Calcium channel blockers

[linc2u]

I’ve started on Diltiazem 60mg twice a day. I’ve been on it for2weeks now. I just wondered whether it is too soon to expect an improvement in my AF ? My pulse is very irregular most of the time !

I did have an ablation 7 years ago but recently the AFhas returned . I am now 76 and would prefer not to undergo surgery again.

Otherwise I am fit and exercise regularly...... not overweight.... and enjoy healthy food!!

Thankyou .... do hope you can help!

[etheral]

Diltiazam is generally indicated for rate control in patients with a fib. Although it is classified as an Antiarrythmic Class IV as well as calcium channel blocker, There is no indication for a fib rhythm control. Hopefully it will work for you. If it's keeping your heart rate below 100,preferably closer to 60, it is doing it's job. Best, etheral

[ETHEL103 in reply to etheral]

As you are very knowledgeable etheral could you help me please.Im on 120mg slow release Verapimil evey 12 hours.My hr is still really high at times.My watch says hr 75 my kardia says 103 plus.Am I on the correct meds for persistant a fib and occasional flutter.

[etheral in reply to ETHEL103]

Verapimil seems to work well for rate control in many people in Afib. You are taking a commen

dose. I cannot comment on your general treatment as I don't know your complete drug regimen or history .Your general heart rate seems reasonable. Your EP should be able to explain your general regimen and has the ability to actually examine you. Prepare a list of questions and make an appointment. Wishing you the best, etheral

[ETHEL103 in reply to etheral]

Thanks for your reply.Much appreciated.

[BelleBoots]

I'm in AF for 4 years. Very fit ( triathlon etc). Two ablations and cardioversions waiting for third cardioversion. Been put on amiodarone and now diltiazem.Neither have controlled my heart rhythm however they lowered and controlled the rate so at least it's now regularly irregular 🙄.

Certainly exercise has been made easier but no where near where I was

Given the COVID backlog I've experimented with meds . I stopped the amiodarone ( my eyesight returned to what it was ) but heart rate after approx 3 weeks very slowly crept up.

Just reintroduced the amiodarone and had immediate rate reduction.

I was given the diltiazem after the amiodarone so I know that its had an effect on the heart rate.

I'm starting the higher Vitamin D l/ lower calcium experiment as mentioned by a doctor on this site previously. Failing badly because I can't find any low calcium milk of any kind.

Not had any obvious side effects from the introduction of the diltiazem at present but definate benefits

[blulla1]

Since you are on calcium channel blockers, obviously calcium is a problem, so have a look at this and see if it makes sense for you. carrafibdietinfo.com/

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I have been using Diltiazem 120mg. for? A few years now, I'm not sure. It was right after my first heart attack; I didn't know I had a heart attack until my doctor did an EKG and then told me. I've been in pain with my whole body for so long and I've learned to ignore everything. This is not really a good thing, I can't tell the difference if it's something serious or it's more pain. When the doctor asked me about things about my body, am I feeling any pain anywhere it was difficult for me to answer. I'm only glad that no doctor ever put me on any kind of drug painkiller. I definitely would have been addicted by now. I AM 82 years old. Basically, fair health, I have A-fib, I think I could have had it over 40 years, at that time, I was told that I had a flutter in my heart and it's nothing and not to be worried about. And exactly what I did, I found out they didn't know too much about AF at the time. Or just that doctor didn't know too much about AF. Don't know, don't care, I'm concerned about is now, I had Ablation, about four weeks ago or so my heart has been reacting in an incredibly good fashion. I don't break 102 beats per minute.Back to Diltiazem 120mg. My doctor put me on morning and night because that was the best way to control my BP. So far, I don't have any complaints about that.