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Is there anything that we know won't cause Afib??

fibnum profile image
14 Replies

I saw this article that lists drugs that can (possibly)trigger Afib. A list of drugs that do not would be shorter! I am taking some of those that can. sciencedirect.com/science/a...

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fibnum profile image
fibnum
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14 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

A ‘possible’ trigger doesn’t mean it will.

I can’t take any heart drugs, many antibiotics, anti-malarial drugs, sedation and whole list more because of another condition. Any and all drugs carry risks and you need to weigh up whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks.

Just had that conversation with my husband - who is on a very toxic drug and his doctor.wanted to add another.

KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo

It does say under "Discussion" that "Evidence associating drugs with AF is scanty and largely based on individual case histories".Noticed that verapamil, diltiazem and atenolol are on the list - I had all 3 for rate control at different times! Also digoxin on the list.

I am not medically trained , but one time I was having my drugs adjusted by a cardiologist in the hospital, she commented that

" the difference between a drug and a poison was the dose"

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply to KMRobbo

Great quote!

fibnum profile image
fibnum in reply to KMRobbo

My main reason for posting the article is to illustrate the complicated, confusing world of "living with Afib" and the complexity of sorting out medications for BP, Afib and other ailments.

When you read that the medication you are taking daily to help your heart rate can cause arrythmia, the problem you are most concerned about, it is a bit consternating.

hatchback profile image
hatchback

Thank you for the reference to the information on Afib. I do take Losartan and that is named, if I understand correctly, to may be a trigger for Afib episodes. I was put on so many medications after the Afib was discovered and shortly after, I had a stroke. Lucky for me, it didn't interfere with any of my body's movements. It did leave me numb on my left side. I can live with that. I'm just concerned about the side effects of some of the drugs I'm on at this time. Losartan, Eliquis, Metoprolol. I have high blood pressure and am hypertension most of the time. I'm 78 years old. Broke my femur three years ago, they discovered Afib during my hospital stay and since then, my life has gone downhill. I think I need to find a different med for my blood pressure. Again, tank you for the reference. Good article!

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to hatchback

Hi

Metopolol is not recommended for AF patients.

After stroke with AF made me breathless, no energy and fatigue (slept).

Losartan and Metoprolol are a family. I did have Losartan at an earlier date because of rising Systollic level. I found protein in urine so I stpped.

Research are looking at Beta Blockers for high BP. Thought is that they are not suitable.

Bisoprolol BB is a better med for us AFers.

I am now controlled on

Diltiazem CCB control for H/R rapid 120mg AM

Bisoprolol BB control for BP 2.5mg PM (separated to above)

BBs should be taken PM as BP rises early morning.

Did you have the stroke after diagnosed with AF?

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

fibnum profile image
fibnum in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49

I was on 100 mg of metoprolol when I first got Afib and still take 50 mg a day.

I have long suspected it was making my heart more vulnerable to the gas that triggered my Afib.

Why does my cardiologist still want me on it??

I find that doctors will not accept a possible cause and effect until someone rubs their nose in it and makes them taste it!

I have had many doctors tell me that my suspicion about a med, vaccine or chemical is wrong simply because it has not been proven with reputable studies, but the fact that something has not been conclusively proven true does not mean that it has been proven conclusively untrue!

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to fibnum

Hi

Change from Metoprolol to Bisoprolol. It is better for AFers.

Metoprolol gave me pauses at night as well as breathless, fatigued and slept with it after exerting myself.

The research questions BBs for AF patients. Diltiazem CCB proved to control me of RAPID AF.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

hatchback profile image
hatchback

Sorry. I mean "Thank you for the reference." LOL

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Um

Well, I reckon the research is wide and interesting.

But apart from B12 Solgar for deficiency and an antibiotic I wasn't on any of those meds.

And I don't think that I had AF prior the stroke but questionable.

Researching my history found Thyroid Papillary Cancer 4 days post stroke & AF.

It will be interesting if you get replies to bring to light others without AF until a drug on list showed.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

hatchback profile image
hatchback in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49

Thank you for your input I had the stroke about a week after I was put on medication. I don't recall what those meds were. They found the Afib while I was in the hospital for my broken femur and I took all those pills like a good patient. I was so sick for the first year after I started taking all those meds that I started refusing medicines until they changed some of them. Now I'm thinking I need to stop the Metoprolol and the Losartan. Also, I was told about two weeks ago, after ending up in the emergency from episode of Afib, that my blood work showed my kidneys are slowing down. I'm going to the lab tomorrow to get them checked. I am so sorry for your illnesses. Many people I read about on this site are so much worse off than me. I feel selfish even thinking I have problems.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to hatchback

Hi

I was lucky.

But hospitals are changing their stance on BBs post stroke.

Like me the AF caused the stroke . I found Metoprolol & Bisoprolol never controlled my H/Rate. My night rate is always avge 47 H/R so now at 60s Day are more lined up.

I should have had a CCB from day post stroke. At 185 & with change 156 H/R Day too rapid. I have had 3 operations since Feb 2020. With the cancer I had 2 anaesthetists as my H/R not controlled.

Each other time questioned and had to be tested for under 100. March 2022 just controlled H/R Day 88-96. Last month 60s. So from now on no more worrying! Thank you to the private h/specialist. 1 vist, introduced to CCB Calcium Channel Blocker.

The ? is were you put on an anti-co.agulant post stroke.??

I am at CHAD score 5. So I have a 12.5% risk of another. Mine was a Ischaemic (Embolic). Lodged in the left frontal lobe of the brain. I had dropped mouth, couldn't speak well, right-hand dropsy with swollen fingers.

The Speech Therapy asked me to sing, try and talk, right-hand therapy. Walking fine.

I still couldn't knit this year but improved with right shoulder repair.

I think that is bad having a stroke on BBs. I think Losarton is an ACE Blocker but in family of Metoprolol. M.... gave me. pauses at night. Others no pauses.

Take care, Joy descendant of Devon grandparents - all 4. I spent 6 years working in Devon in the 90s. Loved it.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

hatchback profile image
hatchback

You've had a lot more experience with these meds than I have. Also, I have no idea what BB stands for. Yes, I was on Pradaxa when I had the stroke. I think you are referring to a blood thinner when you say "anti-coagulant. I'm not familiar with any of these terms. Truth is, I felt healthy and had no problems until I began taking all those pills. Should have never broke my femur. That is when my life changed for the worst! I do appreciate your responses so thank you for sharing your experiences. It helps me with decisions on my health care. We are the best advocates for our bodies! Nice to feel like I know what I'm talking about when I run it by my doctor! LOL!

fibnum profile image
fibnum in reply to hatchback

Beta Blockers

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