Aortic Stenosis and Medication

[PhilFreeToAsk]

I have been diagnosed with moderate Aortic Stenosis. I am taking Beta Blockers and I wonder whether this is causing me to feel tired? As my heart beat has slowed down, could it be affecting my oxygen levels?

[bluemoon572]

I think it's the beta blocker that's causing fatigue. Moderate aortic stenosis is usually not symptomatic and that's why you need regular follow-up appointments to monitor for worsening. Are you taking the beta blocker strictly because of aortic stenosis or to treat rhythm disturbances or elevated BP? Perhaps lowering the dose will improve your fatigue. Your cardiologist is best to advise you about this.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to bluemoon572]

Thanks. You confirmed my suspicion that beta blockers may be a contributor to my tiredness. If I could remove one factor that is making me so tired then it would be great.

The beta blockers were not really controlling the arrythmia that I have had for awhile. However, since I have been practicing a breathing technique, I have seen a dramatic reduction in episodes and last time I took my BP it was very good. I will discuss this with my GP about reducing or stopping beta blockers.

[Cliff_G in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

Completely agree with bluemoon. Do you mind saying what the arrhythmia is? If A-fib, beta blockers are used mainly for "rate control" and only sometimes do they set the rhythm back to normal. Tiredness etc is a well-known effect of BBs. Your GP may be able to adjust dosage but your Cardiologist is best in order to look at the whole arrhythmia situation. Keep on with what you're doing, too!

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to Cliff_G]

I had cardio version in 2021 for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Been on beta blockers since.

Since cardio version, Arrhythmia was occurring about every 3 weeks. Not so pronounced. Since I started coherent breathing and qigong sound exercise last October, episodes are occurring about 12 weeks. I’m hoping that it will still improve as I practice.

I was looking at Guys and St Thomas’s website and they said beta blockers should be avoided for aortic regurgitation.

I agree that it needs a medical professional judgement to guide me.

[Cliff_G in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

Thanks. The breathing etc will be helping your autonomic balance, very important with AF, though it's possible the BBs are helping too.

I don't know about the BBs with aortic regurgitation (/stenosis?).

[PhilFreeToAsk]

Thanks. The replies have been very helpful and clarified my thoughts and options.