Long term Bisoprolol use for PAF

[Merlin1311]

I have been on Bisoprolol 1.25 for nearly 12 years after having episodes of PAF. My last episode was in 2017. Recently I have been feeling tired and drained. Discovered my iron levels really low now on meds. HR was always around mid 70s. Now on iron tablets HR dropped to mid 50s. Do I need to get my heart checked out or is this normal

[BobD Volunteer]

If you have had no follow up for your AF in twelve years I think now would be a good time to bang some desks and see a specialist.

[Merlin1311 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob for your advice. I have supposed to be having regular reviews with my GP but every time it comes to the 6 month check up they just get me to have my BP checked and bloods done with Nurse at my practice. Dr just keeps me on repeat and that's the way it has been. Last PAF episode was a few years ago. Its frustrating.

[Gilli54 in reply to Merlin1311]

Bisoprolol can make you feel like that I believe. Especially if you don’t need it. Sometimes you can be very sensitive and only need half of that amount.

My mother in law was left on it many years ago after a heart attack. The GP gave it on repeat. It sucked the life out of her for several years. For some reason it was questioned and she was taken off it by her consultant eventually. He was surprised and said it was only temporary. It gave her a new lease of life!!

I have to be in control of my dose as when I got fitter I didn’t need so much. So I cut it right back gradually with permission and just use 1.25 extra if I get tachy.

The rest of the time 3.75 seems to be ok. But I was on 10.

As Bob says, you must ask to see a specialist and review your treatment.

I am not suggesting at all that you make changes without expert advice.

But a review is called for.

I hope you get sorted soon. 😊

[KipperJohn in reply to Gilli54]

I would have thought it’s in your GP’s interests as well as yours to get you referred to a cardiologist/EP because it’s a specialist subject - plus the key point is it gets you into the’ cardiology system’ - just dishing out pills long term isn’t acceptable in my view. It took me about 4 years to get referred first to a cardiologist and then an EP - despite several visits to A-and E and cardio versions - and then it was via a locum GP! First thing the EP did was to get me properly anti-coagulated (Apixaban) as I’d been on low dose Aspirin - then I had an echocardiogram and other tests. The net result was 2 ablations and then about 3 years AF free. Although I’m still on medication it doesn’t bother me - I have direct access to an arrhythmia nurse and have regular checks with my EP. At the moment I’m on a ‘watch and wait’ programme to see if the return of AF recently is a blip or something that might need further intervention. Absolutely no point seeing my GP about it whilst still under specialist NHS care - can’t emphasise enough how reassuring that is and of staying ‘in the loop.’

[Lal531]

I agree with BobD, you need a check up, I get my AF & bloods checked annually. Good luck

Cheers

Anth