Post AVR 3 & 1/2 weeks, Atrial Fibrillation

[Bumpitybump]

Surgery on 10th July, generally doing really well on the recovery however, what started as temporary blips of A-Fib has now settled in as constant A-Fib.

I understand that I may need a Cardioversion. Last few days I have an erratic pulse rate too, Dr’s appointment on Monday apparently may increase Bisoprolol, as presently on very low dose. I feel well supported, mostly just disappointed that I have this, what I understand is a common side effect, any thoughts or information from other people’s experiences would be most welcome.

[MartinOG]

I take 2.5mg twice daily and the side effect is to leave me very tired during the day

[Bumpitybump in reply to MartinOG]

Thanks for sharing

[Mat66]

Increase in bisoprolol can make you feel tired as it does slow your heart rate down and it can effect your exercise tolerance. Some tolerate the effects well and others struggle. Mine was increased to 5mgs even now after being on it for some time, about 1 hour after taking it I have no energy and feel chronically tired. It is usually mid afternoon I start feeling more alert.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Mat66]

Sounds challenging but I guess if we need it…. Thanks for responding

[Cat715]

I take 1.25mg Bisoprolol at night. I was issued 2.5mg previously but my heart rate was dropping into 30s at rest.

So I checked with the cardiologist who agreed to change the dose and advised to take before bed as the side effects would be unfelt at night.

However, I am still tired all the time.

My BP is lower now approx 115/75 and HR is averaging 51bpm. Often its 40 to 50 bpm at rest.

Bumpitybump you sound like you've been through the mill. Hope you continue to recover well.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Cat715]

Interesting, I am on 1.25 now and anticipate being bumped up to 2.5, good tip on taking it at night, thank you. I know I am doing well considering less than four weeks since Op, just frustrated at Afib. Small price to pay compared to a failed valve.

[Shar28]

Hi, my husband went into AF a few days after his Aortic Valve replacement OHS. Fortunately he was still in hospital. They first treated him with Amiodarone by way of a “bolus” (big) dose by injection followed by a 24 hour drip. It worked temporarily so they did it again the next day and the day after that.

As he kept going back into AF he had a DC Cardioversion, which worked permanently, although he stayed on Amiodarone tablets for a while.

The worst thing about the Cardioversion - the thinking about it beforehand! Once in the treatment room, sedation was administered and it was over and done with before my husband realised they’d done it.

I hope you get sorted out soon.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Shar28]

That is a really helpful, constructive reply, thank you. I was in normal sinus rhythm for most of the first two weeks so really hope I will get to the same result as your husband. Thank you for the encouragement.

[Langdalerunningman]

I have Afib and had cardioversion which only worked for three days.

I was on Bisoprolol 2.50, and could not cope with it. I felt dizzy and unwell all the time. It was changed to 1.25 and I’ve been fine ever since.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Langdalerunningman]

Thank you for sharing, will see what my GP says this a.m.

[AustinATV]

I have been on Bisoprolol for 2 years , initially 5mg taken every morning to help with symptoms of SVT. It was subsequently increased to 7.5mg taken 5mg in a morning and 2.5mg at night. My symptoms to the medication were severe tiredness and exhaustion, regular nightmares and initially brain problems of confusion/global amnesia . My doctor would not however connect the amnesia to the medication.

I have however changed the taking of my medication to the 5mg before bed and the 2.5mg of a morning. This has substantially reduced the side effects and tiredness aspects and as suggested in an earlier response, (unless otherwise advised by your doctor) I would recommend this approach. Wishing you well for the future .

[Bumpitybump]

Thank you for this, it makes good sense. Dr has increased mine to 2.5 just this morning, obviously a lot less than your challenging dose. He warned of potential of feeling feint. I am warned and will take note of any side effects. Thank you!