathlessness since starting on the Bisoprolol?

I’d ask if you could be prescribed an alternative.

[Highhandicapper in reply to IanMK]

Thanks for help ,that's what I will try on next visit tomorrow.

[Buffafly]

What medication are you on? And do you have permanent AF? If you felt fine before I wonder what the purpose of the meds are, except for anticoagulants of course, which you shouldn't stop.

[Highhandicapper in reply to Buffafly]

High pulse rate and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were discovered at routine check .

[Buffafly in reply to Highhandicapper]

Which means you are not in AF now?

[secondtry]

If AF hasn't taken control with lots of episodes and QOL very down, knowing what I know now I would consider dropping all meds and take supplements (incl MG Taurate & Co Q10) under guidance of an experienced Naturopath plus researching here about lifestyle changes. For me meds are for emergencies or where you have comorbidities and not for Lone PAF if at the very early stages. We are all amateurs here passing on our personal experiences only so check with your medical team first to get their side of the story.

[Highhandicapper in reply to secondtry]

I will certainly consider trying alternatives when I have tried to persuade doc to change the medication. I know I can't live forever but quality of life is what I'm after for what I have left .Thanks for your help.

[KMRobbo]

Are you only on bisoprolol for rate control? If so your GP can prescribe an alternative beta blocker or an other rate control med. I tried 2 beta blockers bisoprolol first and atenonol second and both screwed me up (bisop worst) . So my GP switched me to verapamil 120mg a calcium channel blocker and that was brilliant in comparison. Sorry but I don't go for the let your body adapt idea, if a week or two does not see an improvement ,then do something about it.

I had high hr paroxysmal afib also.

[Highhandicapper in reply to KMRobbo]

Thanks I realise we are amateurs but really appreciate the chance to discuss with people who have had similar experience! I should add at this point that I am 83 years old and realise life can't go on forever but what I've got left I'd rather was short than like this ! I will persevere and ask the doctor to either gradually decrease dose or try something else ! Thank you all you have given me the moral support I need.

[Zezee in reply to Highhandicapper]

Hi ...

I also was on bisoporlol ( pill from hell in my books ) changed to Nebivolol 2.5 feel better on it ..been on it 3weeks breathlessness starting to ease a little...only thing is it's lowering my HR bradycardia too much so I halved the pill five days ago...hoping this settles...if not been told only option left is pacemaker..which I am reluctant to have..I am 80 ..would rather stay on medication...worth changing...your GP should listen to you ...all the best

[IanMK]

I agree. Give your body a few weeks to get used to it (which the OP has done). Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker for lowering blood pressure, not a beta blocker for lowering heart rate.

[KMRobbo]

Versmamil is a calcium channel blocker that does control the heart rate. That is why I was prescribed them. For rate control. I do not have a blood pressure problem. Additionally I have since been prescribed diltiazem hydrochloride for rate control, again another calcium channel blocker. At 200mgs that severely restricts the maximum heart rate. (In fact too much for me).

Happily I am off them all currently.

[Buffafly]

My cardiologist suggested Bisoprolol but my GP wouldn't let me have it because of my lung problems so I'm taking the lowest dose of Diltiazem for rate and BP control, much better.

[Highhandicapper in reply to Buffafly]

I am so pleased to have all his support for my theory ! I just really think Bisoprolol is not for me ! Wish me luck tomorrow !