Taking Bisoprolol in between pacemaker and AV node ablation

[Ashburton51]

I had my pacemaker fitted on the 10th March and am still having episodes of AF and also more frequent episodes of tachycardia which I didn't have before. I have just spoken with my consultant who said it will be another one or two months before I have the AV node ablation. In the meantime he is prescribing bisoprolol 5 mg once a day which he said will help with the rapid heartbeats. I took these tablets over four years ago and had side effects from them. The consultant felt that as I had the pacemaker fitted there may be an improvement.

Has anyone else taken these tablets in between having a pacemaker fitted and then the AV node ablation?

I am feeling very depressed with the whole thing.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Gloria

[Taichid]

I was prescribed bisoprolol after pacemaker and also don’t tolerate them very well. The pacemaker only helps to stop your rate going too low.

[Ashburton51 in reply to Taichid]

Thanks for your reply. My blood pressure is completely normal so I will take them and see what happens. Keeping my fingers crossed that they slow my heartbeat down a bit. They made no impact whatsoever on my AF when I took them before.

[Tricia7048]

I took them for approx 3 yrs and felt dreadful, so tired. I also put on 20kg and got the rare side effect of kidney stones, which are excruciatingly painful. My cardiologist changed me to a newer drug called Ivabradine and i dont have side effects. Apparently bisoprolol are the first choice as they are cheap ! I think i would be asking if there was an alternative! Wishing you all the best.

[Ashburton51 in reply to Tricia7048]

Thank you for your reply Tricia. I'm so glad that you have found something that works for you. Yes most medication seems to be financially driven by the pharmaceutical companies!! If there are any side effects I will immediately stop taking them and ask if there is an alternative. The consultant has already suggested Verapamil which I have also been on and also had side effects, I have been on about five different tablets and my body just can't tolerate drugs. Oh well let's hope the next two months pass very quickly!

[Tricia7048]

Heres hoping! I know your problem..my body wont tolerate many meds/foods etc. My mum struggled with the same, now its my turn!! I hope you too find something soon as life is hard enough without feeling ill from side effects too !All the best xx

[Ashburton51 in reply to Tricia7048]

Thank you xx

[TenorJK]

Hi there after 26years of PAF I finally, after 4 cardioversions was on Flecainide 100 x 2 a day. Last July I had a pacemaker fitted and am waiting for AV node op. They put me on Bisoprolol and it was a disaster had episode of AF even after dose reduced. After returning to NSR I was prescribed Diltiazen(tildeum) 200 mg slow release again felt dreadful but then changed to 4 x 60mg per day of diltiazem and touch wood not too bad. So still taking Flecainide as well. Just get small tachycardia runs now and then for about 5mins. I had a date for my op but it was cancelled at last minute for lack of bed, so the waiting starts again . Hope that helps Jo

[Ashburton51 in reply to TenorJK]

Jo I am so sorry to hear that you are having to wait so long for your AV Node ablation. It makes my two month wait seem nothing in comparison. Your reply was helpful, thank you. My consultant said that the Bisoprolol would help with the tachycardia so I will just have to wait and see. I won't be holding my breath though! I do hope your surgery comes through soon.