Palpatations

Hi I’m on Bisoprolol 3.75mgs a day but does anyone have prolonged ectopic Palpatations every day while on this medication. Every time I sit down and relax the Palpatations start and the ectopic beats come every two or three heartbeats which leaves me very breathless. Doctors say not to worry and if they last more than 2 hours go straight to A&E. I would be there every day if I listen to the Doc

[Sophiecat17]

I had that happen to me. Lots of ectopic beats on 24 hr ecg tape and runs when it was an ectopic after every beat. My heart rate was dropping into high 30’s and then the ectopic would start. They were less frequent when I was active. Eventually cut down then stopped Bisoprolol as cardiologists said it was OK and the ectopic beats have mostly settled. The cardiologist said the treatment of ectopic beats is b blockers!

[Hidden in reply to Sophiecat17]

Thank you for you reply I have been on Bisoprolol now for five months and my Palpatations have just got much more frequent and prolonged and I have wondered if the Bisoprolol was causing this. What strength were you on and how long did it take to wean off them without side effects as I have heard several horror stories about the withdrawal symptoms

Thanks nanny knitting

[Sophiecat17 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry for delay. I was only on 2.5 mg, tailed off over 3 weeks. Hr improved to mid 50’s with no more symptomatic ectopics

[Magz117]

That’s been happening to me. The last month I’ve been in AF all the time. Getting a Cardioversion in January. Is it worthwhile you talking to Doctor again?

[Hidden in reply to Magz117]

Thank you for you reply I have ventricular tachycardia which the doc says are causing my Palpatations and because I have been going to the docs quite regular the last time I was there his words were at your age you are lucky you have only got Palpatations to worry about. Needless to say I am now changing my GP

[Recoder_Bill]

Hi,

I’ve had arrhythmia (i.e. ectopic beats) for more years than I can remember. By that I mean that I don’t get more than 7 regular beats before I either miss a beat or it occurs early or late. About 6 or 7 years ago my GP told me I had Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and I was treated with Dilitiazem (250mg), a calcium channel inhibitor – not a beta blocker - to slow my heartbeat. I am in permanent AF and as I say continuous arrhythmia.

In 2018 I had my aortic root and hemi-arch replaced with a Dacron graft. This included a mechanical aortic valve. I still have permanent AF and continuous arrhythmia and I occasionally get palpitations. My medication is now Warfarin, Ramipril, Bisoprolol (2.5mg) – a beta blocker - and Digoxin.

To be frank I just ignore it all and get on with life the best I can. Yes I get breathless and I can’t do what I used to be able to do or do the same things as quickly but then I’m probably not very fit either and I definitely need to push myself a bit harder.

I have to say that I preferred taking the Dilitiazem to taking the Bisoprolol. When I was taking the Dilitiazem I felt fine, when I started the Bisoprolol I did not feel fine and I remonstrated with my cardiologist until he reduced my dose. I have a sneaking suspicion that the reason they push Bisoprolol is that that is what NICE tells them to do ….. it is, I believe, cheaper as well … hmmm …. I wonder if that might be a factor? The Bisoprolol makes me feel tired and I think it affects my mood negatively too. If I get the chance I’m going to continue to campaign to go back on Dilitiazem, though I have to say that by and large I’m ok now.

Anyway, I hope that helps. I’ve left a lot out but all I can say is that if you are having palpitations I would raise the issue of AF with your GP. As for cardioversion, that’s never been suggested for me and I would be very cautious in going that route. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Phil.

[Hidden in reply to Recoder_Bill]

Thank you for you reply I actually have ventricular tachycardia and for the first few weeks Bisoprolol worked quite well but now I seem to get more frequent and prolonged ectopic beats sometimes every other beat for about four hours I am wondering the the Bisoprolol are making my Palpatations worse. Doctor gave me a further 1.25mg to take but I can’t take deep breaths and the extra makes me feel so ill although they did decrease the ectopic for a while

[Recoder_Bill in reply to Hidden]

Hi,

I wish I could say more to help you but it's beyond my experience, competancy and professional training to do so. All I would do is keep questioning the doctors, keep looking for answers, keep seeking a greater understanding and most of all maintain a positive outlook in a better outcome.

I do hope things improve for you soon ...... today even!

Regards,

Phil.

[Hidden in reply to Recoder_Bill]

Hi Phil

Thanks for you reply I think I am just grasping at straws Until five months ago when this all started I was fit and well and enjoying life and it has gone downhill since then but I am grateful because there are a lot of people far worse in their health than I am