Pros and cons for medication for rate... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,744 members34,265 posts

Pros and cons for medication for rate control or Ablate and Pace

Pippa80 profile image
5 Replies

I am taking 10mg Bisoprolol a day plus 200mg Amiodorone for rate control for AF.

I get very tired and am always dropping asleep during the day. I am also more breathless than usual. I also have pulmonary hypertension as well as AF so wondering whether symptoms are caused by this or medication.?

The alternative to medication is to have an ablate and pace but not sure if it is better to put up with these symptoms or have the procedure. Afraid I may feel worse than I do now. Any advice would be appreciated.

Written by
Pippa80 profile image
Pippa80
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

Both drugs have distinct side effects. Ask you Doctor if you can have an alternative to Bisoprolol which may help while you consider the pro's and con's of Pace and ablate?

PeterGabriel profile image
PeterGabriel

How long have you been on 10mg of Bisoprolol and how long on Amiodarone?

10mg is quite a high dosage, maybe your cardiologist can suggest reducing the Bisoprolol dosage which may help with your drowsiness? Ironically, it can also cause the symptoms it is supposed to be treating.

Amiodarone can have serious side effects if you take it for more than a few months.

Cliff_G profile image
Cliff_G

Pippa, you must report this to your doctor. Amiodarone has known pulmonary side effects. See him/her soon

Fifimyangel profile image
Fifimyangel

By pace are you meaning pacemaker?. If so I would suggest having it done. Iv had mine for 8 yrs. I still have other problems but a pacemaker definitely helps in someway.

Lovefrance profile image
Lovefrance

Hi Pippa,

I also suffer with af and have had two ablations which didn’t work. I now have a pacemaker which is great. It won’t stop the af attacks but helps in other ways.I get very stressed with my condition and the pacemaker

helps to control This by keeping my heart rate on an even keel. I couldn’t

take Amiodarone. I do take Bisoprolol and also get very tired. All of these

drugs do seem to have side effects and I think of course it’s a case of trial

and error, trying to find out what suits us. As regards the ablations, I would

certainly try that. For some people they work.Its such a straightforward

procedure and nothing to worry about. Then if that doesn’t work, go for

the pacemaker, which again is a small operation. These surgeons are

fantastic and for them, as mine tells me are something they have been

doing for years. I know one still worries but hopefully you will find what’s

right for you. I wish you all the best and I am here if you want to chat.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Ablate and Pace?

Ablate and Pace I have had AF for 4 years. I have had 2 ablations both unsuccessful and several...
Pippa80 profile image

pace and ablate

I’m having an AV node ablation and dual lead pacemaker implanted. I’m feeling a bit of trepidation....
Sweetmelody profile image

Date for pace and ablate

I've had my date through for the pacemaker fitting, the 26th Sept. To say that my knees are...
Nannysue1 profile image

ablate and pace

has anyone had the joint procedures where the pacemaker then becomes the driver of the heart?
Bjw49 profile image

Ramipril: Pros and Cons?

What are your experiences?
AShelby profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.