persistent AF and meds

[Gillybean123]

hi there, just received a letter re my meds. A spider flash that I had fitted in September shows that my heart rate was between 90 and 149. Since this I have been taken off Flecanide. As mentioned in earlier messages they wanted me to go on Bisoprolol. I decided to stay on the verapamil. They are saying now that I should go on a beta blocker unless I am intolerant and have said to add Digoxin to the Verapamil. I am getting a bit upset about all of this as this result was 6 months ago. Things have changed if my HR was in the 149 I would know about it. I have got YPORTheto wait for a routine clinical review but have just called his secretary and hope she gets back soon. I always had yellow vision when I took digoxin before and I couldn’t breathe on Bisoprolol but I will give either another chance. Does digoxin actually help heart rate as anyone been taking it with verapamil. Thanks everyone.

[BenHall1]

No ... if you were asymptomatic you may not always know if your HR was 149 ! When I was first diagnosed my HR was 156 and I just felt a tad unwell, like I was goin' down with man flu. Apart from the AF diagnosis during my 6 days in hospital they also identified I was asymptomatic.

There are at least 3 beta blockers that I know of, Bisoprolol, Nebivolol and Sotalol ... all are aimed at controlling HR, that is lowering it and holding it at a respectable beat.

[Gillybean123 in reply to BenHall1]

I will suggest the Nebivolol and Sotalol when I get to speak to some one. Thanks for replying

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Gillybean123]

HI

i was told diagnosed rapid and persistent AF Sotalol as a rhythm alternative med not suitable is cardiac team 'have given up trying to get you back in nrmal sinus beat",

Both above are BBs.

Cheri JOY

[Tapanac]

my husband is on digoxin and we were told it strengthens the heart

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

In my case BBs did not control H.Rate Day enough. 185 Metopolol with breathlessness sweating and couldn't exert. 24hr showed pauses 2 secs at night on my 'normally ' low H.Rate Night. Bisoprolol a little better but still did not control H.rate DAY. 156. No breathlessness or pauses but fatigued.

A private H/Specialist introduced CCB Diltiazem 1/2 dose 180mg CD but reduced dose within days. The 156 H/R reduced to 51 in 2hours. Now take 120mg CD early morning.

BISOPROLOL was REDUCED. to 5mg then 2.5.

TAKEN CCB 3 years 3months. BP went low on 2.5 Bisoprolol so stopped it in December 2024.

Lost some of the fatigue. No more afternoon sleeps.

Walking further with confidence.

You don't say your Verm,,, dose.

24hr Heart Monitor is best for the truth of where you are throughout the 24hrs.

CCBs have both H/Rate and BP Rate control but more so H/Rate control. Bisoprolol for BP rate predominately with some H/Rate control.

Separate these by 12 hours the NZ Heart Foundation Nurse says.

Step 1 in rapid H/Rate. Control H/Rate 100 or under.

Step 2 in Hypertension. Control BP to 120-130. / 70-80..

Diltiazem has added protection as a safe anti-arrythmic med.

cheri JOY. 76. (NZ)