After over 2 years of practically being ignored, I've been diagnosed with A/F, 2 leaking valves and enlarged upper chambers.How long does it take approx for the meds to work for the racing resting heartbeat? I'm on several tablets, one twice a day but nothing seems to be working.
I have 2 weekly checks at the doctors and am back at the hospital in June.
I'm just a bit concerned.
Take care everyone
Good morning. Sounds as though it's the leaking valves causing problems, though I'm obviously not medically trained. It's just that I had the same.....diagnosed with with lower chambers damage, ....symptoms were AF and fluid retention plus breathlessness. Mine was caused by mitral and tricuspid valve leaks. Bisoprolol, ramipril and diuretics were prescribed and to be honest they got rid of a lot of the horrible symptoms like the palpitations. Are you breathless as well?. I would chat to your GP regarding medication as they might need changing if what you are on isn't helping. I eventually had valve surgery but that would be dependent on how much the valves are leaking.....again chat to your GP. I know there are waitlists but June seems a long time to wait for your appointment. Has your doctor done an ECG ?. My doc had the facility to do one and this can enlighten the hospital team. Sometimes you really have to keep on about hospital appointments . It'sounds as though your doc is doing the right thing by checking you every two weeks which is very reassuring, but make sure you ask questions, especially about your meds. I have replied to you because of what you have described and I wish you good luck and I hope all gets sorted for you. X
Thank you for your reply, its much appreciated.
I've had ECG's at doctors and hospital. I'm currently on Bisoprolol twice a day, then Ramipril, dapagliflozin and a blood thinner daily. I have to take my blood pressure and pulse twice a day to show my GP when I attend my appointments. So far my pulse is mostly in the 100's with the meds, so I was wondering if it takes long before the palpitations calm down? My medication was changed again a couple of weeks ago because nothing has helped so far.
Sorry, I forgot to say, yes I get a little breathless at times.
My pulse was very erratic but have to say it settled very quickly on meds. All I can suggest is that you are persistent. Has anything been mentioned about how the valve situation is? ....or surgery to correct it? I really feel for you and know how worrying it is . Like I said....keep on to your GP or put pressure on about trying to get an earlier hospital appointment and keep us posted. Really hope you get sorted x
The consultant wants to get the AF under control firstly and then address the valves, he did say they weren't leaking badly. Problem seems to be different combinations of meds aren't slowing my heart down. Many thanks for your advice x
All my problems were definitely caused by valves but if he says yours aren't leaking badly then that sounds like an issue to be dealt with later after AF has been sorted. It does seem like it's the meds that need tweeking doesn't it? I hope it's a fairly easy fix and it gets sorted soon for you. X
Hi Dancer, Sorry to hear of you problems and how long they got to be diagnosed. At least you now have a full diagnosis?
I was diagnosed about a year ago with leaking valve and occasional afib. Since surgery on my valve I have had several episodes of racing heart beat at rest, up to 150. These lasted from 5 mins to several hours and one long episode with afib I was taken to hospital. After the latest episode I have been given Bisoprolol, a beta blocker, which reduced my heart rate to 85within a couple of hours. Are you on any beta blockers? If you keep getting the racing heart beat and it doesn't go in a short time, keep on at your GP as they should be able to give you meds to help.
Hopefully with your diagnosis you are also under some consultant with a longer term plan? Best of luck to you and hopefully you get it under control soon.
Hi and thank you for your reply.
I've been on Bisoprolol for 2 years, but a very low dosage until 2 months ago. I'm now on 5mg in the morning and 2,5mg at bed time. I have another consultant appointment in June and am at doctors next week, I'll ask her if anything else can be done, thank you.
Just had ablation and Blood pressure is low 100/50. please advise
Never been diagnosed with heart failure
Partner just diagnosed with heart failure at 40
AF and Heart Failure 
