Meds not working....why bother ?

[Mgs333]

If meds don't work, why take them ? I know this could be at bit off the wall, so to speak, but it struck me the other day when I was trying to get my thoughts together for the New year..."why am I taking meds everyday when nothing changes? " I have very annoying and often frightening night-time palpitations that seriously hack me off. I have had them now EVERY NIGHT for about 4 years.....I have seen 3 top cardiologists and had every test you can think of including angiograms, halter monitors, MRI scans and calcium scoring, my bloods are done every 6 months, the docs can find no reason for the palpitations and have admitted they are stumped. They have put me on Simvastatin, Bisoprolol and Aspirin, but nothing changes or gets better....surely if they are not working and give you no benefit why put chemicals into your body.........oh yes, and Happy New year !

[humph3]

Try Linus Pauling therapy high vit C and l Lysine - what have you got to lose?

[Sillyfroggy]

I started having palpitations as I moved towards the jolly menopause (I’m not sure if you’re also female!). From what I learnt it is very common to have them at this time and some palpitations are completely benign. I used to notice mine most at night also - less to focus on!

If they’re not causing you any other symptoms or issues it sounds like the doc has you well protected with the drugs.

Sometimes palpitations aren’t anything at all to worry about.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

As already mentioned the Aspirin is very much a no brainer as palpitations increase the risk of clots. Bisoporol would have been prescribed to try and regulate heart rhythm and rate. It might also prevent the heart rate going to high. So Bisoporol seems sensible. Without knowing your cholesterol, particularly LDL, and/or if they have spotted any plaque build uo I would not want to comment on the Simvastatin

[Mgs333 in reply to MichaelJH]

My Cholesterol is about 4 so ok...Ive been on the statins for over 10yrs when my Cholesterol was 6.2, so my statin is for long term maintenance.

[lettingoffsteam]

So the statin is working to get your cholesterol down so that's worth it plus the aspirin is good for clots.As for bisoprolol when do you take it and how much.Perhaps the dose needs adjustment or an alternative tried.Have you tried a changed dose or different meds for this?

[Mgs333 in reply to lettingoffsteam]

The Bisoprolol is a beta blocker that is heart specific, It was changed from Propanalol that I was on for a long time ,which was equally useless........I think you can sense my frustration.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Mgs333]

Yes, I'm on propanolol myself for a similar reason.Luckily I have found it effective but I am early on in my heart journey so perhaps it will become less effective in time.I know bisoprolol is heart specific as I have friends on it but I was wondering if there were any other alternatives.I hope you get answers soon.

[Hidden]

How old are you?

I'm surprised by the detailed care offered by top Cardiologists for pulp, not to mention 6-monthly checkup. Do you have a history of heart disease?

[Mgs333 in reply to Hidden]

I am 62 and don't have any history of heart problems, I don't smoke or drink and have a good diet and go to the gym 3 times per week. I get absolutely no symptoms of anything when I train or to anything physical. My palps are only at night when I am lying down in bed. I have been told that my meds are preventative rather than treating my palp problem.....but they don't work.....hence my original post.

[Hidden in reply to Mgs333]

Of course.

Thank you for the additional info.

It's good to know you're at least under Cardiac care, which

keeps an eye on you.

[Poohbear2]

Simvastatin works really well for me. Ive had no issues with my cholesterol levels since using it. I used to take astrovastatin but gave me horrendous muscle pain. Lets hope it gets better for you!

[Auiron]

Hi Mgs333, eating grapefruit and some similar fruits can deactivate statins and beta blockers.

If you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at all, be aware that the fruit interacts with several classes of drugs, including statins (taken to lower cholesterol), beta blockers (used to treat heart disease and regulate blood pressure), immune suppressing drugs, psychotropic drugs, and even certain anaesthetics.

Eating too much Kale or bananas can affect Ace Inhibitors.

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Considerations - Statins

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c...

nhs.uk/common-health-questi...

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Bisoprolol

nhs.uk/medicines/bisoprolol/

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Beta Blockers - Watch: What are beta blockers and what do they do in your body?

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

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Living with atrial fibrillation

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

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Beta Blocker (Bisoprolol) and coenzyme Q10?

researchgate.net/post/Beta_...

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone and ubidecarenone, is often described as a vitamin or at least a vitamin-like substance. However, it is not strictly a vitamin, as it can be synthesised in the liver. CoQ10 is synthesised from the amino acid tyrosine (this synthesis in turn requires other vitamins and minerals) but is also absorbed from a wide variety of foods.

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Coenzyme Q10 and statin-related myopathy

dtb.bmj.com/content/53/5/54