Propranolol

[MrsAnxious]

I had a Fast AF episode back in October and no cause was found. I think I was dehydrated.

The hospital put me on 2.5mg of Bisoprolol but I couldn't tolerate it so it was reduced to 1.25.

I had a 24hr ECG and as it came back normal, I was discharged from cardiology before I was even seen.

I've since gone on to have another Fast AF funny do where they admitted me but didn't give me any medication as they want me to see the cardiologist first.

For the past few days, I've had bouts of irregular heartbeats last an hour. I phoned 111 but by the time they phoned me back, the palpations had stopped.

My GP phoned and has put me in 10mg of Propranolol twice a day.

Does this help with random irregular heartbeats and are the side effects as bad as Bisoprolol?

Thank you for reading x

[MONIREN]

Best way for them to see what is happening is halter monitor, at least a 24hr one, I had a small 'heart bug' they put on for a month, you just send in recordings every day. But even taking note of when they happen will help. It is a test on the nerves. Hope you get it sorted. If you can't talk to gp, pharmacist are very knowledgeable about meds and side effects. Take care. Moni

[Hidden]

Hi, like you I have been on bisoprolol for around 2 years now due to irregular heartbeat, palpatations and ectopic beats. Originally put on 1.25mg but after an mri scan showed i had mild left ventricular hypertrophy (lvh) the doctor increased it to 2.5mg . At first it was ok but then I was becoming very fatigued also sleeping during the day so he reduced it back down to 1 25mg.I have had many test during the last 2 years including bloods, mri,echo,ecg exercise test and a 24 hour Monitor on 2 occasions and told I also have bradycardia resting 33 bpm and mild mitral valve regurgitation with pulmonary and tricuspid valve leaking too.

My pulse is around 42 but will shoot up over 120 for no reason then come back down again knocking me for six.

Unfortunately after 3 episodes in work during the last 4 wks with my heart rate dropping to 38 and getting terrible shakes lasting upto an hour afterwards I was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

My pulse dropped to 30 on route but then settled at about 50 by the time we arrived at a&e.

After 8 hours of test including bloods, echo, ecg, and a chest x-ray i was told all was ok but they are now trying to get my next appointment rushed through as they think the issues I have with my heart are causing these episodes and more investigations are needed to find out why its happening.

Like you I'm a bit worried that they will change my meds and i have a reaction to them so will have to wait and see what they say.

Since last week my pulse has dropped to 34 at times and I have no explanation for it. Let us know how you get on with then new meds.

Regards

Taz71.

Low heart rate.

[Larivee]

I had a horrible rash from bisoprolol and metoprolol. My body rejected the beta blocker. Only on lozartan and a statin now. Also went on veggie/fish diet and quit alcohol ( no wine was difficult as I really enjoy the vino). See what happens

[ToffeeT]

I had a cardiac arrest on March 1st 2020, cause was apparently VT. I was put onto Bisoporul, 2 x 2.5 mg twice a day. I don't seem to have any problems. I do have very cold feet but attribute that to Rivaroxiban.

[Vic-Amlodipine-Knee]

I was first given Propranolol, when I went in with Anxiety and it is an old medication for reducing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. Did you say your ECG was normal? And when you say Anxiety, did you mean a racing Heart Beat for no physical reason?I am being treated for Hypertension now and my ECG was normal but there is much better medication, for controlling BP than Propranolol.

Anxiety is a peculiar thing and in my case was caused by several subconscious events happening together and over taking a long term condition of high Blood Pressure, which is easily treatable but not the Anxiety.

[MrsAnxious in reply to Vic-Amlodipine-Knee]

Thanks for your reply. I've been put on the propranolol to sort out my irregular heartbeat.

My doctor, since putting anxiety on my records, thinks I need sorting for that as a priority. The only thing making me anxious is not getting any answers into what's causing my palpations. All of my ECGs have been normal apart from the one where I had Fast AF.

I'm not anxious, I do have high BP but have to have a 24hr BP monitor in a couple of weeks.

I'd just like an answer.

[Vic-Amlodipine-Knee]

This is interesting because I had palpitations, that lasted for a few weeks and were unexplainable (sitting watching TV or in a field walking). The first anxiety episode was in the surgery because I knew I felt bad and drove straight there. There has never been a medical explanation for my anxiety because my ECG’s were normal. Mental wellbeing and mindfulness has cured my anxiety but monitoring my BP and measuring my pulse has never helped or explained anything. It goes up and down like a YoYo! But my long term hypertension is controlled by Losartan now because Amlodipine caused my ankles to swell; I developed itching and sore gums.

[MaggieMaybe]

20 years ago I was given propanolol for anxiety and it made me feel terrible. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with SVT (no AF) and had a 24 hour harness ECG. Then an exercise test plus seeing the consultant and was diagnosed with psvt. Apparently then my heart rate rose after exercise. I've been on bisprolol 1..25 mg ever since. For at least a month I felt bad, headache, dizzi9ness, tiredness etc but my body started to adapt to it. The dose was increased to 2.5 mg but that made me ill so I went back to 1.25 mg. It used to take my HR down to 50, but now my resting rate is rarely below 77.I've recently been on oral steroids and don't know what effect they have on the SVT. I agree that you should have tests, harness ECG, exercise ECG, ultrasound and consultation, but don't know your circumstances or the changes made by Covid.