I measured my heart rate before I got up this morning and it was 44 bpm. I then got up and put clean sheets on the bed, put the washing in the machine and generally tidied up. I then remeasured my heart rate and it is now 46 bpm. I am on 5 mg bisoprolol fumarate and am now wondering if I should be on it at all. I get AF every now and then and it lasts about 2 or 3 hours. I am getting quite good at recognising warning signs and go through some relaxation techniques to try and avoid AF. I am wondering whether I should ask my GP if I can be weaned off bisoprolol to see what my normal heart rate is without a beta blocker or at least reduce the dose. I am on warfarin which I would continue. I believe bisoprolol doesn't prevent AF but just slows the heart rate but I might be wrong. I would be interested in hearing other opinions or any advice.
UPDATE: I decided to monitor and blood pressure for a month and went to see the GP with my evidence of low pulse rate. He agreed to drop the bisoprolol dose to 3.75 mg per day. My heart rate sticks in the 50's, usually 57 bpm which I can cope with. So all is well. I also discovered I had a Vitamin D deficiency and low Vitamin B12 and folate. Having sorted this out with loaded Vitamin D dose and Vitamin B complex and magnesium glycinate supplements, I am feeling very much better. So my advice is to get your Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate and ferratin levels checked if you are feeling very tired and weak. A deficiency in any of these can make you feel awful.
I think I'd ask your GP if you can reduce the dose, but I'm sure when you say what's happening he will probably suggest that anyway. Please let us know how you get on. Is there any chance of seeing him today, or even talking to him on the phone?
Jean
I won't get near my GP today. I am not too worried as my heart rate has been low since being put on bisoprolol in A & E the first time I had an AF episode. That time it lasted for about 9 hours. I actually have never had my heart rate checked at the GP surgery. I suppose they think all is well as I don't complain. However I don't like the side effects of bisoprolol so will definitely ask the GP to reduce the dose. Thanks for your advice.