I posted recently about being fed up with a constant fast heart rate. Today I had an appointment with the cardiologist (got a last minute cancellation so it was only a short wait amazingly!)
I was pleasantly surprised at how the appointment went, I was ready to have to fight my corner to be believed but the cardiologist was so nice and took the time to explain everything. My heart rate wasn’t blamed on anxiety which it had been in the past, and I was offered a few different medications to try get my fast heart rate under control. They had decided to try Ivabradine for a few months to see how it goes. Up until now I’ve been taking propranolol but it makes me quite tired. Does anyone have any experience with it? I’m absolutely awful at taking new medications, I usually leave them in their box for at least a week before getting the courage. Obviously know that side effects are different for everyone. If it doesn’t suit me I could also try a calcium channel blocker but don’t know what they are either.
and the best bit is that I can contact them any time I need anything, without having to go back to the GP. So I’m pleased that I’m now getting ongoing support for this heart issue which is so draining. Every day this week I’ve been getting 150bpm doing the bare minimum around the house!
Thankful to this forum for being able to express my thoughts and journey into something I’ve found quite scary!
Written by
Cookieisland
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thank you, yes it is 2.5mgs I have been prescribed too, twice daily. I am just nervous as it’s a medication only the cardiologist can prescribe so makes it feel a bit scary. Sounds silly but this is all new to me, I barely take over the counter medications unless I really have to! 😆 always think of the worst case scenarios thinking it will case some horrific side effect!
I'm on 7.5mg Ivabradine twice a day, I started on 5mg a day and they increased to 15mg a day now. I get light sensitivity with these and some random flashes of light and a weird ringing in my ears, this goes away after a couple of weeks or so.
They do the job, between these and the 50mg of Metoprolol, my resting heart rate has gone from 120+bpm to 60-70.
Thanks! I was told about the eye side effects by the hospital pharmacy. I already have an astigmatism so driving at night is difficult anyway, so hoping it doesn’t make it much worse! I was also warned about it causing low blood pressure on standing but that was all they said. Would love to have a normal heart rate again so fingers crossed!
I hate taking new medication too. I’ve just started taking tablets for high blood pressure and the dose I was on, gave me a few side effects, including lowering my BP too much, so I’ve had them reduced, which is better. I suppose you have no choice but to take them and hope for the best and ask the Doctor to change them or the dose, if the side effects are too much for you. I keep a list of drug interactions, of the medication I take. You can get it from the NICE website. I always check any new medication I’m given, as the Doctors don’t always check if they mix with the medication you already have.
Thank you, I will have a look on the NICE website! It’s so scary putting your trust into someone else and some tablets not knowing what is going to happen. I’m terrible for always wanting to be in control so when you don’t have that control it’s stressful!
Being put on Ivabradine was the best thing that happened to me... I went on it in 2014 before this i was exhausted, i was sick my heart rate would spike into the 180s, i put on so much weight because any exercise just made it worse they were looking at giving me surgery because i was so symptomatic and my quality of life was decreasing.
After a few weeks of being on Ivabradine i felt like a completely different person, it gave me a new lease of life completely, I did HIIT workouts, i had a normal life again. The only downsides were it affected light some how, lights were much brighter but ive only noticed the difference now im off it. And you cant have Grapefruit- but thats similar for most meds.
My symptoms eventually came back but not until 2021 and this was because i really did need surgery no medication could have stopped that.
I came off Ivabradine last July, because i knew i was going to try for a baby and i haven't had any issues coming off it.
Basically, Ivabradine gave me years of normality and feeling a million times better, it was one consultant who suggested i try it, and ill always be grateful that they did
Ivabradine is one of 4 meds ime taking for heart failure/inefficiency I prefer to call it. I cannot say it has made me tired, Eplerone caused dizziness but I now take this before bedtime, so dizziness isn't a problem any more. I think my cardiologist has got my med balance correct. I do have a high Potassium level at just under 6. Ime taking LOKELMA 10mg in order bring this down. Nest blood teat will prove if it's doing its job. My EF is 45. Hopefully it will get better. I walk my dog daily and seem to have plenty of energy to complete my daily activities.
So glad you are being taken seriously. I have the same problem 130 to 160 just sitting down. Very draining, but been referred to psychologist. 6 month wait list £3-400 🙄
Hi I've been on propanalol for 4 years now to help with my panic disorder and it really does help, I can honestly say it's never really made me tired but it does help with keeping my heart rate low when I am anxious etc, my bpm since being on propanalol is between 60 and 65
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Hello & Fast Heart Rate
Pacemaker for control of fast heart rate 
heart rate 
High Heart Rate 
Anxiety or possible heart rate problem 
