Bisoprolol & Apixaban

[maurice2]

Early sixties. Coming up to two years when I had peridarditis which developed into permanent afib until I had cardio version four months later. Been mostly clear since then but occasional bursts of arrythmia, typically early beats. Think I was stressed out but have also given up alcohol and now exercising everyday (fast walking, a little bit of weights). Doctor has persuaded me to go back on to apixaban because he thinks i'm a stroke risk but i'm resisting the bisoprolol at the moment as i'm symptom free, but I'll use them if i get any more signs. Got a heart monitor and using it mainly for fitness (hrv) tracking which has additional benefit of flagging number of long/short beat intervals. Have got a kardia device also which is good for a second opinion on rythm. Think I'll be investing in a 24hr monitor if I have any more arrythmia.

[Sixtyslidogirl]

sounds good. What is your overnight resting heart rate? If low, I’m not clear what the benefit is of bisoprolol. I am 63 with PAF, and a low overnight HR due to exercise I assume. When I took bisoprolol it took my HR too low during the day and we agreed to abandon it.

[maurice2 in reply to Sixtyslidogirl]

Around 60 first thing in the morning...climbs to fairly steady 70ish during the day. Not sure if this is partic. low, probably not. I might try and measure at night but I'd need another gadget as I use a chest strap and my phone at the moment.

[BasG]

Have been on numerous meds over last 12yrs.6 ablations and 4 cardio versions.

Can’t have any more ablation interventions and if I have recurrence will probably have pace and ablate.

Previously very fit as coached 7 days a week and have run marathons etc.

I have been in SR for exactly a year now after 12 in AF.

Bisoprolol didn’t work for me a few years back but learnt to take it along with all the other meds. One of things I found was that I became too obsessed with all the different self monitoring and various symptoms.

I think mental attitude needs to be positive.Giving yourself time and space to relax and get a good nights sleep.

Remember AF won’t kill you but a stroke could be devastating.

If you are able to tolerate Bisoprolol without bad side effects it could be worth another try.

My BP is now too high and I’m now having to take yet another pill.

I hope to manage this by improving my fitness levels and diet- then if this is working reduce or stop calcium antagonists.

Good luck with whatever you decide and learn to live with it whilst keeping a sense of proportion.

[Tryfan]

hi Maurice. Like most people I dislike being on permanent meds. Like you, I have been prescribed Apixaban, for me following two or three episode's of Afib. I have to say I have not had any side- effects. I have stopped taking them for a recent operation and major tooth surgery. Started again with no ill effects. I will continue taking them after talking with a friend who volunteers driving The Stroke Bus. You do not want to get a stroke is all I can say. Your age, sex, previous conditions put you at risk, however small. I would take them, carry on with your life as normal. Just be more aware of avoiding head bangs. Brain bleeds after a severe head bang is the only concern you should have. Best wishes Tryfan.

[cloudster]

Within two weeks of my 80 birthday, had an ablation 10 months ago and have been in NSR since then, asked doc if I could go off Apixaban, heck normal now, so did...hate idea of constant medicating. Just my opinion, you have to do what's best for you...

[maurice2 in reply to cloudster]

Yeah, they don't really know what's going on with these meds. If you take a thinner for obstructive stroke risk, your risk of brain bleed stroke goes up. I don't like regular meds at all.

[cloudster in reply to maurice2]

Night heart monitor? Have you heard/tried a Circul+ ring? Check it out, monitors oxygen levels, pulse rate, finger temp and sleep stages, more info and is entertaining at least...