propranolol to diltiazem?

[mummyofspot]

Hi there

I hope it’s ok for me to post here, I don’t have AF but have been having lots of palpitations and PVCs for a few years. I’ve been on Propranolol 80mg slow release for a couple of years and that’s been ok. However recently my ectopics have intensified and dr switched me to 40mg propranolol 3 times per day. This was ok for a couple of weeks but I’m now experiencing weird headaches/sensations and dizziness. They’re also making me very tired.

I’ve seen a cardiologist and heart is fine (had ecg, echo and monitor) diagnosed with benign PVCs. Cardiologist said they don’t need treating unless affecting quality of life (which they are) I get so anxious when they happen one after the other and it’s impacting my life.

Anyway, she gave me Diltiazem to try it I want. I’m very apprehensive to try as I’ve read awful things about them causing swelling and palpitations.

I would be very grateful for any advice.

thank you!

[Teresa156]

Hi mummyofspot,

Please can I ask, if they can be treated by your cardiologist, if they’re affecting your quality of life, why not ask for the treatment? Is it an ablation? ( I know they can do this for PVCs if they are excessive).

I’m afraid I don’t have any experience with diltiazem. Have you had all your bloods checked recently too? Are your electrolytes all ok?

[mummyofspot in reply to Teresa156]

Hi there. Thanks for replying. The treatment is medication so beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. I've tried the beta blockers but they're not really helping much and making me feel awful which is why I've been given the Diltiazem). She said they don't do an ablation unless the burden is really high (high enough to affect heart function). Mine aren't anywhere near frequent enough for that, but still affecting my life). I guess I won't know if the Diltiazem works for me unless I give it a go.

Thank you x

[Teresa156 in reply to mummyofspot]

Ah, I see. There are lots on here who take diltiazem so I’m sure someone will reply soon. I know ectopics can be scary, I started getting more recently and hate them. Are your electrolytes ok? Have you had it all checked - and your magnesium levels etc?

[mummyofspot in reply to Teresa156]

Electrolytes are all good. Have just had everything checked. No rhyme or reason to the PVCs at all (am sure it's probably hormonal).

[Teresa156 in reply to mummyofspot]

It may be hormonal as that can cause palpitations, I have a friend who this happened to and she is now on HRT and they’ve really improved. I’m on HRT too, though I’ve only recently started noticing mine, but I think a first bout of covid, late last year has initiated them. Have you perhaps had any recent infections?

[mav7]

This was ok for a couple of weeks but I’m now experiencing weird headaches/sensations and dizziness. They’re also making me very tired.

Did the Propranolol control the PVCs ? And do you feel you gave your system time to adjust to Propranolol to lessen the side effects ? Most medications will have some side effects and the individual determines the effect on quality of life.

Did the cardiologist comment on the side effects you were having ?

With all due and much respect, you seem to be the stressful type which (as you likely know) can contribute to PVCs. Lot of info on the subject on the 'net you may want to research.

Most here take Diltiazem for afib and like all medications side effects may differ in each individual.

Best to continue to discuss with your cardiologist. Best to You !

[mummyofspot in reply to mav7]

Hi. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I'm not sure if the propranolol controls the PVCs or not as I wasn't having them to this extent before I went on Beta blockers. You are right in the fact that I am the stressful type but this has only happened since getting the heart related symptoms. It seems to be a vicious circle for me. I have a follow up with my cardiologist in May so will discuss with her then. Thanks again.

[beardy_chris]

I blame beta blockers (Bisoprolol) made me tired and depressed. Diltiazem suits me much better. Yes, I get some minor oedema (ankle swelling) but that isn't a major problem - and is much better than feeling low and fatigued all the time.

Your mileage may, of course, vary.

[mummyofspot in reply to beardy_chris]

Thank you for your reply. Glad to hear the Diltiazam works better for you. Did you notice your heart beat was faster/more forcefull when you switched? This is one of my biggest fears. Also, did you just switch from one to the other? My cardiologist has said to finish the beta blockers one day and move onto the CCB the next. And sorry, one last question, do you have the oedema all the time or does it come and go? Thanks so much!

[beardy_chris in reply to mummyofspot]

No, my heartbeat didn't become faster or more forcefull. I had to wean off the Bisoprolol over a few weeks before ramping up the Diltiazem (CCB - Calcium Channel Blocker) but it may depend on the dose you are taking.

The oedema is essentially constant and doesn't vary much but it isn't too serious.

[djmnet]

I couldn't tolerate beta blockers as they made me incredibly tired. I switched to diltiazem about 3 years ago and it made a world of difference (180mg extended release, once daily). While I occasionally get slight swelling on my left ankle after being on my feet a long time, it doesn't affect me in a negative way.

[mummyofspot in reply to djmnet]

Thanks so much for replying. The beta blockers are making me tired too! Glad the switch worked for you. Can i ask if they make you feel calm too? I read they can cause palpitations/racing heart, which I'm very scared of. Worried that my anxiety will ramp up if I swap. Thanks again! x

[djmnet in reply to mummyofspot]

I haven't experienced any palpitations or increased anxiety or any other side effects -- Ive never detected any issues with my daily dose, especially compared to the exhaustion I felt with a couple of different beta blockers. I highly recommend it.

[Pvcsurvivor]

Diltiazem 360 mg has been great for my PVC's