Introduction

[Puffin350]

Hi - I am newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Not too many symptoms at present but I am increasingly limited in physical activity - my legs feel weak and like jelly at rest and difficulty climbing stairs/ going up slopes/ going round the supermarket.

[devonian186]

What meds are you taking and in what doses?

[Puffin350 in reply to devonian186]

I am on Bisoprolol 2.5mg and Apixaban 5mg at present - still having a few heart symptoms - racing heart and lightheadedness so probably need to increase the dose of the beta blocker

[Hidden in reply to Puffin350]

Lots of people have issues with beat blockers, so I take mine at bedtime, so any symptoms wear off while I'm asleep. Originally I was told to take it in the morning, but I then had no energy or get up and go, so asked if I could take it at night. If we have to have meds, take them when it suits unless there is a medical reason to take it at specific times.!

[devonian186 in reply to Puffin350]

We are all different on how we react to meds but either medication could have the effect you mention, especially if you have only just started using them.

Normally you might need a month before you can tell its longer term effect. Has the GP suggested other medicines instead of or as well as those two?

I don't know your weight-I could do with losing 10pounds- but that can have a huge impact on your mobility if the heart is not fully cooperating, as can real waist size which as I found is an entirely different thing to our trouser waist size.!

[Puffin350]

Thanks for these points - very helpful. I am to see cardiologist and have echocardiogram etc shortly. I think they are still concerned about heart rate/ irregularities. They did offer to admit me to hospital but have so far resisted this

[Ella71941]

Are you considering a cardioversion or ablation or a atrial pacemaker implantation? My ex husband FINALLY accepted an atrial pacemaker after 3 years of refusal and indecision and now feels better. Look at the links and have a long talk with your cardiologist.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

mayoclinic.org/tests-proced...

[Puffin350]

Thank you - yes, will certainly think carefully about these options. I thought some needed to be done early on, so maybe risk it is too late

[Engineer46 in reply to Puffin350]

Welcome to the forum.

What symptoms did you have that led to you seeking a diagnosis? Have the mobility issues arisen since you started taking the two drugs?

What is your heart rate when it's racing and when you are at rest and what is your blood pressure at rest? The more we understand about your condition, the better we can compare with our own experience.

Unless there are medical reasons that make it inadvisable, if you are prescribed two drugs it is a good idea to take just one of them for a month before starting the second. That way you are better placed to understand which drug causes any unwanted side effects. In your case you could probably stop the Apixaban for a month, but please check with your GP first.

It sounds as if you are in good hands.

Best wishes,

Paul

[Puffin350]

Hi - it was due to a persistent cough and dizziness/ fainting that I sought diagnosis.

Leg weakness / mobility issues have been around for a month or two but have worsened considerably in the past two weeks. I am planning to start using a wheelchair to go out in the next day or two.

Blood pressure is 145/90, heart beat can be up to 300 bpm.

I have to take both drugs really - the beta blocker is needed for heart rhythm and the apixaban for stroke prevention.

My slight concern with all this that the AF is maybe a symptom of underlying heart failure.

[devonian186 in reply to Puffin350]

There could be a number of factors affecting you, but more importantly what is being done to urgently confirm what you are suffering from and the treatment that will be required?

[Puffin350]

Thanks - I am just waiting for a consultant appointment, hopefully soon!