Metoprol

[Pommerania78]

Do you think that the use of Metoprol (or any beta blocker) alone, without an anti-arrythmic, such as Flecainide, can keep Afib from breaking out?

[kitenski]

over 2 years flecainide created more arrythmias than in solved *FOR ME*. Bisoprolol on it's own seems to be doing a good job since August!

[BobD Volunteer]

There is no difference in final outcome between rate or rhythm control. Any and all treatment is only for ssymptom control or quality of life (QOL) Those in permanent AF only ever have rate control (plus of course anticoagulation where appropriate.)

Beta blockers alone do not stop AF per se but they do keep rate controlled when it happens and often by keeping rate down reduce the number of events.

Why not go to the main AFA website and read as much as you can on the subject.

[CDreamer]

Only way to know if works for you is to try. There are no absolutes or certainty with AF - that’s what makes it so difficult to live with.

[mjames1]

Metoprolol is essentially a rate control drug with some anti-arrhythmic properties. It might help afib from breaking out by mediating the adrenaline response. Only trial and error will tell.

Unfortunately, too many are put on beta blockers like Metoprolol between afib episodes with no trial off of it. My guess is that a large part of that group is getting no benefit from the Metoprolol, just the side effects.

Flecainide, on the other hand is a strong anti-arrhythmic which is more likely to keep you out of afib, but no harm starting with a beta blocker.

Jim

[jwsonoma]

I have PAF and Flecainide stopped my progressive Afib in its tracks. (1 event in the last 6 years) I also have to take 1.5mg Bisoprolol to counter act potential high HR that Flec can cause.

[Pommerania78 in reply to jwsonoma]

I wonder why Flec. can cause high HR? Thanks.

[jwsonoma in reply to Pommerania78]

I was told, as a side effect, if Flec defeats an afib event it can (but rarely) result in a very high HR episode. A low dose (1.25mg) of Bisoprolol or Metrop... prevents this. My Cardio guy insisted I take it or he wouldn't prescribe Flecainide. I've been fine for 6 years. After reading multiple posts on this site, I prompted my Doc. to put me on Flec. My progressive PaFib stopped.

[Ppiman]

It seems in my case it can although arrhythmias wax and wane so very much it's hard to prove anything with AF treatments, I would think.

Studies are also many and strong on rate lowering as the first-choice route to reduce AF. Anti-arrhythmic drugs, as a class, are far more likely to cause worrying side effects compared with rate lowering drugs, so that's surely a reason to go with them first. But, in the end, it's likely to be your doctor's decision based on your personal heart issues and history.

Steve

[Ewloe]

My heart attack left me with a few arrhythmia’s including paf. I’m on bisoprolol apparently they want to avoid rhythm control drugs as I’ve got muscle damage /scarring on my heart muscle. So rhythm control drugs arnt suitable for everyone. They have said the bisoprolol dampens the arrhythmia’s and keeps the heart burden in an acceptable range. Which is working for me so far.

[pd63]

Diagnosed PAF 2023, prescribed 5mg bisoprolol only 1 episode since so I'll stick with it.My side effects were minimal, on apixaban also for anticoagulation, again minimal SEs.

[Teresa156]

Since being on a low dose of Bisoprolol alone ( a similar beta blocker) my episodes reduced considerably, but I have still got one or two break through. Beta blockers don’t stop Afib completely.

[Clifflove]

I was diagnosed with PAF 13 years ago and been on Propranolol with good control and only one bout of 7 episodes 3 years ago which were unexplained. I tried several of the new beta blockers but they didn’t suit me, and neither do the anti -arrhythmic drugs and all give me chest tightness.

Not sure how I will get these current episodes under control … Flecainide is not suitable as causing so many side effects