Cardioversion and Blood Pressure

[Snookersteve]

Hi I had a Cardioversion 3 days ago which was successful and am now in sinus rhythm (SR) for the first time in 9 months. I am taking 50mg of flecainide twice daily and only 2.5mg of Bisoprolol daily as well as an anticoagulant (Apixaban). Prior to the cardioversion my blood pressure was quite low on the 2.5 mg Bisoprolol, typically 115/75 however since the cardioversion BP has been higher ie around 135/80 which is not too bad but occasionally 150/90 which is very high for me. My heart rate is lower after the cardioversion eg 55 when resting and 70 when walking which both seem fine to me. I am 69 but relatively fit.

I was wondering if anyone had experienced a similar phenomenon re the blood pressure rise and whether it may be temporary due to the effects of the cardioversion or something to do with my heart being more efficient at pumping blood now that it is back in SR. Any ideas would be appreciated?? thanks Steve

[BobD Volunteer]

Its probably a combination of both Steve though for me BP was always highest when in AF or other arrhythmia most likely due to the worry and anxiety AF generates. Blood pressure is slightly affected by heart rate but mainly by how elastic your arteries are I think. When stressed the natural function of adrenaline is to close down the arteries and move blood away from the extremities so when that sabre toothed tiger takes a bite out of you then you won't bleed to death. Even though those animals are now extinct the natural reaction remains.

Right now your body is in recovery and likely still stressed so I would suggest you take it easy for a few more days and see how things pan out.

[Snookersteve in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, thanks for your reply. I'm going to take it easy and hopefully things will settle down. I like your sabre toothed tiger analogy. If only AF was extinct as well!!! Steve

[momist]

Thinking of it from an engineering viewpoint, while you are in AF the heart is pumping quite inefficiently, as the beats occur when the ventricles have not been properly filled. Once in NSR every beat results in a full charge of blood pumped round, so it's not surprising to me that your blood pressure is higher. I've tried to avoid using the term 'better' as that depends on general cardiovascular health and your perspective.

Dr Sanjay Gupta of York Cardiology says that "blood pressure is just a number". What you do with the information is what's important.

[Snookersteve in reply to momist]

Thanks for your reply momist. Yes I was wondering about the increased heart efficiency. Just checked my BP and it seems to be settling down to more normal levels (well normal for me). Feel as though I just need to be patient and let things settle down. Cheers Steve.

[Palmer]

Hi Steve - I had similar a experience as you and went onto nebivolol and it did the trick for me, have a word with your GP - Best of luclk Palmer

[Snookersteve in reply to Palmer]

Thanks for your reply Palmer and your helpful suggestion re nebivolol. Cheers Steve

[Dee5165]

Hi Steve,I had Cardioversion two weeks ago. My BP settled down as well after a week. Doctor said I could now lower my Sotalol from 120 mgs to 60 mgs twice a day for maintenance.

I’m nervous to rock the boat and have Afib and high BP to return!

[Dee5165]

Would like to know if you stay out of Afib after Cardioversion and for how long? I had mine two weeks ago. Hoping Afib doesn’t return!

[Snookersteve in reply to Dee5165]

Hi Dee, thanks for your replies. It's nine days now since I had my cardioversion and so far everything is great. My heart rate is much lower than it was when in AF especially when exercising although I'm taking it steady. I'm very pleased to say that my blood pressure has settled down gradually over the last week. I'll let you know if anything changes.

I know what you mean about not rocking the boat. Hope you stay in sinus rhythm for the foreseeable!