My GP Did try to increase the Ramipril but concluded I was intolerant.
For a few months now my forearms have been aching and my index fingers have taken to locking up painfully during sleep and periods of inactivity and so 3 weeks ago my GP agreed to reduce the statin to 40mg to see if the conditions improved.
This week I’ve had two ‘funny turns’ - not so funny actually - when for no apparent reason my energy levels dropped suddenly leaving me feeling pretty washed out. Following the second occasion I attended A&E where ECG, X-ray and blood tests showed nothing. Hopefully significant that there was no Triponin - suggesting no heart attack.
The hospital have referred me back to my GP with the suggestion that he checks my Bisoprolol dose. My HR was 54, BP128/86.
I would very much appreciate comments and questions.
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Lincoln410
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The bisoprolol made me feel washed out and without energy. It can do so because it dampens down the heart rate - that is the action of any beta-blocker medicine (of which bisoprolol is one member). My cardiologist assessed my status again when I told him of feeling washed out, and he felt it was safe to stop the bisoprolol in my case.
See what your doctors feel regarding the role bispoprolol may play in your case of feeling washed out, and whether stopping it is ok for you
I echo cowgurls comments. I was only on the minimum does of 1.25 mg but I had an awful experience with it. Your joint aching may well be down to the statin. I would certainly look more into the necessity of the beta blocker. It may be that your heart rate would be fine without it, or a lower dose. I would definitely seek a joint decision from both your cardiologist and your GP. Good luck with your progress.
Barry - I had a TIA in 2014 and since then, have been on Losartan, Clopidogrel and Atorvastatin. Following my triple bypass 15 months ago, I had several additional drugs for a few weeks - diltiazem, amiodarone, furosemide, ranitidine. I was keen to get off as many drugs as possible and when I met my cardiac surgeon 2 months after the op, he agreed that I could revert to the three drugs I had been on after the TIA. However, there was a recommendation to also take bisoprolol if my heart rate wasn't controlled. I followed all the recommendations for exercise and attended the rehab course and am now comfortably cycling 10 miles a day and doing online pilates courses three times a week (very hard work!!) I bought a blood pressure machine and to check BP regularly and it's very good. At a further meeting with a cardiac surgeon at my local hospital six months after the op, he confirmed that the bisoprolol wasn't necessary so I've never taken it. I'd recommend you ask your doctor why you're on the bisoprolol; its function (as described on the NHS website) is to slow down your heart rate and make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. If you get yourself fit, you may not need it. Having been a member of this website since my op, it's obvious that there is a set selection of drugs that are always recommended. Don't be afraid to challenge if you REALLY need every one of them. Best wishes.
Thank you so much for your reply. My GP seems to be very blasé about my concerns and said that I should just accept them considering the alternative. Something else that I have picked up is that others seem to have contact with a cardiologist whereas I have not seen one since my pre-op assessment. I do have a phone call planned with my GP tomorrow and will discuss the Bisoprolol and the possibility of a cardiologist referral. Thank you again.
I have been on Atorovastatin for ages now and do not seem to get side effects. I am now on 2.5 mg Bisoprolol and feel much better since they reduced the dose - but they also adjusted my pacemaker and did a Cardio Version so I am not sure what made it better really!!! I am also on ramipril 10mg which I have been for son long I can't remember and tolerate it well. Best have a discussion.
Hi, I have Atrial Stenosis and regurgitation, also affecting the Mitral valve now.I can't have Valve replacement Surgery, because I wouldn't survive it. I am on a numerous amount of tablets for different conditions.
But one tablet that caused a big problem for me was Ramapril. One day I wouldn't be too bad ,just a little out of breath.
But another day i just didn't feel as if i could move, i was Lethargic and felt sick.
Being on so much medication, it's hard to say which one could be causing it.
But one night in bed I woke up gasping for air. I couldn't breathe, my tongue was nearly Black and so swollen it filled my entire mouth. My Hubby rang 999 and the Ambulance came, I was rushed to Rhesus just in time. OMG, it was so frightening. The culprit that was causing my problems was Ramapril. I saw my Cardiologist the following week and he told me that he was going to discontinue the Ramapril for all of his Patients..
It seems as though that all the Cardiologist doesn't have the same idea though .Because this happened to me nearly 3 years ago..Our Neighbour across the road from us was taken in hospital last year because of breathing problems.
He was only kept in overnight, but he came home minus his Ramapril.
At the moment I'm on Monomil XL, Bisoprolol, Amlodipine, Aspirin, and my Trinitrate spray. Have been taken off Clopidogal, because my Cardiologist doesn't like me on them for over a 12 month, before having a rest from them. I haven't included any pain medication .
Hi, thank you so much for your reply, it’s much appreciated. I went to see my GP last week and he did reduce my Bisoprolol by half to 1.25mg and I must say I felt much better 24 hrs later. Something I have picked up from these posts is that many people seem to stay under the care of their cardiologist post op. I have not seen my cardiologist since 5 days pre-op, over 2 yrs ago. I have asked my GP to refer me back to the cardiologist so that I can hopefully get some structure to my meds management rather than reactions- some reluctant- from my GP when I feel ill.😩
Hi Barry, so glad that you feel a little better, now that your GP have reduced your Bisoprolol. Sounds like it was too strong for you, making your Heart go slower than you could handle. You should be reviewed at least once a year by your Cardollologist. That's bloody ridiculous, you not seeing him for over 2 years. Why don't you ring his Secretary up, and tell her that you need to see him about your meds. because your Doctors not sure about any adjustments that need to be made .You shouldn't have to wait and see what your reactions are to your medication .You need medication Management . If they don't agree or work for you, then that's different. But you should be seeing your Cardiolgist annually. GPs only know a little bit of some things, and nothing about most things .Hope you get to see him soon. 🤞👍 Good Luck and Take Care of yourself. 🤗😋 x
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