Aware of my heart

[Artand7]

Last August I eventually stopped taking Bisoprolol after being on it for 25 years. This was for high bp but as I have white coat syndrome, not recognised all those years ago, I’m pretty sure I did not have high bp. My bp is ok I have a monitor and it was 118/75 this morning.

However, I am a still aware of my heart beating hard not necessarily fast. I also occasionally get palpitations which can last around 30 mins. I had an eccg and a 24 hr heart monitor last summer and blood test. I was told that everything was normal. But I’m still experiencing these other symptoms. I admit I’m very anxious but not sure what to do about it all. Any advice will be gratefully received

[Wildmeadow]

Hi Artand7, 25 years on Bisoprolol 'unnecessarily' is shocking. It sounds good that you are monitoring bp yourself regularly. If you continue to get regular palpitations- wonder if an echocardiogram would shed light.

Anxiety does act as a vicious cycle about these things. Do you think anxiety could be playing a part in this for you?

A good idea is to keep a diary of any untoward cardiac events, maybe think about logging bp twice daily for a couple of weeks to see what is daily normal reading? Any blips.

Easier for GPto diagnose things if s/he has a map of symptoms to read!

Look after yourself

Xx

[Wenlock]

I am also on bisoporol,not too sure about it! Suggest you get own ..monitor and record BP ..with and without.......Seems to me it's a problem when pulse has no AF...and GP ..says keep on it!!!!! check pulse ( no Bisop) record b/pressure. If no A/f don't take..if AF ..again take AF...Make chart of only few AFs suggest check with BHF ..nurse on 0300 330 3311.

[Artand7 in reply to Wenlock]

Thanks but not actually on Bisoprolol anymore and I have a monitor!

[PeterGabriel]

Hi, it may be just anxiety, levels of anxiety have soared among the general population during this Covid epidemic. Hopefully we will all be able to relax a bit more soon. That said, the palpitations may due to early onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which is hard to diagnose if it is sporadic. Does your monitor detect abnormal, irregular heartbeats?

[Artand7 in reply to PeterGabriel]

Hi it does show irregular heart beats if I catch them. I do agree re the anxiety - the episodes of palpitations are something I suffered from before I took Bisoprolol think they are genetic as my father had them and he didn’t suffer from heart disease. Thanks for your reply always helpful to get other opinions

[PeterGabriel in reply to Artand7]

Well if they are only lasting for half an hour then it's probably nothing to worry about. If they start lasting for hours/days then try and get an ECG while you still have the palpitations or ask your GP for a halter monitor test for a week. It took years to diagnose my Afib from start of symptoms.

[Artand7 in reply to PeterGabriel]

Thank you I will, you’ve been very helpful x

[Coco51 in reply to Artand7]

I have found using a Kardia AliveCor monitor really useful over the last few years. It can actually show Atrial Fibrillation. It took 10 years for a diagnosis of AF because I didn't have the episodes when the Holter was on! Then the Consultant would query if I was "sure" of what I'd felt. The AF got worse till finally it became persistent 24/7, which is harder to treat. If it is AF then it's important to have anticoagulant therapy.

The Kardia is smaller than a credit card and works via an app on your phone. You can print out the result or email it. In my case it was £99 well spent. I could show the Consultant that I still had AF episodes even after my first Ablation treatment so I could be booked in for a second procedure more quickly. Smartwatches are also supposed to be good.

It's hard not to be anxious but I find slow deep breathing - 6 breaths per minute - helps a lot. You might find the AFA forum helpful if you are not already on it. Anyway good luck❤

[Wenlock]

Yes it shows vibration with a heart symbol + two lines and a colour code , green,Amber and red. It can show A/F even on green. Merion No 13400. Also some on Amazon £26....

[Caitlyn6]

If you were on it for 25 years you would need a long tapering period to avoid withdrawal and consequent rebound effect. How long did you taper it for and what dose were u on?

[Barnessy61]

Good Afternoon, I would suggest you go back to your GP if you are still getting those symptoms, as there seems to be a problem. Do not leave it just go back , even if it is just to put your mind at rest.

[Artand7 in reply to Barnessy61]

Thank you for your advice, if I continue with getting these symptoms I will.

[woodbon]

Have you discussed your meds with your GP or a specialist before stopping? It's important for you to keep your doctor informed and get an opinion for any symptoms or changes. i know it's not easy to get an appointment at the moment but your GP should have a way for you to contact him/her!😀