bisoprol and memory loss

[OttoK]

Hi, Back to about 85% of my (good) former self 6 months after double bypass and new aortic valve. But I have a big problem that I have not told anyone about, yet. I am having some memory loss. I am now quite certain after reading copious blogs and papers that the cause is my beta-blocker bisoprol. All the doctors say don’t stop. But, hey, without my brain, I might as well pack it all in anyway. I intend to ignore all the advice and stop taking it. Let’s see what happens. This is NOT advice to anyone else. Just my own private clinical trial. But happy to get the wise advice of my fellow “hearties”. Cheers, Otto

[Lezzers]

Why not mention it to your GP so they can rule out any other issues that could be causing your memory loss.

[Prada47]

Hello

First off what dose of Bisoprolol are you taking and have you been on it for long ?? I note you say you have noticed some memory loss since your bypass operation. I would consult my GP for one of the tests for other diagnosis for memory loss !! One other point it may help others if you would give an indication of your age ? it may be relevant as I sometimes wonder if Bisoprolol causes problems the older you get.

[Hidden]

I have seen quite a few posts on Cog decline/memory loss straight after the bypass. Post-op side effects?

If not, maybe, just maybe (?) you still got some narrowing somewhere they have not defined yet?

This does seem to happen.

Also, soft plaque is known to shift. . .

something to consider.

I agree. You are st**ed without decent memory skills.

[Harrysgran in reply to Hidden]

I also have memory problems ( im 3 yrs post AVR) and have been told by a neurologist that it is Post Operational Cognitive Dysfunction ( POCD) in the US they call it “ Pump Head”. There are many theories as to why this occurs but is thought to be linked to time spent on the bypass machine. Some attribute it to micro air embolisms but its a very complicated subject and opinions are divided due to the variables between patients pre op age and general condition. Worth mentioning to a dr or refferall to a neurologist though theres no particular test to confim it.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Have you had the memory issues since having surgery or have they developed since? Memory loss is sometimes reported after long periods of anesthesia and periods on a heart-lung machine. This usually rights itself but may take many months.

You do not mention the other drugs you take. Memory loss and beta blockers are rarely associated whereas memory issues with statins are reported more often although it has to be said it is extremely uncommon.

[AFIB_AFLUTTER]

I suffer with memory loss too and have attributed it bisoprolol. I mentioned this at my AF review and was told to ask the GP or consultant for advice.

[thetidders]

I had a triple bypass in April 18 followed by a serious electrolyte imbalance & I have memory loss but I have never taken bisoprolol. I am asthmatic so I cannot take it. Whilst I was in hospital due to the electrolyte imbalance I had a red band on my wrist which warned about the bisoprolol.

I was told the memory loss was due to the heart lung machine & the anaesthesia. Over the last 18 months it has improved but it’s not back to normal.

Jean

[alheart]

Hi Ottok

I understand your concern having had the same op myself in 2015!

I was really worried about it etc.

However, I was reassurued that it would not last and was related to a clash between the drugs and tge anesthetics

After 10 months post op all was fine

Hope this helps

Take care

[Amikatari]

Hi OttoK,

I understand your frustration and desire to take control of the situation, but I can't help feeling that conducting your 'own private clinical trial' is a bit rash after all you've been through! Worst case, coming off bisoprolol could make you suddenly very physically ill and do nothing for your memory. It may feel like you've got nothing to lose, but you've got your physical health back and it would be awful to lose that on top of your memory. I agree with the others that your memory problems are far more likely to be because of the operation and anaesthesia. Do tell your GP, see if you can switch to a different beta blocker, as a safer way to experiment, and ask about post-operative memory problems, I think they should be temporary and hopefully your memory will recover as time goes on. Read about neuroplasticity. Even if our brain connections are disrupted in some way, new connections form so that eventually our brain can do what it used to by using different pathways. Eg. I'm an avid reader but found it hard after endocarditis damaged my eyesight 6 months ago, I kept on reading lots as I'm addicted to it and couldn't think what else to do in hospital and while I was recovering, and eventually my brain must have found a work-around, as I'm back to my old speed and the blind spots don't really get in the way any more. Perhaps try some memory training exercises and see if they help?

[Janma123]

My husband had a CABGX4 in April 2018 and suffered some memory loss following it. Unfortunately he also had a small but significant stroke 2 months later, a week after his anticoagulant was stopped. His memory was dreadful for a while and he also suffered from aphasia.

A year ago he was also diagnosed as deficient in vitamin b12. He is now on a course of regular injections and also folic acid and vitamin d3 tablets - his memory has improved to an amazing level and his numerical ability has returned.

It is maybe worth investigating other causes before stopping medication. Do you also take a PPI, or metformin?

[STUBAX]

Following my HA in 2015 my memory, especially short term, was pretty bad, I noticed and so did my wife, I was taking Bisopropol. Still taking it now but would say my memory is back to normal but it was a long time before things got back to normal, it was a slow recovery memory wise.

[MRSLADP]

Hi Otto,

I too take Bisoprolol. I too have been having some memory issues. BUT, and this is a very big but for me, if the Bisoprolol helps to keep my heart beating and keep me out of AF, I'll take it. If my heart stops beating, my brain won't need to do any work.

[mikealford]

I stopped. I told my gp, better five years with all my marbles than 20 asleep and fuddled. It was an informed choice. I got gp to go through my echo cardio gram line by line. My EF was 65% so i figured the risk of heart enlargement was worth taking. My choice, my body, and I'm in charge of it. Felt just like you. I'm 73 on my own in a ramshackle house, couldn't cope if my brain was still screwed. Good luck, it's not so bad feeling normal.

[Handel]

Hi OttoK.

My husband experienced mild memory loss and a significant loss in concentration after his quad bypass last November. Things returned to normal gradually and he was OKish in May this year.

Bisprolol dose was dropped from 2.5 to 1.25 in February. Not sure whether the drug was the problem but with good blood pressure and a protected heart, who cares!!

We wish you all the very best xxx

[Petercat1]

HI. If you really are going to stop taking the bisoprolol, don't just stop, do it gradually as have heard you get withdrawal symptoms. Have you checked with your doctor that it's ok to come iff them? They may suggest a different beta blocker. Take care