How to determine heart rate

[marlathome]

This is a very basic question so apologies. I've just started taking Bisoprolol 5mg, the first dose yesterday, after my EP took me off Verapamil. I was absolutely freaked when even putting one foot in front of the other caused the most terrifying breathlessness, so much so I was unable to speak or move!

The EP told my GP that if I was unable to tolerate Bisoprolol due to my mild asthma or if my heart rate fell below 60 at rest, it should be discontinued and replaced with another drug I can't remember the name of.

My question is what is the most accurate way of taking your heart rate? I've never really felt Afib in my pulse or chest so how can I establish if it's below 60?

Also, is this reaction to Bisoprolol in response to changing meds and I need to give it a bit longer, or is it a reaction due to asthma? All of this is so new to me and, to be honest, I'm scared of taking Bisoprolol this morning.

Any advice/comments really appreciated. Thank you.

[Hidden]

The cheapest way is to google or check out the AF Association webpage on how to manually read your pulse. One you have found it, using a timer, count the pulses for 15 seconds and multiply the number by 4 and that will give you a pretty good idea. Using a Kardia is the most accurate but they cost around £100. Blood pressure monitors will give a guide but they are not overly accurate if you have AF.....

[jennydog]

I cannot find a pulse in my wrist but I can in my neck.

I use the 2 fore fingers of my right hand to feel to the left of my windpipe, about 2.inches below my chin.

A normal beat is strong and steady. An AF beat is much weaker and raggy. With practice you can spot the difference very quickly.

[Buffafly]

An oximeter is cheaper than a Kardia but struggles if you have a very irregular HB

[Buffafly]

My cardiologist suggested Bisoprolol for me but my GP didn't want to prescribe it because of my asthma. I take Diltiazem instead. Nebivolol is reported by members to be better for not causing breathing difficulty if you really need a betablocker. When I went to A&E with a bad episode of AF and a cough they wanted to try Bisoprolol but said I would have to be admitted for safety, however my heart reverted before they could try it.

[bennie06]

Check out "Cardiograph" mobile app. Easy to use and accurate. ( within 1% when compared with my latest ECG). It is free but comes with the usual ads, just turn off wi-fi/mobile data and location. Saves all that messing about with fingers and thumbs! Takes a while for body to adjust to Bisoprolol. Good Luck.

[marlathome]

Thanks everyone. I've spoken to my GP who has advised me not to take any more Bisoprolol and is believes I've had an allergic reaction to it. He's prescribed Diltiazem and I'm to start it today. Hope I fare better with this.

[Morzine]

I’ve got two things I’ve git a Kardia and I’ve git a cheap thing you put in your finger......funnily enough the cheap thing is pretty much the same as the Kardia........I rarely use the Kardia as I ha e to get my phone out.....I use the cheap thing or take my pulse........but since my ablation I try to avoid doing anything

Sue

[Lal531]

Hello Marlathome

The reply from Flapjack is the easiest way of checking the pulse or get someone else to do it for you. It may be you are anxious about the drug change or unlucky that you can't tolerate it? 5 mg is a medium dose, I take 10 mg and have Asthma and COPD.

Good luck

[steve60]

Hi I have been in permanent Afib for around 3 years now following 7 years of persistent, started of on Flecanide but soon my Afib became resistant to that, ever since been on 2.5mg of Bisoprolol seems to mask it pretty well, pulse is still erratic but does not hinder my life. counting down the years until the dreaded ablation.