Beta Blocker quandary

[Trilby8]

I’m now in persistent AF confirmed by a recent 5 day loop ecg. I had a Cryoablation in Feb 2017.

I have been taking 1.25mg Bisoporol daily at night and Edoxaban.

Whether it’s been to the hot weather and a busy life but the lethargy heavy limbs etc side effects of Bisoporol have been more problematic of late. I discussed this with the cardiology dept and it was agreed that I could stop Bisop to see how I got on.

I’m now in the fourth day of not taking it - I have felt less lethargic and generally brighter in myself but the last 48hrs ive been having more frequent short runs of fast AF which were much less evident to me on Bisoporol.

I realise that I’ll have to go back onto a beta blocker and have considered Nebivolol but I’m not sure that’s the right drug to consider as its mostly advised for the over 70’s and I’m 65 with no other health issues and not hypertensive. So do I continue with Bisoporol for the time being ?

Any views or advice much appreciated

Cathy

[Hidden]

Cathy, its your call ..... all AF'ers respond differently to different beta blockers but, there are two key things here - a beta blocker will stabilise your heart rate and it is also important to get your blood pressure down to a 'youthful' level.

I am on 5 mg Bisoprolol and have been for 8 years plus and my HR is around 62 to 65 bpm. I am on 10 mg Ramipril and 2.5 mg Felodopine for blood pressure which is around 126/70. Low and consistent levels of HR and BP are generally considered ideal for AF sufferers.

John

[BobD Volunteer]

Age is just a number ( I am not a number I am a free man). If it works for you go for it. I read lots of people here who take it. I never took beta blockers myself so can't comment but youi do need something to control heart rate..

[wilsond in reply to BobD]

26! I am going to stay at Portmeirion mid September..looking forward to it

[Hidden]

Hi Trilby, I am 58 and have been on Nebivolol for about 12 months now. I have low blood pressure and a slow heart rate ( except when .i go into AF which recently was recorded at 240 bpm ). I take Flecainide as well and don't have any problems with them. I'm having an ablation next month so maybe I'll be able to stop/reduce them soon.

[Trilby8 in reply to Hidden]

Good morning TennysonBear - that’s interesting re taking Nebivolol under 70 - I need to see my GP and discuss it with her - I’m having to wait until 22nd as she only works two days a week and she’s the one in the practice that I know is switched onto medical conditions . I’ve actually restarted Bisoporol 1.25 last night until I see her - the last 48hrs I was having increasing runs of short fast AF didn’t like at all 😟

Good luck with your Ablation it’s nowhere as scary as you think !

Cathy

[Hidden in reply to Trilby8]

Thanks for the reassurance Cathy! I'm having a general anaesthetic anyway. The ablation isn't my main concern - I have a chronic problem with my back, three operations, rods and screws in place but so much pain! I worry about being on my back for so long and therefore the pain in my back after the ablation. Maybe the anaesthetist can give me something nice to help! Debbie. x PS Tennyson is my bear!

[Trilby8 in reply to Hidden]

Debbie I’ve looked at your profile whoo you brave lady and I’m fussing about the side effects of a low dose of Bisoporol.

Re the Ablation - be sure the anaesthetist if fully aware of your spinal problems and imobility as you also have to lay flat for hours after the ablation until your groin is stable. 🤞🏻

Cathy

[Hidden in reply to Trilby8]

Thanks Cathy, will do. I'll post on here after the ablation and let you all know.

[KMRobbo]

I was only paroxysmal AF but did not tolerate bisoprolol or Atenolol so my GP tried me on verapamil 120mg modified release, a calcium channel blocker instead. No tiredness problems. Do t know if this is good enough for rate control of persistent AF but worth asking the question if bisop is reducing your qol.

[Trilby8 in reply to KMRobbo]

Good morning KMRobbo - I was on Diltiazem a calcium channel blocker 60 mg daily ( I couldn’t tolerate any higher dose) for some time before changing over to Bisoporol about 10months ago - I’m so fed up as these bloomin drugs don’t suit me at all urghh !

Cathy

[KMRobbo in reply to Trilby8]

Oh heck , I was later on 200mg modified release of that diltiazem for 9 months, I did not like it ,( tired, brain fog, no excercise tolerance) but I felt and kept arguing I was overdosed. I had no problems at all on verapamil 120mg , chalk and cheese, but it does not mean you won't of course

[songbird74]

i was about 65 when I moved from bisoporol to nebivolol and felt much better after I moved

[Mike11]

I started nebivolol when I was 55 and have never heard of any age problems with it. A far far better drug than bisoprolol so go ahead and try it.

[Trilby8]

Thanks Mike - did you find your AF was better controlled on Nebivolol as well as reduced side effects ?

Cathy