Headache with AF?

[Trent]

I am currently experiencing an episode of AF which started on Sunday night. I had an appointment with the GP booked for yesterday morning about an unrelated issue but told her about the AF and she organised an ECG and persuaded me, against my better judgement, to go to A & E. My heart beat was only 115 bpm.

Eight and a half hours later I was discharged from A & E and told to increase my Bisoprolol to 3.75mg from my usual 2.5mg. This hasn't made any difference but I have a horrid headache. Does anyone know if this could be related to the AF? I am making sure to keep hydrated but it's not going away, despite taking paracetamol.

I look forward to hearing your comments.

[Tapanac]

not sure. Are you resting and worrying too much. Hope you feel better soon

[Trent in reply to Tapanac]

Yes, definitely resting as can't do much with this AF. Many thanks for your reply.

[CDreamer]

Headaches are such a common symptom of so many things that it’s impossible to say. Generally speaking headaches are not a symptom of AF but is a symptom of dehydration but you say you are well hydrated. Stiff head and neck muscles from tension and lack of movement or lying in an awkward position, possibly from sitting in A&E, are the most common cause of a headache, have you tried a few gentle neck exercises and stretches? Could be the increase in Bisoprolol, some people react to that.

If the pain is sharp and in one place, makes you feel sick then seek medical advice.

I despaired of going to A&E with AF ten years ago. Can you make an appointment with your Cardiologist/EP?

[Trent in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply.

As I don't have a scheduled appointment until the end of March (and that's by video) I've had to organise a private appointment so that I can see someone next week.

[CDreamer in reply to Trent]

Good plan, hope it goes well for you.

[Barny12]

I often get a headache and a stiff neck when I get AF. Never figured it out and whenever I've mentioned it to a cardiologist/EP they just shrug their shoulders.

[Trent]

That's helpful then! I suppose if they don't think it's important it can't be anything to worry about. Thank you for replying. Keep well.

[buddy2blue]

I don’t often get headaches with my AFB. However paracetamol doesn’t touch the AF is really bad so I take paracetamol along with Oramorph

[Trent in reply to buddy2blue]

I bet that does the trick!

[buddy2blue in reply to Trent]

Yes it does I also take it on a night so I get a decent nights sleep 😴

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

It could be constipation so eat your brazil nuts a day to level your T3 as 3.9 mormal.

Also have Thyroid checked and B12.

You are in winter I think.

I had headaches with sinusitis.

But went to UK working and lost it. The brain scan shows a cyst in my left sinus.

But beware I awoke with a very sore head at 2am after experiencing a stroke - embolic.

cheri JOY 76. (NZ)

[Trent in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thank you for your reply.

[Twosumsmum]

the headache will probably settle when you are used to the increased beta blocker dose .

[Trent in reply to Twosumsmum]

Yes, I think you're right it may be due to the higher dose of Bisoprolol. Many thanks for your reply.

[Auriculaire]

My money would be on the increased bisoprolol. When I first got afib I was put on Bisoprolol 5mg and two hours after taking it a headache would appear like clockwork. I'm not a person who suffers from headaches in general. When I reduced the dose to 1.25mg the headache went .

[Trent in reply to Auriculaire]

I'm sure you're right. Thank you for your reply.