Bisoprolol

[Mags2156]

Hi, not been on for a while. I've been on bisoprolol since my HA and stent 19 months ago, all fine but after initial weight gain, which I've stabilised, I just can't lose any despite exercise classes and gym 4 times a week and healthy eating. I've read Bisoprolol could be the culprit and that it's recommended for the first 12 months after HA..I asked about reducing/stopping any meds at my 1 year review at my surgery to be told by a nurse no 'I think' you're on them for life...without going into anything more ... its frustrating to not get full answers to things, anyone's thoughts? TIA

[devonian186]

I did some research on this some time ago. Whilst that medicine is known to cause weight gain initially of a pound or two thereafter it has no impact as our body adjusts to it.

losing weight is very difficult the older you get.

Do you keep a health diary whereby you record ALL your food, drink and exercise? A coffee here, a little snack there, it all adds up

[Kkarlak]

I am definitely gaining weight since my Heart attack and subsequent meds.

Before the HA I lost over 2 stone and gained more fitness, through diet and exercise. Obviously for a month or so after the HA I didn't exercise much, but now I am able to I just cant lose the few KG's I have gained. I have spoken with several people and they are pretty much divided as to if it is the meds.

I think from my view, the meds are reducing my resting heartbeat and slowing my metabolism down, my max heartbeat for exercise has been reduced by 30 bpm, so I think that physiologically speaking that must be decreasing my ability to burn calories.

[HenryTudor]

There is a history of heart disease on my mother’s side of the family. My grandfather and mother died of HA in their early 60s and two of my siblings have had bypasses.

I was diagnosed with hypertension around 20 years ago and was put on a few meds - statin, beta blocker etc. The doctor told me very matter of factly, “You’ll be on medication for the rest of your life.”

[HA 4 and a bit years ago - 4 stents]

[pistachio_lover]

I was on bisoprolol for over 10 years 15mg per day. I had no idea how badly it was affecting me until I saw a private cardiologist and he switched me to verapamil. I would suggest you get a 2nd opinion and ask if there is a different med or med class that will work for you. Good luck 🤞

[MountainGoat52]

So you've had the standard "on them for life" response. Well, that is not strictly true. It may apply to some medications, but others can be changed, omitted or reduced/increased to suit you personally. I would request a review by your GP or better still, by the Pharmacist at your GP practice if you have one. I got my mix of medication adjusted one medication at a time and now have the right combination for me. 😀

[Mags2156]

I have a phone consultation with a pharmacist next week so I'll be asking a lot of questions, thank you

[Roughandtumble]

Hi Mags, I was prescribed 2.5mg Bisoprolol in July 2023 after an out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest and implant of ICD. Process since then has been straight forward with no complications. Hospital has done exercise ECG, cardiac MRI, couple of consultations with senior doctor since then. Also prescribed 20mg Atorvastatin by GP following separate cholesterol checks. Haven't suffered any side effects from combination of these. Weight same as before. I’m assuming that I’ll be taking Bisoprolol indefinitely as preventative medication to help prevent any repeat of cardiac arrest but will await next checkup in April 2025. Best of luck

[Jedi14]

I have noticed that as well. My clopidogrel was meant to stop in June, Iwas not told about it until I put in a repeat Px. The pharmacy would not give me a repeat saying that they have instructions not to give! Go and see your GP, they told me! I am in limbo and don't know if I will get the Px or not, I ran out of tablets 2 weeks a go!

Got a cardiology reveiw in november.

[1a2b3 in reply to Jedi14]

I think the standard rule of thumb after a heart event is low dose aspirin and clopidigrel for one year and then one is discontinued and the remaining one you will take for life .