Dizzy spells

[TommoHFC]

Hi have had AF for just over a year.

Had an episode today and had a couple of dizzy spells. Is this normal ? I was a little worried.

Thanks for any replies. John

[BobD Volunteer]

Can happen. What drugs are you on? Obviously don't drive.

[TommoHFC in reply to BobD]

Thanks for your reply Bob D.

I'm only on apixaban X2 and 1.25 mg bisoprolol.

I usually have an episode every 7 to 10 days lasting anything between 6 and 20 hrs. Other than feeling a little fatigued I'm pretty much ok.

However today I was just sitting down and felt a little dizzy.

I'm sure my condition would improve if I could get some weight off. I am struggling to get it off, seem to eat for comfort no hunger.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to TommoHFC]

Weight loss will greatly help I can assure you. The bisoprolol dose is very low so should not be casuing a problem so I suggests you speak to your GP. It may be nothing to do with your heart!

[TommoHFC in reply to BobD]

You say 1.25 is low and I agree when you compare it with other people's doses. When I was first diagnosed I was put on 2.5 mg and I couldn't function it dropped my BP to 90/65

Thanks for your reply Bob.

[wilsond in reply to TommoHFC]

I only take bisoprolol as a PIP if my atrial flutter kicks in. You are right ,weight makes a big difference. Have dropped 10% of weight over last 12 months,has made a massive improvement on frequency and symptoms. Hubby has lost 3 stone and reversed diabetes 2 which he's had for 15 years.

Slimming World. Worth a try,can only help your general health anyway?

Dizziness can be caused by labrinthitis,inner ear condition which isn't painful so we don't associate it. Can longer for a while....

Best wishes x

[Willow83neve]

Hi I have been in AF for about a year now and all of the time I have experienced dizzy spells maybe only for a few seconds but yes I do have them

[TommoHFC in reply to Willow83neve]

Thank you for your replies they have put me at rest a little.....

[Nick1957 in reply to TommoHFC]

I’m taking 7.5 Bisoprolol and have some dizziness when getting up on my feet. It has taken me 2 months to get use to all meds and I mean ALL MED x 6. Your dosage is quite small- speak to your gp or cardiologist if dizziness persist!

[Buffafly]

Ignore the reply above mine - it is a guy with a bee in his bonnet 😉 🐝

[irene75359 in reply to Buffafly]

Now on his third user name...

[Hidden]

I only took 1.25mg Bisoprolol for 10 days post AF diagnosis in A&E last year & it dropped my BP & heart rate so low I could hardly stand up I was so dizzy. After several GP appointments confirming the drop in BP & heart rate & being taken off the Bisoprolol & left without any treatment, I continued to get runs of AF /SVT & the dizziness continued.

After a further visit to A&E where my symptoms had resolved by the time I was seen & the ECG was ok, but symptoms returned later at home (typical !), I decided to see a Cardiologist privately rather than wait many weeks for an appointment with the local ‘specialist’ GP Community Cardiology team my local CCG has set up for ‘non urgent’ cases. He told me never to take beta blockers again as they clearly don’t suit me & put me on a low dose of the anti-Arrythmia drug Flecainide 50mg twice daily & anticoagulant Apixaban 5mg twice daily. I was still a bit dizzy for a couple of months, but this was probably an initial side effect from the Flecainide which resolved. I was also advised to have Vit D levels checked which were low & I now take a supplement and feel fine.

Hope this is helpful

Pat x