atrial fibrillation

[Anhoto70]

I have recently been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. I am 92 years old & have started on medications; Apixaban 5mg, twice daily & Bisoprolol Fumarate 1.25mg once daily. These doses are being monitored & it has just been requested that I should take blood pressure readings. On awakening this morning, the figures were Sys 131, Dia 77 & Pul 43. The screen also showed heartbeat irregularity. I don't understand the relevance except for the pulse rate which i realised was very low. I would appreciate some information on the foregoing please? Thank you.

[AmberandIvy]

Hi there, others will understand he relevance of the readings better than I...I can tell you not to worry...despite the fears and the uncomfortable feelings, your heart is amazingly able to cope and 1.25mg of bisoprolol is low...stay positive ❤️

[Alphakiwi]

Your readigs are better than mine and im 82. Keep the meds going at the same timeColin nz

[World1inmotion]

Hello and welcome. I am not medically qualified so cannot give you specific medical advice but what I would advise is any concerns report to your doctor. If you think it may be the medication causing issues discuss with the pharmacist. You can also try ringing the BHF helpline where the fabulous cardiac nurses can give you advice.

[Anothernewbie]

131/77 is a very good reading for someone of your age. My GP practice told me that a home reading of 145/80 is fine for the over 80's. The figures refer to the pressure from your heart to push blood around the body, and relax again between beats. The bisoprolol is lowering your heart rate. I am on 2.5mg a day. I am 85 and was diagnosed with A.Fib in September after a 22 hour episode. The apixaban is an anti-clotting medication. Like you I am also on 5mg twice a day. It does not thin the blood but makes it harder to clot, so tell anyone, including a dentist, who is like to take blood or give you an injection. I assume you are carrying the card with you at all times. It is in the box with the tablets.

Hope this helps a bit. On here ou will find a lot of information about the experiences of others, so don't hesitate to ask more questions when necessary.

[Yellow26]

I’ve had AF for over 12 years, my pulse rate can be lower than that sometimes, your blood pressure is good, I’m on the same meds , as long you don’t have any pain or breathlessness i wouldn’t worry.

Take care

[bluemoon572]

Your device may not be sensing enough of your heart beats due to the irregular heart rhythm and wavering of the baseline in A Fib. Perhaps your GP would want an accurate ventricular rate by ordering an EKG or outpatient cardiac monitoring for 24 hours as 43 per minute is a very low ventricular rate,especially in your age bracket.