Anxiety and A-Fib

[FiberedOut555]

I had anxiety over getting a Cochlear Implant done. I was taking Atarax on top of Zyrtec which causes QT Elongation.

So I was diagnosed with AFIB and sent to the ER. Prescribed Metoprolol and a 81 mg aspirin. I didn't take the Metoprolol because it was on a Recall list by the FDA for 3 months as it may cause Cancer. So, I went to my Primary Care MD who prescribed Diltiazem. I still didn't take it because my BP and Heart Rate were fine. So, I decided to quit the Atarax and the Zyrtec. After 4 days, of stopping Zyrtec, I had bad withdrawal symptoms, like a Racing Heart Beat. So, I went to the ER and was diagnosed with A-Fib again. The ER MD gave me my own 60 mg of Diltiazem and told me to take it and my Zyrtec until I went to my cardiologist appointment 2 weeks later. It seemed like I would never get use to the Diltiazem, so my Primary Care MD prescribed Buspirone, as needed for my Anxiety. I was on a heart monitor for 3 weeks, which showed A-Fib 18% of the time. Since the monitor was done, no more A-Fib, but I did have a High Heart Rate because I went on a long 4 day weekend trip without my Buspirone. Increased my Diltiazem to see if I could bring the Heart Rate down, but no help there. Got home took my Buspirone and a Nap for two hours, Heart back to normal and an Optimal BP of 116/72 mmHg. Pulse manually of 73 bpm. So, MD said don't use the Buspirone PRN, take it regularly, because even though it gets out of your system quick, it's side effect is Fast Heart Rate! So, for you people who have Anxiety, you might want to take something for it, unless you are one of those people who can meditate or Pray or whatever you can do to relax yourself. I walk daily now and pray as I walk. Thank God, I haven't had any A-fib episodes. If it does return, I was told by the Electrophysiologist I would need an Ablation, Blood Thinner and a Pace Maker as the BP meds will slow my heart down of course too low to keep my BP down to normal. For all of you folks put on Amiodorone, like I was reading from 10 years ago, Amiodorone is now a "Last Resort". If anyone is interested there are several Cardiologist that have written books on A-fib and how Changing your lifestyle can help you stop it or control it better, for all of you who smoke, drink and stress out a lot. Fortunately for me, I have never smoked, quit drinking 36 years ago and the Buspirone is helping me with Anxiety.

Wish you the best with your A-Fib control. Dr. John Day is a cardiologist in Utah and has a site if you are interested, simply DrJOHNDAY dot com. He and another Dr. wrote the book THE AFIB CURE.

[fibnum]

Hydration, regularity, healthful diet with smaller meals, moderate physical exercise and breathing exercises are always helpful. Your heart is very susceptible to your digestive functioning and breathing.

When you sense anxiety and feel your heart becoming unstable, breathe in through your nose for 4 slow counts and exhale calmly and freely through your mouth. Do it a couple of minutes, repeating as necessary. Find a mental distraction with a non-stressful topic to think about. (some pleasant experience, a song, easier math problems etc.) Sipping water can help. I know your situation is very complicated, but do what you can to relieve stress and anxiety naturally.

[Murdy1]

Such good advice there, thanks for sharing and good heart health to you and all our fellow a - fibbers. Tom

[Ppiman]

Amiodarone is now mainly given as low dose, and that has been shown to be effective and safe. It is still reserved for when other drugs fail, but all anti-arrhythmic drugs carry risks, potentially severe. To prepare for an ablation, however, low dose amiodarone seems to be a common choice. That's why rate control drugs such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are usually prescribed first.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[FiberedOut555 in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks for the Reply. Yes, I am doing well on the Diltiazem, so far. I've been doing the lifestyle changing for awhile now. Hopefully, I can avoid having to move to amiodarone or any of the others which have such bad side effects, especially if I have to go stay in the hospital to start on one. Yes, I know the MDs like to start you off on the lowest dose possible. I have just seen too many people with adverse reactions to combination after combination of medicines. By the time we get to the over 60 age group, we are already Polypharmacy. It's always another pill after another, after another. Thanks again and thanks for the ncbi article.

[Prosecco1997]

hello I’ve also got Afib which has been under controll for 13yrs with flec and bisop , I have realy bad anxiety at the moment , due to getting awful side effects from these meds , after 13 yrs was fine before ? Been prescribed buspirone, but I’m so worried to take it incase it effects my heart , did you get any side effects