Coming off Bisoprolol: I had my HA and... - British Heart Fou...

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Coming off Bisoprolol

Instructor57 profile image
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I had my HA and 3 stents on 27th February and since then regaining my fitness.My cardiac rehab was basically done twice !

One was phone guidence only from local hospital, then I eventually was offered an online course where I was treated (Wolverhampton)

This was actually really good.

I have also finished Couch to 5k again and running 3x a week .

My diet has completely changed (for the better)

I have lost just over 2 stone in weight through diet changes and (with medical approval) intermittent fasting.

As a result of all this I feel significantly fitter than pre heart attack!

The thing I have noticed though recently is my resting heart rate is getting lower as I get fitter!

My resting hb is around 47-48 bpm.

My blood pressure is on the low side of the normal range , 99/68 (5 minutes ago)

I get dizzy when I stand up quickly or perhaps if I bend down to pick something up .

My GP is considering stopping my Bisoprolol.

I'm on the lowest dose of 1.25 mg.

Anyone else been successfully taken off these ?

Should I go with my GP or consult my cardiologist? πŸ€”

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Instructor57
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tachycardia23 profile image
tachycardia23

That is a very low dose you shouldn’t have any problems coming off it. I felt I needed 5mg Bisoprolol to have any decent effect.

My BP is similar to yours I’ve had readings between 96-110 systolic and 61-69 diastolic. My resting heart rate whilst sleeping goes as low as 64 bpm.

I am not very fit there’s no way I could run a 5k, that said I’m within normal range in terms of BMI.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply totachycardia23

That's interesting!My resting HR has been slowly reducing over the last couple of months , I guess as my weight has come down and fitness hopefully gone up !

Just a little nervous to come off with GP approval but not cardiologists πŸ€”

uzininemm profile image
uzininemm

Dizziness is more than likely medication related.

It was the one thing I suffered from my multitude medication, I worked out the way to do it, is get up slowly. Example from a low sofa I sit up straight count to 10 then get up and it worked.

I spoke to my cardiologist about it and he said I was doing the wight thing and this is what he would have advised.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply touzininemm

Thanks, And yes, that's exactly what I do πŸ‘

Chappychap profile image
Chappychap

I doubt you'll have any problems coming of such a low dose of Bisoprolol.

The bigger question is, do you want to?

There are only two things that can reduce our chances of a heart attack or stroke, medication and life style changes. I understand how exercise and weight loss can make us feel better (I've done the same), but feeling healthy and actually having healthy arteries may be two very different things.

I'd check with your cardiologist rather than rely solely on your GP.

There are plenty of examples in heart health where our GP's are driven by a fairly arbitrary metric, above which is considered risky and below which they leave well alone. But actually lower scores than the risk trigger may still be preferable.

I've heard one doctor say the best blood pressure is as low as possible without fainting! And there's solid evidence emerging that HbA1c scores far below the nominal risk trigger for insulin resistance are actually where we should aim for.

Good luck!

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toChappychap

You make some very good points !And that is my feeling also , hence the post .. I feel my cardiologists input would carry more weight.

As for hbac1, I couldn't agree more !

Mine went up to 49 (48 and above of course considered diabetic)

Through a lot of hard work I have now got it back to 42.

Whereas when I was invited (or should I say instructed ) to go for an appointment with my surgeries diabetic "Expert" they tell you as a diabetic (and I'm still considered diabetic because I hit the threshold) they tell you to try and keep it below 48

Which in mho is ridiculous!

Why wouldn't I want it to be lower , ie back to normal (no more than 42)

I just crept above the threshold for 3 weeks !

Now I have the label for life !

Although I am already effectively in remission as they call it .

uzininemm profile image
uzininemmβ€’ in reply toInstructor57

That's interesting instructor57, because my reading which was similar to yours but was treated as pre diabetic and I was sent on a NHS pre diabetics course. (it was Ok)

I didn't have much to change to be honest, just readjusted my diet a bit, keep my exercise up to what my heart/consultant allows. (weight isn't a problem).

Anyway my annual blood test came back this week and the only thing mentioned was I am slightly anaemic (which I was aware anyhow from another doctor about something else!)

I don't know why you are treated as diabetic 'forever' however what I would say is that knowing you had it for only 3 weeks will ensure you do will what you can not to get it again.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply touzininemm

Yes, tbh I'm furious about such a quick diagnosis of type 2 and it is obviously looked at differently by different practices 🀬

Larneybuds profile image
Larneybudsβ€’ in reply toInstructor57

Good morning....personally I would also have a chat to your consultant too just to make sure they are ok with you coming off bisoprolol. Even though it's a small dose, you were put on it for a reason and as you've done so well you don't want to be going backwards. I attend a fantastic gp and surgery....no complaints whatsoever but i would still query a change of any of my heart medications with my consultant just as an extra precaution. All the best x

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toLarneybuds

Yes, that's certainly my inclination, Thank you πŸ‘

Larneybuds profile image
Larneybudsβ€’ in reply toInstructor57

I just think you've done so well getting to where you are so a double check will at least give you peace of mind. I am only on 1.5 mg bisoprolol but wd still query a change. Even the smallest doses of heart meds can make such a difference so I just think safe and sure. Hope you get it sorted x

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toLarneybuds

Thank you πŸ‘

LADstent profile image
LADstentβ€’ in reply toInstructor57

I agree about labels for life . It’ll affect insurance and other lifestyle type assessments as well . It’s maybe a bit of laziness and risk adverse attitudes on behalf of medical team. My ex mother in law was on a vast mixture of meds she had accumulated from seeing her old GP. When the new locum came in he reckoned half the meds were for side effects of the other half. I’d strongly suggest to your GP or nurse you if no longer considered to be diabetic and your records amended to say your lifestyle changes have improved your status .

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toLADstent

Yes, tbh I'm still furious about the diagnosis especially as they knew I was doing something about it .All they have said is that if it's still low in 3 months then my records will be ammended to state I'm in remission!

Not good enough imho

Hrty profile image
Hrty

I came off 1.25mg without too many problems, although I did have some "odd" sensations for a couple of weeks. That was with my cardiologist's approval as my RHR was dropping to low 30s and I was like a zombie. Recently, following some spells in and out of hospital and another angiogram, my statin was upped to 80mg by the duty cardiologist doing the morning rounds, not my usual one or the one who did the angio. This was to "hit my cholesterol hard", in spite of it being really low (2.2). My wife rang hospital after a couple of weeks because I was feeling so bad and spoke to a nurse, she went off to talk to Dr. Cutting a long story short, the same cardiologist said it was now up to my GP to manage my meds now that cardio had "done all they can" even though it was him that increased the statin! GP agreed I can go back to 40mg. I only mention this as you may get some to'ing fro'ing as to who has or will take responsibility for your meds and any changes to them.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toHrty

I think I will probably need to monitor it a bit longer then try to speak to my cardiologist..Not easy to get to speak to them though 😐

Hrty profile image
Hrtyβ€’ in reply toInstructor57

GP can be hard to get hold of too. Our cardiology dept is usually pretty good at ring back, it's just this particular cardiologist I couldn't take to. I had to come off Bisoprolol, my RHR is 50s anyway (dropping to 40s overnight) and betablockers lower it even lower.I've had brushes with pre-diabetes as well and am now permanently on radar. Good thing really as GP do a annual check up on me. Last one came back in normal ranges after a few years of creeping back into pre-diabetes ranges. I'd chunked rather than hunked during the "voldemort" illness we can't name. Losing 2st since HA and diet overhaul has helped there.

Good luck.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toHrty

It's really the 'Label' I don't like .I think it was premature and unecessary.

I have an appointment on 10th and intend to make my views very clear

NannyPat1 profile image
NannyPat1

Hi, my bp had always been good and after HA they put me on bisoprolol. My bp went very low and my daughter rang BHF who told her to ring GP who instantly took me off it. I only take aspirin and statins now as they never gave me beta blocker when I told them in hospital what my resting heart rate was (around 48 asleep)

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toNannyPat1

It seems a lottery as to the advice we get ... Difficult to know the best route πŸ€”

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1

Hi, yes I was taking bisoprolol, but experiencing problems with dizziness, my cardiologist has put me on Diltiazem instead and not had any problems since.

Dave.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toMtk1

Might be worth asking when I see someone πŸ‘

Heartmum56 profile image
Heartmum56

Following with interest as I am exactly the same bp wise and RHR in low 50s in the day and low 40s at night. I'm not running but have lost weight. I'm not dizzy but still feel v insecure with such low rates. Can't seem to get GP or cardio nurse to make a decision but if I pushed I know they would let me reduce to 1.25. Sometimes I think I will just do this myself and see. Am in a constant dilemma about bisoprolol!

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toHeartmum56

Yes, it's difficult to know what's best.But I think my cardiologists view would probably carry more weight than a GP .

However, if you are not having any dizziness or symptoms then why change it ?

Chriswood79 profile image
Chriswood79

I had an HA and stents 2 years ago. I was initially on 5mg bisoprolol which I had gradually reduced by my GP as it was making feel dizzy and my BP was low. I moved through the reductions pretty quickly then came off them completely with no problems. It fixed the dizziness I was getting and my BP stabilised again and is still now about 120/70 in the normal range. My GP was really good with helping, changing my prescriptions and I remain on all my other medication. My resting HR is about 50 and I’m also physically fitter now than i have been in years. I’m no medic and appreciate everyone is different. Start with your GP especially if you have been discharged back to their care. Good luck with your continued rehabilitation

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toChriswood79

Thank you !I feel I also need to consider my upper HR as well, especially as I run 2 or 3 times a week

SteveWX profile image
SteveWX

I’m

Currently in the process of reducing my bisopromol. It’s been 5 years since I had a stent and I’ve been on 5mg and my resting heart rate is 50-52, I work out daily of some sort. I’ve just lowered it to 2.5 and I have private appointments with one of the top cardiologists in the country and actually while bisop deepens your heart beat, it’s not an essential drug to prevent another HA. I’m going to be stepping mine down to 1.25 but I’m carefully watching and monitoring my stats as I have a lot more data than you to work with.

What I would say is just be careful is running before you can walk, generally the HA box of pills is about preventing it happening again and as time goes by, and great amounts of time goes by, you % decreases of another event. What I can tell

You for me is that after 5 years of 5mg my body was ready for a change and with my heart now beating a bit faster during exercise I’m hoping that the balance of weight Vs drugs is going to balance out this move.

Half my battle has been weight as I don’t find it easy to lose weight and I was on 80mg statin and 5mg bosop.

I’m now 40mg statin and 5mg Bisop and feeling 10x better.

A mate once said to me as I exercise daily, listen, you are alive, that’s the important thing

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toSteveWX

I guess ATM I can live with it and manage as long as I don't jump up quickly after sitting a while !I'm also thinking about my upper HR as I go running 2 or 3x a week so need to be sure before I consider dropping the med πŸ€”

SteveWX profile image
SteveWXβ€’ in reply toInstructor57

Yes, just go careful mate. I'm 52 Years old and I happily run my heart rate up to 155, I dont see the point of being maniac like in my 30's when I used to play a lot of squash. depending on your age and what your ailment's are you need to pop that superman suit back in the cupboard and work around maintenance. I'd rather be doing average every day rather than max for 1 day. I have an apple watch and I set my zones up up to 155/160 and enjoy working within them. I do do circuit training and body pump as well as spinning, cycling on the road, I walk a lot and cycle off road on my mountain bike. I actually bought an ebike back in 2018 so I could start slowly. Also sometimes remember that your body is getting used to the drugs so dizziness today can be gone tomorrow so don't be too quick to abandon hope. I went through a dizzy spell, dont know what year it was but it went and it wasnt bad. If you want to discuss in person and fancy a call then let me know and I'll drop my number on here. As recently I had a 5 year echo scan and fitness test all wired up. I pay privately as its important to me

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toSteveWX

Thanks!Haha,

Trust me , there's no superman suit here my friend πŸ™‚

After a few years as an administrator on the HU Running forums I'm not interested in PB's

All my running is at a conversational pace, which is the most effective way to build (or in my case re build) a strong aerobic base.

Thanks for you offer of a chat .

I'll bear it in mind , much appreciated πŸ™‚πŸ‘

Allheart64 profile image
Allheart64

Hi instructor57 I came off it slowly because i was worried too , I halved my tablet and then after a week I took every other day for a week , I had no issues, hope this helps

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toAllheart64

Thanks , What problems was it causing and have these now stopped?

Allheart64 profile image
Allheart64β€’ in reply toInstructor57

The problem was every time I went out for a walk after about 40 minutes or did anything too excerting my blood pressure would drop very low and I would feel very weak like I was going to pass out , no one seemed to know what it was and eventually my cardio rehab nurse advised that I should stop the bisoprolol because it's designed to lower hear rate so when I was excepting my heart rate couldn't increase as its supposed to there for its having a affect on the blood pressure, sorry for the long reply 😁 after I came off it though I was absolutely fine ..

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toAllheart64

Thank you !I also need to consider the affect of coming off as I run 2 or 3 times a week πŸ€”

... I stopped my Bisoprolol after a few weeks for symptoms of severe postural hypotension ... and a HR that went down to 44 and I was only on 1.25mg... But this is a question that can not be answered by anecdotes alone..What is important is what is the evidence of benefit for B-blockers post MI ?? As I understand it, the evidence in terms of RCT's is amongst the weakest for all secondary prevention measures... Most of the studies being done way last century.... and a lot has changed since then eg widespread PCI etc...(hitherto medical management being the mainstay) Further bigger studies are being planned imminently - and there is a feeling --amongst cardiologists the the guidance could well be changing and B blockers may not be automatically prescribed for everyone... They may well have a place in selected cases... But take home message.. They may not necessarily be as helpful as folk automatically assume... and if they make you feel lousy stop them... That is my view...

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toPilgrimsProgress

Thank you for your reply .I have also read about the fact that they may not necessarily be required for 'Every' HA surviver πŸ€”

AShaw profile image
AShaw

I stopped the Bisoprolol it was lowering my hr to 38/40. Felt oh so weak. Once I stopped hr back up to low 60 s. No problems at all in stopping.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toAShaw

Thank you !Mines around 19 BPM higher than yours was , I can probably live with it if I remember not to just jump up from sitting for a while !

Just that I run 2 or 3 times a week so as I wear my Garmin watch every day I'm noticing these things

Bush73 profile image
Bush73

More or less the same story for me

I bought a pill cutter and cut a 1.25 tablet in half and hey ho good control without hypotension

Worth a try nothing really to loose

The best is yet to come ha

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toBush73

Thanks, it's just good to get everyone else's experiences!I know there is no 'One size fits all' answer but the more info certainly helps πŸ‘

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

I had to come off bisopralol after my HA as it was dropping my BP and heart rate too slow. GP tried changing it to a calcium channel blocker but that did the same so I just stopped taking anything on his advice. No ill effects at all when stopping

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toQualipop

I guess it's ultimately my decision but it's always good to get others opinions.

Thank you πŸ‘

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

After a heart attack your GP is in charge of your medication. However mine consults the cardiologist first.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toQualipop

Sounds like the best route !Thanks

tangotese profile image
tangotese

yes, my heart rate kept going down to mid/low 30s came off Bisoprosol via GP/cardiology and returned to normal 60.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply totangotese

Thank you !My HR is probably 10 bpm higher than yours was, and only symptom is dizziness if I jump up too quickly

tangotese profile image
tangoteseβ€’ in reply toInstructor57

good luck in getting it sorted

Chinkoflight profile image
Chinkoflight

Hi, good to hear the fitness regime is working. When my AF was detected on the LINQ implanted ECG recorder in May my medication was changed immediately from Clopidogrel for the stroke to Edoxaban for the AF. The cardiologist also discussed prescribing a pill in the pocket PIP low dose bisoprolol for self medication in the event of me having an AF event causing me problems. He discussed this with me on two occasions but eventually decided not to prescribe because my resting heart rate was low, often around 40bpm and BP was good with no other known conditions. (Bradycardia+ectopics)Since my last update with you, I completed a monthly 10k with no targets but achieved a PB this month. Thanks to your encouragement from the Bridge to 10k group last year, and a PB for 5k in June.

Good speed with the running progress.

Nigel aka #chinkoflight!

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57β€’ in reply toChinkoflight

Good to hear from you Nigel πŸ™‚I was actually changed onto clopidogrel instead of ticagrelar as I was getting shortness of breath That's now fine on clopidogrel.

Just shows , it's a bit of trial and error as we all respond differently!

I don't mind the trial , just not so keen on the error πŸ€”πŸ€£

Well done with your running πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

I have completely re run C25k (finished last weekend) I will slowly work my way back up to 10 k and beyond as I feel fit .

With 2 stone less to carry now I'm hoping that will help πŸ™‚

Take care ,

Best wishes, Ian

mcgavigan profile image
mcgavigan

Bisoprolol? I dropped them cold turkey without ANY consult. Coincidentally, I stopped having occasional 'trips'...

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