Breathless

[Junoesque]

I have had AF for 23 yrs. I have taken various beta blockers such as Sotalol, bisoprolol and am now on Nebivolol 2.5 mg which I split. I have a pacemaker too. But I get so breathless I cannot go for a walk. I also have Angina. My question is there anything that could alleviate me of my breathlessness so I can enjoy a walk. I have told doctors of this but they dismiss it. Has anyone had the same problem and if so did you find a solution?

[jonjub]

Hi junoesque. For me my breathlessness was improved by switching from Bisoprolol to Nebuvolol but there is still there on exertion.

[Junoesque in reply to jonjub]

Thank you for your reply. No miracle treatment then.😀

[jonjub in reply to Junoesque]

When i was ‘pressuring’ the gp regarding my breathlessness he wasn’t aware that i had information gained from this site and once he accepted that i was experiencing a problem he did offer that Bisoprolol may be the cause. I requested Nebivolol as many on this site had made the switch with improvements to their QOL or general well-being. The gp also ‘admitted’ that Beta-Blockers and Bisoprolol in particular can exacerbate or in some individuals ‘cause’ asthma type conditions.

[Finvola]

I too find Nebivolol better than Bisoprolol. Hiwever, doctors dismissing your breathlessness is not acceptable in my opinion.

Can I suggest you try what I did after years of complaining about breathlessness and Bisoprolol? I saw my GP and explained in worst possible terms how the breathlessness was adversely affecting my life - he listened! Perhaps something like ‘I must walk regularly to benefit my heart but I cannot because of the debilitating breathlessness’. This makes the lack of exercise the worst effect and show that breathlessness is causing it.

Best wishes, it’s difficult enough to cope without feeling dismissed out of hand.

[Junoesque in reply to Finvola]

Yes I know exactly how you are feeling. Just thought someone may have something different. Guess I will have to keep on keeping on. Thank you for answering.

[CHRISAF18]

Recently said he'd from bisoprolol to propanalol seems better. Do get tired but I think mine is also due to the ageing process no longer in my 50s. So can exercise but pace myself do go out with the dog everyday and got a fitbit which I have found helpful. Best wishes Chris

[Junoesque in reply to CHRISAF18]

Thank you for your reply. What is a Fitbit?

[Hidden]

After reading your old posts, it seems to me that it would be best to ask to be referred back to your cardiologist earlier than your usual review appointment. I’m guessing you have had an AV node ablation?

Your breathlessness may be related to mild heart failure rather than the beta blocker. Sometimes a small dose of Digogin can be helpful in this situation, though the dose does need to be carefully monitored with blood levels periodically.

[Junoesque in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and you maybe right about heart failure I will get that checked.

[GrandmaBea]

I took Sotalol for 3 months before completing my cardiac ablation for the Afib and had to stop it as I couldn't walk but few steps and was out of breath. I have been off of it for about 3 weeks and see significant improvement. I no longer need this medication.

[Junoesque]

I am pleased for you and hope you now have a better quality of life. I have made an appointment to see my GP regarding my breathlessness again and see if I can have some tests done.