Side effects of drugs for Heart Failure

[potter15]

Hi everyone, I am new to this group. 3 months ago I was diagnosed with"Heart Failure".

My cardiologist put me on Bisoprolol 2.5mg a.m. and Perindropol 2mg p.m.

In 2002 at the age of 65 I had an operation to replace my Mitral & Aortic valves with mechanical ones; they also fitted me with a Pacemaker. Since then I have been on Anti-coagulants; which involves the regular blood tests to balance the the INR.

At first the meds for heart failure seemed void of side effects except for reduced stamina, cold feet and hands but lately the tiredness and general fatigue has increased together with a weird cough and suddenly waking in the night with difficulty breathing, which is really scary. Although sitting upright does help.

I know that I am getting on in years; 81, but have always been fit so this very recent turn has come as a rude shock.

My wife and I moved to France over 20 years ago, where we have been very happy with the way of life. But since the Brexit referendum and the chaos that ensued I must admit that the continuing uncertainty has probably taken its toll on us, mentally more than most.

Has anyone had similar experiences with these drugs?

[Nathan53]

Hello potter15 and welcome to the forum.

Sounds like your feeling a bit rough and frustrated at the moment. Just a few thoughts: your cough could well be caused by the Perindropol which belongs to a group of drugs known as ACE inhibitors to reduce blood pressure. Some people develop a dry irritating cough with ACE inhibitors. You could discuss your cough with your Dr as there are other types of BP drugs. I developed a cough when taking an ACE inhibitor called ramipril. I changed to losartan which comes under a group of drugs termed ARB's and they tend not to cause cough - my cough went within days.

Waking up struggling to breathe can be caused by sleep apnoea which is a condition where while sleeping, and unknown to you, you hold your breath and wake up gasping for air. This can happen numerous times during the night sometimes you can be unaware and it leads to extreme tiredness the following day - do you snore as this is an indicator of sleep apnoea. I can understand your anxiety about Brexit it's a mess. Get some more advice about your tablets and also your degree of heart failure. You can speak with a Specialist BHF nurse weekdays by calling 0300 330 3311. Hope you feel better soon. Take care

[MichelleLed in reply to Nathan53]

Hello, i am in the same situation re France and can understand the anxiety Brexit is causing. I am also on Bisoprolol and Isotard. I dont seem to be having adverse effects from the drugs but the anxiety doesnt help the heart that is for sure! I would keep checking i with your doctor if it was me.

[potter15 in reply to Nathan53]

Hi Nathan. Thanks for the reply and advice which is much appreciated. I do not believe that sleep apnea is in fact the problem, as my wife has suffered from this for years and I am well aware of the symptoms. In fact she now has a mask which she is required to wear nightly. My GP has advised cutting the bisoprolol to half, which I have done so we shall see if that helps. thanks again good luck and be well.

[Lynnca]

Ramipril was one of the tablets I was given for HF and I had a terrible cough which used to wake me at night coughing I changed to an ARB called Candesartan and the cough disappeared. Go to your GP or cardiologist. I also had a mitral valve replaced

[potter15 in reply to Lynnca]

Thanks Lynnca!

[FeetheBookworm]

Hi Potter

I get extremely tired - exhausted TBH - most days with HF. It may be the Bisoporol I take. I almost permanently have a streaming nose and sore throat or slight cough - and any bug doing the rounds comes my way. I’ve also had awful problems with my facial skin with almost any cream burning my face.

Apart from that I’m fine!

Fiona

[potter15 in reply to FeetheBookworm]

Hi. FeetheBookworm, you poor thing. Sometimes life really is a bitch. But you sound totally philosophical about it. Good on you. Keep well. What is TBH?

[FeetheBookworm in reply to potter15]

To be honest - thanks for your reply.

[hf54]

Hi I think that the waking in the night could be related to fluid on the lungs . I had the same . The medicines do start to work but they are not like headache tablets that work very quickly. They can take weeks or months for the full effect.iteven states this on the nhs website. Avoid any kind of crowds or shopping etc until you are much better- flu or chest infection is the last thing you want . I wish you continued improvements!