Hi everyone, another question I have, like some comments pleaseWhen I first had PAF 12 years ago, it was about a fast heart rate so given betablockers, the rate still worried me for years, now it's not the rate it's a different feeling just lack of energy, horrible, wondered if it changes the way it manifest after time, would make sense I guess maybe due to the heart size, any ideas?
AF evolving: Hi everyone, another... - Atrial Fibrillati...
AF evolving
Written by
Marymara
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
34 Replies
•
In some people PAF progresses, and it may cause changes in the heart with one being left atrial enlargement, which can affect how well the heart pumps leading to fatigue, rather than just a fast heart rate. Also beta-blockers that manage the condition can also cause low energy, Plus it may be something entirely different and you may want to consider other factors or underlying health issues that could be adding to the tiredness. I would make an appt to see your doctor/cardiologist about these symptoms and take a close look and at least what to rule out and then possibly adjustments to what is going on and treatment.
I am under cardiologist, recently had test, he is calling me next week, they don't understand the little worries,I do have other issues which is why I'm trying to get my answers, or some piece of mind, just hoping someone was going to outright say yes it changes.
Before the cardiologist calls I suggest you take time to prioritise your different concerns, write them down and don't end the call until you have written down the answers. Waiting until after his/her input, it may help if you are diplomatic and with a brief apology announce you have a list of the most concerning matters and request acceptance to run through them.
It may be the betablocker that is causing your issue. Consider with the medics whether your dose is too high or indeed whether you need rate control at all. May depend on (a) the normal rate (is it greater than 110bm for lenient rate control?) and (b) the rate during PAF and its duration before reversion to NSR.
It might well be the beta blockers. The lowest dose of Bisoprolol brought my heart rate down too low and I was told to stop taking it after only three days!
Iv been on these betablockers for 13 years,
Gosh! What dosage? It shows how very different we all are. Guess, a lower dosage would give you more energy. Hope so.
I started years ago on 2.5mg then 10 years ago up to 5mg
I was offered flecainide at the time I was seeing professor schilling ,he said my heart could take it, found out later I had a congenital problem.you just can't trust any of them
Why does a congenital problem mean you can’t take flecainide? Can you clarify?
My understanding is that you can’t take this drug if you have any sodium channel issues, conduction disorders such as a left bundle branch block and AV block, atherosclerosis, after a myocardial infarction and if you have liver issues. I guess some of these can be congenital.
Well I was told you can't take it if you have structure of function problems
Ok. I wonder what they meant by that? I have a congenital issue but it’s not structural. It’s electrical. I might quiz my cardiologist a little more.
I said structure or function, not congenital, although an arrhythmia well cause the heart to change shape, which then changes the structure and possibly function, depends how long you've had it and if it's well controlled
Thanks. I think we’ve crossed wires. I asked how it being congenital affected anyone taking it. I misread what you said when you mentioned your condition was congenital.
That’s sad! I remember when we covered IQ tests during my studies for my degree in Psychology, at that time (over 60 years ago now) medical students achieved the lowest results!
What I think is mad not sad is everybody is giving their account on these problems, none of us are cardiologist, like I said once before a little knowledge is dangerous, I like to hear about people's experiences, not advice as to what to do, from what iv seen on here BOB and DREAMER are the ones who have the right answers.
It is a fast and irregular heart rate which happens occasionally. Mine is controlled very well by Flecainide, but we are all different and must find what works for us as individuals.
Beta blockers react differently in everyone!
Ask to try a different one- rule out that the source of fatigue isn’t the BB! Best wishes for a solution.
I had troubles when I was switched to a different one, hence my remark. Meds are inconsistent between us as well, just as Afib affects us all differently. My sister has AF , and we both take the opposite in meds as they affect us adversely!
Goodness, none of us can or should say that! Only your Drs... I was simply saying if it is pharmacology related, the only way to know is to try a different medication! I hope you find the right solution soon!
Thankyou
I don’t think the heart changes in size at all in most people. I would ask your GP to arrange an echocardiogram if you have not had one recently. That will identify any issues, say, with heart output or valves.
My own response to my AF has changed since I started and I would say lack of energy is a big part of it sometimes.
Steve
With AF you heart gets bigger. It dialates the atrium at least
I have read AF can cause atrial enlargement (in fact there's a couple on the forum with it), but doesn't the evidence still wonder which comes first - a kind of chicken or egg situation?
Steve
Well from what I know, AF will cause a dilated atrium if your heart is big in the first place you would probably have AF, I'd say AF first.
I understood that heart enlargement is common in untreated hypertension for example. I've seen post mortem reports stating enlarged heart.
I agree with Ppiman - you’re best seeing your doctor especially if this is a change to your normal and getting worse.
Beta blockers are not just rate control.
A general comment, to help clarify for others, beta blockers not only reduce rate but they reduce force. This is equally important because the reduction in force helps prevent damage to the hearts walls and valves, and this damage includes helping to prevent enlargement.
Hi
My breathlessness was proved that it was Beta Blocker Metopolol. It also gave me pauses at night. 186 avge no exertion couldn't, 47 my normal at night.
Now off all beta blockers last Bisprolol.
I feel FREEDOM.
Sleeping alot, fatigued has left.
I was changed to CCB Calcium Channel Blocker. AM CD. It allows 47bpm not drop at all at night.
I guess some have a CCB twice a day. I don't need that and Dr thinks the med runs out although in some may cover up to 24 hours.
I was taking 2.5mg PM Bisoprolol but with BP dropping I cautionly dropped it. The cardiologist directed when at an appointment cornered to tell me what do I do if my H/R drops too much. He said drop the Biso... However it was the BP drop. The Biso.. was for controlling the BP not the H/R. Sp I stopped it.
I feel somuch better.
Keep hydrated though.
cheri jOY
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Parox AF
i have parox AF i take apixaban and bisoprolol 2.5mg and lots of other medications for other...
AF and exercise
Hi,
What do my fellow AF sufferers do about exercise?.. I had angioplasty in Feb 2012 when I was...
Is this af or not
I've got an omron portable ecg monitor off my cardiologist for a month to record any episodes to...
Sibling AF
Both myself and my brother have AF. He is 7 years older than me. I actually had AF first, with it...
AF feeling!
Just a quickie I'm never sure when I'm having this dreaded thing but sometimes I can get a feeling...
AF with sex
My sad news & AF
AF and heart rate 
AF again
Slow AF, raised BP
