shaza2

[shaza2]

from continued AF I went to have an ablation. I have been taken a low doze bisoprolol morning and night. 625mg as well as apixaban 2.5mg morning and night. More recently I have some bradycardia and occasional AF and following this it has been suggest I try sotalol at 40mg and increase apixaban 5mg. I am apprehensive of changing and the larger doses.

I want to be able to hike, backpack, kayak and climb beyond my 78years. Appreciate comments on sotalol and increased doses of meds and the ability to perform demanding activity.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Shaza

Can you take a look at the amount of bisoprolol you have said you take as I can't think that is right?

We all desperately want to do those things that you mention, this experience with AF is a pain isn't it!

I took Sotalol for a while as a pill in the pocket, meaning I only took it when I had an AF attack. It didn't suit me but there are others on this forum who get on with it well. I take Metoprolol now and have done for years, this is another beta blocker. I just take 25mg morning and night as it has a strong effect on me.

Let us know how you get on please.

Jean

[Efka in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi just an aside, my husband used to take bisoprolol 0.625 twice daily also. Lowest dose is commonly 1.25mg and it was split in two mainly to avoid side effects, Eva

[shaza2 in reply to Efka]

Yes that is what I am doing now unless I switch to sotalol

[shaza2 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean I have been carrying Sotalol like you as a pill in a pocket and never had to use it, but a recent experience with AF in hospital ( funny while being discharged) resulted in a recommendation of regular use of Sotalol 40mg m & n. Maybe one can start with a smaller dose. The hospital cardiologist in hospital did not really suggest another option

[Dudtbin]

i take sotalol and am fine , bit slower maybe when walking uphill.

[Drone01]

If you’ve had an ablation and your heart is otherwise in good shape, ask why you continue to be prescribed a betablocker at all. I found that Biso, even at 1.25mg, put the brakes on when I exercised, so abandoned it in favour of an ACE-inhibitor for blood pressure control. Just don’t overdo the aerobics!

[shaza2 in reply to Drone01]

Thanks for that . My ablation was Aug 2023, but I think I am noting more arrhythmia or AF again. My goal to continue a lifestyle of bushwalking, backpacking and other outdoor activities. Hopefully that should up and downhills.

I have not heard of ACE inhibitors and would appreciate any further comments there to explain.

[Drone01 in reply to shaza2]

Bisoprolol is a betablocker that also has the effect of lowering blood pressure. If you don’t need rate control in AFiB but have high blood pressure, it can be treated with various other medications. An ACE-inhibitor like Lisinopril helps relax the blood vessels and thereby lowers the pressure required to pump blood. Hope that helps explain.

[Auriculaire in reply to shaza2]

If you continue to exercise beyond your heart's capacity then you will probably continue to suffer from arrhythmia. Sometimes we just have to accept that we cannot continue in our 70s and 80s to do things as we did when younger. How about finding ways to spend time outside less vigorously? Sotalol has anti arrhythmia effects as well as being a beta blocker. You cannot compare the dosing of one beta blocker with another ie 1.25 mg Bisoprolol with 40 mg Sotalol.

[shaza2 in reply to Auriculaire]

Thanks for this I do know you are right but I would like to remain as active as possible and to find the best drugs to facilitate that. I am still learning about drugs and it seems I have a long way to go. This site has been so very helpful and presenting a lot of knowledge and experience. Thanks to all