Cadioversion and low resting HR. - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Cadioversion and low resting HR.

Mattq profile image
10 Replies

Hi there.

I have been in persistent AF for about a year. Probably longer actually, intermittent prior to that. I have been taking 7.5 mg Bisoprolol since the start of the year. I made the decision to have a cadioversion, last Thursday. I have been also taking Rivaroxaban for the 2 months leading up to the cadioversion.

The procedure went well and I am back in a regular rhythm again. All great. However my resting heart rate is now down in the mid 40s. This is very unusual for me as I always had a resting HR in the 60s. I am also still getting flopping gushing heart feelings and feeling slightly faint sometimes.

Has anybody else experienced this after a cadioversion? I also wonder how quickly I can reduce my Beta Blocker dose as my resting HR feels too low to me. Is the flopping heart something to look into if I am no longer in persistent AF?

I am reasonably fit, early 50s, UK male. Probably on the anxious side of things at the moment, working on that one.

Many thanks. 👍

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Mattq
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10 Replies
Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003

Hi. My resting HR drops when I've had a cardioversion and normally trots along in the 50s without rate control meds. Mid 40s seems a bit bradycardic so you may need to have your Bisoprolol dosage reduced. Don't do this without discussion with your Dr as you usually have to reduce Bisoprolol gradually.Contact your GP or cardiologist to let them know what's happening.

Jalia profile image
Jalia

Do get in contact with your GP or cardiologist re your very low rate. No doubt you will be instructed to reduce Bisoprolol. I'm surprised you weren't advised to reduce it after a successful dccv.

Mattq profile image
Mattq in reply to Jalia

Thanks very much. I was advised to continue with the same meds dose but doesn't sound right to me so will try and get it reduced tomorrow. 👍

Daisy2908 profile image
Daisy2908

Hi I had a very similar experience after my cardioversion 12 months ago. I spoke to my cardiologist who recommended gradually reducing my bisoprolol for a few days. This didn’t help as my heart rate remained in the 30s and I felt unwell so I contacted him again and he agreed I should stop taking the bisoprolol. I’m mid 50s and fit and well otherwise and I’ve had no issues since this time last year. I’d definitely discuss it with your cardiologist.

TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdminPartner

Hi Mattq, if the low rate persists, it is advisable to contact the doctor as they may consider changing your medication dosage - have you read the 'Cardioversion of AF' patient booklet? heartrhythmalliance.org/afa.... You should also join us for the “Virtual’ HRC2021 A F Association Patients Day 2021 - due to be launched online from Sunday 3rd October at 10.00am. There will be presentations covering all aspects of AF. To view the full Agenda and details on how to Register heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

captainKFF profile image
captainKFF

Hi, what is your heart rate when you’re in persistent Afib?

Mattq profile image
Mattq

Thanks for your comments. I will definitely look at the documents listed above. Captain, my HR fluctuated a lot over the last few months. Pre beta blockers it varied 90 to 160. Beta blockers calmed the higher HR down a bit. Not as high as some people but feeling unwell, faint and breathlessness off and on and associated anxiety.

Flossfairy99 profile image
Flossfairy99

My husband is 57, after his second cardioversion his bisoprolol was reduced from 7.5 to 2.5. He went back in to Afib 6 days later. I spoke to his CV nurse the next day who advised to put him back on Amiodarone and up his bisoprolol to 5mg. By time he was home from work he had converted back in to NSR. The next day I gave him Amiodarone but didn’t up the bisoprolol as his HR was also sitting low 40s. A week later he’s still in NSR. Fingers crossed it will hold until ablation. Bisoprolol will lower HR but it’s more for controlling the rythmn I think.

Jbeans profile image
Jbeans

Hi. I was on 5.0mg bisoprolol before my cardioversion....which was successful. I do get a similar flopping sensation and ectopic heartbeats at times. My bisoprolol was increased to 6.25mg and a 24hr tape performed. It did show some sub ventricular ectopic beats but as I was in sinus rhythm my cardiologist was happy with the result. Apparently ectopics can happen and you should tell your cardiologist or arrythmia nurse, but are usually dismissed if all other heart function is normal. Your heart rate is a little low but it's almost certainly the bisoprolol. Mine is in the 50's now. It's a fine balance as the bisoprolol is important in maintaining the sinus rythym. I would speak to your arrythmia nurse and explain your symptoms. She can arrange a 24 hr tape and might be able to adjust your beta blocker dosage.

Mattq profile image
Mattq in reply to Jbeans

Thanks very much, good advice. 👍

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