more frequent AF

[Rose8950]

Ever since I have been put on a higher dose of Prednisone for a flare up of my PMR my Afib episode are very frequent. This week 3 episodes in a row while I’m more used to once a month. My heart pulse is also higher, I take metoprolol and Eliquis. Anyone has experienced this problem while on Prednisone ?

[CDreamer]

I was given steroid sparing meds instead of prednisone for exactly the reason you are asking - it will exacerbate AF.

[JGBH in reply to CDreamer]

Hi, what are the steroid sparing medications you were prescribed? I have just been diagnosed with AFib and have been prescribed Apixaban (5mg to take twice/day) and Bisoprolol 2.5 mg. I take Prednisone 5 mg/day too. So it would be useful to know what you take. Thanks.

[CDreamer in reply to JGBH]

I don’t have PMR but an autoimmune condition and take Mycophenolate - an immune suppressant- instead of the usually prescribed steroids.

[JGBH in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for replying. I have many autoimmune diseases… Mycophenolate would probably not be ok for me. I need to find much more about AFib…. Read as much as possible about it and writing a post in order to get as much information as possible from people with AFib, their experiences with various anticoagulants and Betablockers. Best wishes.

[OzJames]

I had a 10 day script for prednisone cream for a skin condition and after 5 days I went into AF. As it was my throat area were major arteries are the Cardiologist suggested it was very possibly the cream that kicked it off. Steroids are a necessity for lots of conditions but also a possible kickstarter for AF

[Ppiman]

I have read that this can happen in some users of prednisone and steroids. Of course, the AF might have become more frequent anyway - such is the nature of it. I would ask your GP for advice since the steroids will be needed for a while till the symptoms calm again.

Steve

[Snowgirl65]

Absolutely yes! I took it on two different occasions and both times it triggered very bad and prolonged a-fib episodes -- one where I ended up in the hospital. It doesn't affect some a-fibbers, but it definitely does me.

[WildIris]

Yes! AF frequency corresponds quite closely with prednisone dose. I have lupus and allergies and periodically seem to need prednisone.