Normal rhythm

[Lindaj754]

Thanks again for recent advice

At the moment my afib converts itself, only taking one bisoprolol when in afib.

My gp said that if it doesn’t convert itself, then I start taking bisoprolol daily. Is this the way forward, or should an attempt be made to try and establish normal rhythm?

[Hidden]

Hi. Does seem to be each doctor has own opinion on what is best. I am prescribed to take bisoprol daily, but no af since middle of July. Want a review on this as feel tired each day and read can be a side effect of the drug. Spk to your doc and see what they think best for you

[BobD Volunteer]

There is no difference in outcome between rate or rhythm control so really how you feel best. Bisoprolol is mainly a rate control drug.

Personally I would be wanting a specialist to be treating me rather than a GP. Have you ever seen an electrophysiologist?

[Lindaj754 in reply to BobD]

No. Saw a cardiologist 4 yrs ago at onset of afib. Gp has never suggested it.Is this done on nhs, or private? Is there a list somewhere of recommendations? Live in Surrey with easy access to London

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Lindaj754]

If you are unhappy with your treatment from Gp you can ask to see a specialists. In todays climate this may take a while so some pay for a first private consultation and then transfer to NHS list. There is a list by area in patients resources on AF Association main website

[irene75359]

This is what happened to me. Initially I was told by the cardiac department to take bisoprolol 1.25mg and flecainide 50mg daily. This was at a time when I had perhaps three AF episodes a year. I went to see my GP and told him I wasn't happy taking these regularly with such a small AF burden and he agreed with me. So I stopped taking both and used them as a PiP instead, taking 200mg flecainide and 1.25mg bisoprolol immediately an episode began. I never waited to see if I self-converted. So over the next few years I took that no more than three times a year instead of a regular dose, I was very happy with that solution. However, my GP did say keep an eye on the number of episodes I had and there may come a point when it would be better to take medication daily. You may have reached that point now.

If you aren't adversely effected by bisoprolol (lots of people aren't but many are with even a small dose) then a daily dose may keep you in NSR, although bisoprolol (which is a rate control drug) never worked for me once I was in AF, it just slowed my heart down.

Hope you get a solution you are happy with.

[Lindaj754 in reply to irene75359]

Thank you for this

[Hidden]

Hi Linda, can I suggest you keep an eye out for any posts here from me or RosyG regarding the Surrey Arrhythmia Support Group (SurreyASG). Pre Covid we had monthly meetings at Epsom Hospital but now they are slightly less regular but are now on Zoom and available to everyone. I believe the next one is scheduled for Wednesday 6 October. Details are normally posted around 2 weeks before.

Unfortunately, some GP’s are not very proactive when dealing with AF. As BobD had said, because AF tends to be a progressive condition, it’s best to ask your GP for a referral, ideally to see an Electrophysiologist (EP) who is a cardiologist who specialises in arrhythmias). In the current climate, NHS appointments may take a while so if possible, a private one would be a better option. Depending on where you are in Surrey, most treatments are carried out at St George’s Hospital and that’s where the majority of EP’s are based although they also have clinics at more local Surrey hospitals…hope this helps.

[Lindaj754 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Will arrange for a private consultation