Stopping bisoprolol immediately

Hi all, i hope everyone is having a relaxing day especially the mums out there. Sorry I haven't replied to any previous messages I've been busy at work and home etc but I will reply to everyone soon.

So I've have been told by my cardiologist to stop taking bisoprolol immediately as he wants me to have a 3 day heart monitor on so he can get a clear idea of what my resting heart rate is.

While taking 1.25mg bisoprolol it can slow my pulse down to between 34-42 making me feel lightheaded and fatigued etc but since coming off it 5 days ago my heart rate will sit between 46 and 180 while sitting still.

The palpatations and irregular heart rate has returned and I spent 9 hours in A&E on Thursday after my gp checked me over thinking I was in afib only to be discharged with all test being ok.

Seven weeks previously I spent 8 hours in A&E after my pulse dropped to 38 while at work and sent home again all ok but I was on bisoprolol then.

Previously been told I had bradycardia , left ventricular hypertrophy and mild mitral valve regurgitation hence on bisoprolol for the past 2 years.

The cardiologist has said if the 3 day monitor shows a low pulse without being on bisoprolol he will fit me with a pacemaker otherwise if its within range I will have to learn to live with the palpatations and erratic ectop beats etc.

I'm just a bit confused as to what happens next and feel a bit of a fool everytime I turn up at A&E to be told I'm ok!

Regards

Taz71.

[SheldonC]

I’m a bit confused as the only question I can see is “what happens next” and you have answered that in the 2nd to last paragraph! “See what the holter says”.

[Hidden in reply to SheldonC]

I'm confused as everyone says you cant just stop taking meds its better to do it gradually over time and I've no date as of yet for the holter monitor to be fitted so I could be like this for a while before I get any results back.

[SheldonC in reply to Hidden]

It is not unusual to be told to stop them before certain tests, so If the cardiologist has said stop then you should stop, if you are unsure as to when to stop them then contact him/her or their secretary and ask them the question.

[Hidden in reply to SheldonC]

Thanks I will see how things go.

[Hidden]

Hello

I know we read the medication leaflets and it states do not stop taking these meds suddenly but usually it goes on to read unless your Doctor has advised you to

I have had to stop suddenly a few of my meds for tests that have needed to be done and as long as the professionals have told you so then they are the experts and know what they are doing so be reassured you will be ok

What happens next as you say will be what the results show after you have had the monitor on

Do not ever feel a fool going to A&E even if they cannot find anything wrong

I had 3 heart attacks and a few false alarms which when I had the false alarms I would be saying sorry and they would always reply

Never be sorry and always come if you are unsure as that is the right thing to do

I am sure your A&E would say the same they would rather you go than leave it and something happen

Good luck with the Monitor and let us know how you get on and what the results were x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, hopefully it won't be too long and I will keep you updated when I know more.

[MWIC]

Hi - I was on 2.5 Bisoporol for aFib and have to see felt bloody awful. Realised my heart rate was low 40’s and called GP. He was reluctant but halved the dose saying that the aFib would likely get worse. It didn’t really and heart rate didn’t go up so I accepted it. Had a heart attack about 3 months later and hospital took me off Bisoporol immediately and said I shouldn’t be taking it due to my low heart rate. Up in the mid 50’s now ( 2 arteries ballooned and feel great so far) and if anything aFib is less than before. What I’d say is if I’m doubt get advice and 2nd opinion if required and never feel like you’re wasting peoples time by going to A&E

[Hidden in reply to MWIC]

Thanks for your advice and I hope everything goes well with you.

[beardy_chris]

I'm not a pharmacist but 1.25mg of Bisoprolol is a low dose. You shouldn't need to taper off that dose.

[Hidden in reply to beardy_chris]

I agree with you it’s a low dose so he should be fine

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks fingers crossed it will be ok.

[Hidden in reply to beardy_chris]

I agree its a low dose and unfortunately I now have erratic heart rate and palpatations since coming off it fingers crossed it will settle down soon.Thanks for your advice.

[Northernpaw]

I have a resting HR below 50 with 2.5mg bisoprolol. Stented 2 years ago. Active and fairly fit. My Cardiologist suggested I get off bisoprolol for a while. My HR went up a little but the biggest difference was when I exercise where my HR would hit 150/160 instead of 130 with Bisoprolol. I prefer not using it, I don’t feel lightheaded, exercise better, and sleep better. I have a Myocardial bridge and continue to take it only for that reason.

It is common for doctors to have you stay off of it in order to get a true reading of your HR. Short periods off of it should be fine and let’s you evaluate the benefits of its use

[Hidden in reply to Northernpaw]

Thanks for your advice and own experience dealing with it fingers crossed I will get some answers soon.Regards

Taz71

[MONIREN]

I've just been put on 10mg Bisoprolol once a day, changed from 75mg metopolol twice a day. So I'm hoping it doesn't make things worse. I've been on metopolol since 2011, doses always increasing. Hope your test ends with a solution. Take care. Moni

[Hidden]

Hi, thanks for your reply and good luck with the meds I hope all goes well.