Sotalol causing bradycardia

[TrishieMac]

It has been lowering my bpm as low as 28: and often in the 30-40 ranges, especially at nights, then I go into A Fib. Sitting rate in the 40 bpm range

I started taking half the dose and don’t group as low. Either way, full or half dose, I’m in AFIB 2 days out of 4.

Taking Sotalol for a year. I believe it has made my AFib worse

[EngMac]

Some drugs can make AF worse for some people. Read the drug sheet on Sotalol. Beta blockers given to the wrong person can kill them and this is why the drug sheet says for Sotalol you should be in the hospital for three days, initially, in case you flat line. You should not stop or reduce Sotalol quickly. There are two kinds, Betaspace A and Betaspace B. One is for the top of the heart and the other is for the bottom and they should not be misdiagnosed. Which one was prescribed for you? You should probably ask to be taken off this drug.

[TrishieMac in reply to EngMac]

I want in hospital,ist briefly in Emergency when diagnosed and prescribed Sotalol. I’m 72. I have had 4 events after summer walking in our hilly suburb to the shops when I had flat Kardia readings. Rhythm slowly returning in each case

[TrishieMac in reply to TrishieMac]

Was not hospitalised when diagnosed, I meant

[TrishieMac in reply to EngMac]

Thank you for your explanation EngMac. I’m unable to determine which Sotalol from the pack. I am noticeably worse than over a year ago since beginning to take Sotalol.

I’ve had symptoms for years but having some autoimmune issues, had interpreted them in that light.

It here was no adequate follow up, but hearing from you and the others has clarified my intentions

Thank you

[Hidden]

I take 2.5 Nebivolol and my heart rate is always between 40-50 when sitting and asleep except when having an episode. I hope to see EP 1/5 so was going to ask him should I continue on the tablets. Will let you know the answer. I’m 75.

Di

[rosyG]

Solatol is not now recommended by NICE- your heart rate at 28 is far too ow so seek a second opinion quickly

[TrishieMac in reply to rosyG]

Rosy, thank you. 😊I have been trying to think of ways to get through that I need a second opinion. And to be taken seriously.That isn’t easy in the overloaded public hospital system. I have the Stress Test doctor comment on record. Did he understand paroxysmsal AFib? AFIB starts up with ‘tumbling rocks’ feelings in the chest, and I don’t have reflux.

I gradually have felt more unwell while in A Fib, I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and blood tests for autoimmune levels every six months, but those are under control.

I guess I’ve been waiting in case a real emergency occurs so they take me seriously.

I’ll look up your information on NICE, what that is, thanks Rosy 💐

I hope you’re okay 🌞

[rosyG in reply to TrishieMac]

I expect you know that your thyroid problem will affect AF?

I would keep records of your heart rate and ask your doctor to refer you and change the medication in the meantime They should be able to ring a cardiologist if you will have a long wait for appointments Don't take anything that makes your pulse rate drop below 40 in the day time ( often pulse drops while asleep and mine has been 30 while asleep) but my doctor stopped meds which caused my pulse to drop to 40.

[TrishieMac in reply to rosyG]

Thank you for your encouragement and and recommendations Rosy.🌷

I feel more hopeful, and will do as you advise.

I am touched by the care and help I’ve found here. I had been feeling isolated and uncertain

[TrishieMac]

Hi John, my low night bpm has tended to leap me into A Fib by around 1am. It was 80 mg but I’ve cut it to half, so getting wilder AFib, but at least less at night risk. The Sotalol has made the AFib worse over the last year. I have more or less flatlined several times on Sotalol. I’m in the public system and wasn’t hospitalised after being prescribed Sotalol. Nor was I ever put on Holter. I only have the Kardia FDAApprovedEKGs and SmartRhythm thanks to my son

I’m not under a cardiologistsince mid last year as the dr overseeing my stress test on one of my non-AFib day’s said, ‘Do you just have reflux’ I don’t and wasn’t tested can’t have looked at my record that showed that his hospital diagnosed me at a pre- op that resulted in my surgery cancel.

Consequent to the stress test, the cardiologist said they didn’t need to see me again. The AFIB usually lasts 2 days at a time, every two days. My only proof is Kardia four line EKGs which don’t mean anything to Australian doctors so, I just take care of myself. Am pleased to have Xarelto.

The Sotalol I cut down to half dose over a couple of weeks so now the bpm don’t drop as low even though in AFib, much higher. I feel silenced. I feel much worse in A Fib in the time since I began taking it. I cut the dose because I think very low bpm may ultimately affect the brain when so low. I showed a clinic doctor the EKGs when activity was almost nil, and he thought it was nonsense, however each time the beats gradually returned, it was on hot days after necessary extra activity

Especially if you’re older John, maybe don’t let them prescribe Sotalol

All the best to you🌞

[TrishieMac]

Thank you for your responses and recommendations John.

I feel more motivated and confident, and less alone

I hope things are going well with you

[rosyG]

It’s probably on the NICE website but we’re lucky to have cardiologists talking to our support group and they have all said this.

[TrishieMac]

Thank you all, I do have a new doctor at a different clinic. I had lowered my dosage of Sotalol slowly and wasn’t going into bradycardia at night. Not being under anyone’s care I decided to use the Kardia history to determine what dosage created a balance.

I’ll be on the proscribed dose for the next two weeks and she’s seeing my again. I left her looking up Kardia AliveCor research, including use of Smart Rhythm.

It’s not widely known here, so hopefully while knowing it won’t be perfect, at least it provides some indication.

Thanks for your encouragement,

Trishie