Humidity and AF

[Rainfern]

Hi all. Here in SW England we’ve had such heavy, humid weather the past few days. Does anyone else struggle with more breathlessness and fatigue in these conditions? I have persistent AFib and normally get a bit puffed, but this seems twice the normal load, Not to mention the havoc it has caused with blight on our outdoor tomatoes!

[BenHall1]

G'day,

In terms of AF, no impact at all. Yes I suffer the breathlessness but its just an inconvenience. What I do find - much more of a serious impact is that High Humidity when combined with Low barometric pressure increases beyond belief joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.

My fatigue/ tiredness seems to be more associated with my beta blocker. Now that I have changed beta blocker that problem seems to be easing off.

Hope your tomatoes are improving 😂😂😂😂

John

[Ribbony in reply to BenHall1]

Hi Ben, I'd be interested to hear which beta blocker you changed from and to? I can't keep in NSR without Bisoprolol but it has magnified the CFS from ME.

[BenHall1 in reply to Ribbony]

Hi Ribbony,

I changed from 5 mg Bisoprolol daily, taken at night to 2.5 mg Nebivolol daily taken at night. I've only been on Nebivolol a week so its early days. Certainly feeling less tired, less fatigued, but it is a bit too early to make unreal claims .... certainly I'm on the right path. My Surgery Pharmacist has asked me to keep records of BP and HR and she'll do a phone consultation on 29 August.

I've been taking 5mg Bisoprolol since January 2010. I have no proof, but, I feel if I stopped beta blockers altogether my HR would bounce onwards and upwards to goodness knows where. On the other hand if I increased my dose of Bisoprolol I'd end up being like the Zombie from the land of the living dead.

The upshot is that my average BP and HR while on Bisoprolol this year is around 132/70 and HR 63. With Nebivolol the same data is 141/83 with HR of 70. But, as I say I've only been on Nebivolol for a week AND at half the dose of Bisoprolol. Early days, also during that 1st week I had to make a 580 mile round trip by car to see my sister and my brother in law who is receiving end of life care at his home. Too stressful and I know did cause my BP and HR readings to climb higher. I am aware that there are other beta blockers but I suggest if your surgery has employed its own Pharmacist then talk to that person about your options. Failing that go to a large Pharmacy and have a consultation with that person.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

John

[Ribbony in reply to BenHall1]

Hi Ben, I researched the Nebivolol and it sounded hopeful for me tóo, so I got Drs appt (same day-amazing!) To ask if I could try it instead of the dreaded Bisoprolol. Dr said "they are sister beta blockers" but from my research Nebivolol doesn't clamp the heart rate down so much, plus it creates Nitric Oxide: "Our studies show that nitric oxide (NO) carried by Hb dilates the microvasculature to increase local blood flow and thus oxygen delivery (autoregulation of flow).8 Oct 2019ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › pmc

Role of Nitric Oxide Carried by Hemoglobin in Cardiovascular". I have felt short of oxygen as soon as I moved and got breathless after walking 20 yards. After 24 hours off the Bisoprolol and on the same 5mg dose of Nebivolol I don't get breathless, and can walk a bit faster. Also my brain is not nearly as foggy! Why don't Drs prescribe this? I am much indebted to you Ben for highlighting this alternative Beta Blocker with it's unique properties! My HR has been stable with no AF so far-this is my 5th day! Maybe I'll be able to stop gaining weight too!!

Thank you Ben so much!!!

[BenHall1 in reply to Ribbony]

Hi Ribbony,

Hi Finvola,

Hi Mrsvemb,

I wrote at the beginning of August about my switching from Bisoprolol 5mg to Nebivolol 2.5mg, I said I’d get back later with some outcomes of this switch.

Well, I had a Consultation yesterday with my Surgery Pharmacist having already emailled her an outline of the details of my Blood Pressure and HR. So, without boring you to tears I am feeling much less lethargic and tired …… almost human ! Even Mrs Ben Hall has noticed it …. and I’ve also had to undertake 2 road trips, one particularly stressful, the other a more joyous occasion, both round trips of 500 /600 miles.

In summary, my overall average BP in the past on the Bisoprolol has been 132/75 with a HR of 62. The first 19 days on Nebivolol 2.5mg have resulted in a result of 138/81 with a HR of 71. I told the Pharmacist that on balance I was happy with this result, particularly when I remove the readings taken on the 2 road trips from the numbers. Removing these numbers would give me a BP reading for the 19 days of 136/80 with a HR of 70.

I told her that all these readings have been taken over the holiday period when I’ve not driven my bus nor have I worked at all. Relaxed mode. I suggested to her that as I return to bus driving on 5 September that I continue with Nebivolol for another, say 8 weeks, to see how things go when I settle down to work mode. She has agreed and so our next consultation will be on 2 October. Frankly, I’m pretty wrapped with these numbers and the added benefit of feeling more human again. Thanks for your earlier comments.

Hope you guys are all well.

John

[Ribbony in reply to BenHall1]

Hi Ben/John (?)Many thanks for your report. I was feeling like the living dead without even enough energy to get dressed and cook breakfast in the morning withot sweating all over, which i attribute to going into adrenal mode. I was desperate, as the side effects of Bisoprolol have definitely got worse after 4 years on them.

The terrible brain fog began to clear within hours if missing a dose of Bisoprolol & had but completely gone. All the improvements I noted in my earlier post are continuing. I was able to get to the Christian Music Festival I really wanted to be at, after all!

It's only 8 days for me, and I still have the ME Cfs as a baseline problem, but I am much more perky and also MY HEART IS MORE STABLE! I used to go iinto Afib at the drop of a hat for 20+ hours.

I will need to ring Dr or Pharmasist to ask for NEBIVOLOL on repeat. No one ever checks up on me. It's all down to me.

[BobD Volunteer]

Difficult to tell as I currently have more health questions than answers but my runner beans are doing well . I'll look like one soon!

[wilsond in reply to BobD]

We are knee deep in runners and French beans too!

[pusillanimous in reply to wilsond]

Lucky you, the monkeys make off with anything we grow as well as raiding our kitchens ! I live in what is known as 'The Mist Belt' in South Africa, and humidity is a great problem particularly in wardrobes. My suede jacket (granted I pinched it from my sister when I was last in the UK) has, despite the use of dehumidifier crystals in cupboards caught the dreaded lurgy. I am devastated !!!!

[Rainfern in reply to BobD]

That goodness we have our gardens to distract us from health ills! We’ve got a steady stream of runners but used space for borlotti, cannellini and giant Greek beans for drying this year!

[bassets in reply to BobD]

Me too. They like this weather 😊

[wilsond]

Yes definitely so. Warwickshire has/is very oppressive.

[Buffafly]

Yes, and high heat makes my ankles swell and sets off my AF which persists until the weather cools 🥵

[Rainfern in reply to Buffafly]

We’re lucky to be escaping the high heat elsewhere in Europe! Got my cool flannels ready for next week ….

[Staffsgirl]

Yes, most definitely. Hate the humidity.

[Von19]

High humidity definitely affects my breathing and I struggle to get through the day

[Suesouth]

I’m also in the south west, weather has definately affected me, no energy, more breathlessness, not at all pleasant!

[Rainfern in reply to Suesouth]

I wonder if we could get a rehab trip to somewhere fine and dry paid for on the NHS …. 😅

[Suesouth in reply to Rainfern]

😂😂 wouldn’t that be great, need to get my op first tho! 🤪🤪

[Fibber222]

I have persistent AF and definately feeling less energetic & more tired than usual.

[pusillanimous]

Well I live in what is called 'The Mist Belt' in South Africa, and mould is our enemy. Despite putting dehumidifier crystals in my wardrobes, my suede jacket was caught the lurgy, BOO, hoo, hoo!

[Tellingfibs]

I suspect my Afib may play up a bit more in high humidity, but it could just be me. I have never been comfortable in that weather - it’s just unpleasant for me. Taking the grandchildren to the indoor swimming pool is not the nice experience it would be without the damp air ! I won’t take up an invitation to Sri Lanka because of the humidity there 🫤

Annie.

[Rainfern in reply to Tellingfibs]

I think you’ve got the answer there though - adapt to our conditions! I’m still finding it all quite frustrating!😅

[riverside22]

I find heat and humidity affect me much more now (also in permanent AF)

[Rainfern in reply to riverside22]

I’m still on a sharp learning curve, didn’t realise the weather could have such a big impact. No wonder us Brits spend so much time talking about it.

[Christmaspie]

yes definitely. My first Afib episode started in a swimming pool changing room … the humidity and heat together with the stress of changing two children under three set my heart off…. Humidity has continued to be a trigger but usually combined with other factors like stress, alcohol a big meal…

[Rainfern in reply to Christmaspie]

Thanks for your reply. It’s so helpful to know that I’m not alone with this and that things will hopefully look up when the humidity is blown away! ☺️

[4Pip]

As has been said on this forum that AFis a mongral of a disease. Humidity and fatigue humidity and dehydration humidity and insomnia can pull you down. Very cold weather can trigger AF so who knows for you humidity might be the problem. If so you need to work the problem. Keep hydrated rest try and keep cooler etc. the fatigue is the killer. Please mind yourself

[Rainfern in reply to 4Pip]

When you say fatigues the killer do you mean it makes the condition worse over time?

[Eirecara]

🤔that could explain things for me too! ☘️

[Dudtbin]

Affects me as does wind. Find walking quite difficult in wind.

[Rainfern in reply to Dudtbin]

I’m ok with the wind behind me ☺️

[ozziebob]

It might be worth keeping track of the new moon as a possible link to your fatigue, and other symptoms. My pAF is definitely more likely to occur near a new moon when my physical and emotional resources are at their lowest.

[Bagrat in reply to ozziebob]

Now that's a line of enquiry I have not pursued

[Rainfern in reply to ozziebob]

My trouble feels more like a meteor shower.

[ozziebob in reply to Rainfern]

🤔 "meteor shower"? Sorry I've not done that research yet.😃 But I was wondering if you have actually found many doughnuts in your rain(fern) forest? 😂

[Tomred]

Yes , fatigue , same here weather exacerbates it, along with bisoprolol and af.

[Bagrat]

Humidity doesn't suit me. I only have random short runs of often regular tachy these days but have just walked back from town uphill, used to take five mins now 10-15! Feel a lie down would be best option, fatigued and floppy! 76 humidity in conservatory. Intend to clean 2 windows first ( or maybe not!!)

[ozziebob in reply to Bagrat]

And did you notice there's a new moon on Wednesday morning? 🤔

[Bagrat in reply to ozziebob]

Was just going to look, but thanks. Totally of topic but psychiatric nurses all seem clued up on full moons as probs are more frequent.

[Rainfern in reply to Bagrat]

It’s kind of heartening to know it’s probably a weather issue, but sorry you’re having a hard time of it too.

[Gumbie_Cat]

I am definitely feeling more fatigue with the humidity, and also added grumpiness. It’s not even that hot either.

[Rainfern in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Yes I’ll join you there in a good grump!

[lawspear]

Don't be surprised, anything that stresses the body can make you feel rotten and people often don't realise the great stresses on the body that can be caused by heat, humidity and cold.

[Rainfern in reply to lawspear]

I’ve not had AF for long, but it went persistent very quickly. What a steep (and sometimes spikey) learning curve! I’m dreading the winter cold.

[Dickieticker17]

Hello, I live in Devon by the coast and I have been more breathless and tired than usual. I'm in sinus rhythm but take 2x50mg flecainide, bisoprolol and Lisinopril for high BP too. I've not had a follow up with docs for 3 years, they're not interested in seeing patients! I suppose it's something we have to put up with.

[Rainfern in reply to Dickieticker17]

Humidity 84 here this moment, also on Devon coast. Fit for nothing today, but did have a good night out with a friend yesterday (no alcohol!)

[Auriculaire]

The heat here in the Limousin is mostly humid- not the dry heat of the areas in the south like Provence. I have noticed recently that after toiling in the potager in 32° + for about 90mins that I have been breathless walking back up the garden and had to rest for a few seconds under shady trees. I don't notice the breathlessness while weeding just walking back. I have mild asthma and it is always worse in rainy weather. Last night we had a good storm but it's quickly hotting up again. 36° + forecast for later in the week. Typical. We told family they could not visit till 2nd half of August as July is often unbearable - lurk inside with the blinds down and avoid cooking weather. So this year they are arriving in the hottest week of the summer! C' est la vie!

[spinningjenny]

It doesn’t affect af too much but I’ve definitely struggled with my breathing lately. Have wondered if I’m beginning to develop asthma.

[geepo1]

Oh yes, Rainfern . Humidity, smoke from a bonfire or joss sticks, air fresheners , even having no windows opened for a while. All these make my breathlessness worse and increase Afib to more missed beats etc. always worth mentioning at your next cardio check just to be sure.

[colourblue]

Yes, I definitely feel more lethargic when the weather is humid. Also been told my blood pressure is on the low side, review in a few weeks. Best wishes.

[Soozoo]

I live in South East Queensland and during our very humid summers I struggle with more frequent and longer AF episodes.