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cold effects on lower legs

mobyfool profile image
81 Replies

Hi i,m on a low dose of bisoprolol 1.25 even thou its cold at the moment just wondering if anyone else has been suffering from cold feet and lower legs, wondering if bisoprolol cause these effects ?

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81 Replies
BlueDays24 profile image
BlueDays24

I’m also on 1.25mg Bisoprolol, and still adjusting to too low blood pressure as a consequence. I don’t know which of the 5 medications I was started on 8 weeks ago is responsible, but I often feel cold. Frequently cold hands and feet, but sometimes full arms and legs are freezing. I think most likely culprits are beta-blocker or ACE inhibitor (or both), as they both drop blood pressure. And the colder weather doesn’t help!

I wrap up warm, wear gloves and warm socks - and am actually sat on the sofa at the moment under a blanket with a fleece hat on as I wait for the worst of the morning beta-blocker dose to wear off.

Stay warm!

jayjay10000 profile image
jayjay10000 in reply toBlueDays24

Goodmorning. You are so right about beta blockers. I experience cold hands and had to wear gloves..My feet and legs wasn't to bad to tell the truth.. This type of medication has effect on blood pressure for sure, I started to feel lightheaded after about 90 minutes. I took my blood pressure once when I had this kind of feeling and I found out it was 87/56....I was on propranolol at the time then got changed over to Bisoprolol and it did exactly the same thing, I would ask your doctor if there is anything else you could try apart from beta blockers. Good luck

PadThaiNoodles profile image
PadThaiNoodles in reply tojayjay10000

jayjay10000, did you go back to propranolol? If so, did it help any with anxiety?

A few of us here were wondering a few weeks ago if switching from bisoprolol to propranolol had any positive effects on anxiety levels (as the non-cardiac-specific beta blockers are also used for generalised anxiety disorder and panic attacks). The hope was that one could potentially kill two birds with one stone, but no one had any experiences to report of going that direction.

jayjay10000 profile image
jayjay10000 in reply toPadThaiNoodles

Hi there..From my experience, Propranolol does not help with anxiety, if anything it made things much worse, Propranolol supposed to help to carm the heart from palpitations, but in most cases with me, I still experience fast heart rate and fluttering..A lot people on here can not take Beta blockers at all..I went back to my doctors for help over my heart health,thinking I was going to be trying another medication but iam not on anything anymore. My advice is make appointment with your doctors and explain that you have been suffering from Anxiety issues and what kind of help can you get for this

PadThaiNoodles profile image
PadThaiNoodles in reply tojayjay10000

Bummer. I get pretty good anxiety relief from my SSRI, but a top-up wouldn't have gone amiss....

stevetheadi profile image
stevetheadi in reply toPadThaiNoodles

Just wnted to mention that my anxiety and panic attacks were virtually eliminated by propranolol. I found it very effective.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply tostevetheadi

If things get worse, I will see gp and see what they say.

Lonmayloon profile image
Lonmayloon in reply tojayjay10000

To jayjay10000:-

You should not be offering advice on which medicines someone should or should not take.

Anyone advised by their doctor to stop taking a beta blocker should do so in a carefully controlled manner. Stopping abruptly can be very dangerous.

From the Patient Information Leaflet for bisoprolol:-

“Never stop taking Bisoprolol fumarate unless your doctor tells you to do so. Otherwise your condition could become much worse.”

To mobyfool:-

I take bisoprolol and I suffer from cold hands and feet, especially at rest. When moving about it takes 10 minutes or so of fairly brisk exercise before the extremities warm up. Another annoying side effect is an almost constant runny nose (a consistency more like tears).

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toLonmayloon

Hey I have never given advice on taking medication, I was asking about cold legs and feet and weather if taking bisoprolol was anyone else was having the same feelings, so get your facts right.

Lonmayloon profile image
Lonmayloon in reply tomobyfool

My reply is to jayjay10000 as indicated by the grey writing to the right of my name. I have now edited my reply. I hope this helps.

jayjay10000 profile image
jayjay10000 in reply toLonmayloon

Hi there iam sorry, I have edited my post..sorry for that kind of advice

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply tojayjay10000

Thats ok

Straie2Showtime profile image
Straie2Showtime in reply toLonmayloon

I have a consistent runny nose from carvedilol. No allergy pill or spray helps. Definitely not enjoyable. I'm 100 times healthier than I was a couple months ago,so I'll deal with it. Lol

sallen343 profile image
sallen343 in reply toStraie2Showtime

I stick squeezed toilet paper up my nose to stop this. Most people ignore it, except women teachers and insecure men.

Desertflowerchild profile image
Desertflowerchild in reply toPadThaiNoodles

For several years, I used propranolol for anxiety related to specific events -- mainly public speaking engagements and certain social events. I would take a very small dose about 45 minutes before taking the stage. It was amazingly helpful for specific events. It wore off within about 3 hours and I was generally sleepy and with a headache at that point.

Arctic235 profile image
Arctic235 in reply toPadThaiNoodles

I have been taking bisoprolol because when I went to see the cardiologist my heart was racing due to anxiety. It has helped stop my heart racing, which helps me be less anxious, but I wouldn't say it deals with whatever is actually causing the anxiety - so I'm still anxious I just have less physical symptoms with it.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply tojayjay10000

I might do that just see how things go thanks

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toBlueDays24

Thanks

Astromeria profile image
Astromeria in reply toBlueDays24

Hi, I now take my bisoprolol at night as I hated the morning effects. I feel much better and sleep well.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toAstromeria

Just started taking it late afternoon, then first thing in morning, have noticed a slight change of feeling better.

Hartingdon profile image
Hartingdon in reply toBlueDays24

I take mine before bed, so I only have to cope with 'wee' effect of my water tablet all morning. However I have suffered with cold (and restless) legs for years and not as a result of medication.

BC4ever profile image
BC4ever

I was originally prescribed 5mg of Bisoprolol daily, but it made me exhausted because my heart rate was too low. It was lowered to 1.25mg daily and I was told by my Cardiac Nurse to take it before I went to bed. This has made a massive difference and works for me. But I have noticed that I feel the cold a lot more since I have been on all the heart medication.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toBC4ever

I,ve started to to take 1.25 late afternoon instead of morning

BlueDays24 profile image
BlueDays24

The cardiologist insisted I take Bisoprolol in the morning when I asked about taking it later, so I apparently just have to put up with the low blood pressure effects.

jayjay10000 profile image
jayjay10000 in reply toBlueDays24

You don't have too put up with low blood pressure effects at all, please talk with your doctor to find out if there is anything else you could take

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply tojayjay10000

I know when I,ve got low pressure, I suffer from tinnitus and when it's low it makes a slow whirrling noise then the normal noise in the ear and have feelings in chest area ,waiting to see cardiologist .

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toBlueDays24

Waiting to see cardiologist, Don,t know when that will be .

Mentdent profile image
Mentdent

Doesn’t bother me nor my dive buddy. We’re both, coincidentally, on the same dose and spent some time Scuba diving in Antarctica with no problems.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toMentdent

Thanks

jerry12953 profile image
jerry12953 in reply toMentdent

Scuba diving in Antarctica.....?😱

CallMeSunny profile image
CallMeSunny in reply toMentdent

Presumably in wetsuits!

Mentdent profile image
Mentdent in reply toCallMeSunny

Dry suits, heated undersuits etc. Water temp -2degrees

sandandkev profile image
sandandkev

Although I get cold hands and feet, when I was on bisoprolol it made it 100% worse and my consultant said it was a good medication but had bad side effects,I was able to come off it

BaronFrankenstein profile image
BaronFrankenstein

My ankles and feet used to feel freezing cold when i first went on bisoprolol but it got better over time. I bought some new slippers that covered my ankles as well as feet and thick hiking socks for when i was wearing shoes and boots

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toBaronFrankenstein

I will try these also in calf muscles I,ve noticed it

BaronFrankenstein profile image
BaronFrankenstein in reply tomobyfool

Longer socks!

wodehouse123 profile image
wodehouse123

I’m on 1.25 mg Bisoprolol daily and have not noticed those symptoms at all, but then I’m very sensitive to cold anyway , have been all my life and Bisoprolol hasn’t worsened that sensitivity. The same as the warfarin I now take that hasn’t worsened the sensitivity either

Staffsgirl profile image
Staffsgirl

Yes! I couldn’t tolerate it…my legs became not just freezing, but very painful and yet numb. It was so so bad I couldn’t safely walk. GP agreed to a lower dose after a few months. Still bad symptoms. Finally gave up. Much the same happened to me with other BBs.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toStaffsgirl

I,l just have to see how things go,thanks

MumaLines profile image
MumaLines

Completely normal and comes from heart meds, I thought it was the blood thinner. Get a Teddy Bear Blanket (£10) from Dunelm and it will be the best £10 you spend as it is light and quickly warms your feet, hands & legs.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toMumaLines

I notice it more during the day then at night. Thanks

MumaLines profile image
MumaLines in reply tomobyfool

It’s all day everyday

Mollydex profile image
Mollydex

hi. I really suffer when it’s cold since cardiac meds. My toes are terrible to the point that I sometimes get chillblanes I’ve tried loads of different socks and find two pairs with Marino wool my best help If anyone has any tips for warm shoes and warm slippers for ladies I’d appreciate them Keep warm everyone x

BC4ever profile image
BC4ever in reply toMollydex

Genuine sheepskin lined slippers (for ladies or men) are the warmest slippers you can buy. I wouldn't be without mine.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toBC4ever

Have to try these slippers out

Mollydex profile image
Mollydex in reply toBC4ever

Thankyou xxxx. I am going to order some today

El-Tel1990 profile image
El-Tel1990 in reply toBC4ever

Uggs ?

Murderfan58 profile image
Murderfan58

I have suffered with cold feet and legs all my life due to my neurological condition. Like I said yesterday to a poster could you wear thermal socks and long John's under under trousers. I read years ago it's better to wear thin layers than I thick one and it's very important to keep your organs warm so thermal vests and long sleeved tops . I usually have 4 layers on on my top half and I can't wear socks so being a woman wearing 20 denier tights under my trousers in the summer and 40 in the winter . Plus thick scarf near my mouth so I don't breath in cold air through my mouth and hat and gloves . Do you do any exercises as doing them helps keep your blood flowing to all parts of your body and warms you up. I do.a sit fit class once a week and daily exercises at home and have static pedals which I do 300 rotations everyday to keep my legs working .

No idea if this helps

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toMurderfan58

I will try some of these thanks

4cokecansBHF profile image
4cokecansBHF

I am on a low dose of Bisoprolol . I waken around 6am. I lie in my cosy bed til the freezing burning sensation in my upper arms chest and upper back half an hour after wakening forces me to get up. GP tells me it would take a detective to discover which of my 11 pills is responsible. This last week has been almost intolerable. Sympathy to all who suffer with similar symptoms!

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply to4cokecansBHF

Thanks for that

Peter-l-h profile image
Peter-l-h

YES. Immediately reversed when meds changed ( For non connected reasons

Best wishes. PLH

No medical expertise.!

Hephzibar profile image
Hephzibar

Yes, I am sure that I feel colder on Bisoprolol and my fingers go white at times. Spend the winter double wrapped with thermals, tights and socks and sit under a heated throw 😁

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool

I,m starting to try wearing thicker clothing, have to see how things go.

Survivor1952 profile image
Survivor1952

A known side effect of Bisoprolol is cold hands and/or feet. I get cold feet a lot more than I used to before surgery, keeping moving helps a lot.

bikerider00 profile image
bikerider00

Cold extremities is a standard side effect of beta blockers, unforutnatley:

nhs.uk/medicines/bisoprolol...

I too have cold lower legs, which i've not really ever seen listed. But I'm other drugs such as ACE inihibitor.

Anothernewbie profile image
Anothernewbie

My feet are nearly always cold due to the blood pressure meds I take. At one time, when my BP was very high and the meds equally so, my hands were so cold at times my fingers were white and painful, similar to Raynaud's. Only solution is to wrap up warm, even in the house if necessary.

yep. Since my heart attacks and stents I’ve suffered cold hands, lower legs and feet. I noticed it first in a supermarket the first summer my hands went white and I had to go back to the car and put the blowers on, looked a bit mad in July! Anyway I now have thermal socks, sheepskin ankle boot slippers, a Lakeland heated throw, sheepskin mittens and a long shearling coat. My husband bought me hand warmers that I charge up before I go out. I’m on 2.5 mg Bisoprolol. Best wishes Lorna

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply toEastchurchTwentyOne

Thanks

Deadhappy profile image
Deadhappy

hi, I started on 1.25mg of bisoprolol, am now up to 10mg a day but haven’t noticed feeling cold at all.

islandbruno profile image
islandbruno

My first AFib med was Bisoprolol and it hit my extremities really hard as I have Raynaud's. It wasn't showing on my health record else they wouldn't have put me on that course of meds.

Scho1 profile image
Scho1

Hi, I take 1.25mg of bisoprolol and it does make my reynauds worse so if it needs increasing at anytime the cardiologist told me I’d need to go on to Diltiazem instead.

Sue6666 profile image
Sue6666

I've always got cold legs from my mid shin down and I'm on Bisoprolol too so very interested too

4cokecansBHF profile image
4cokecansBHF

I find a heat pad (rectangle of cloth filled with wheat) is the BEST thing! Put it in the microwave for 2-3 mins and hug it for half an hour ! 9x6” is a good size. I get a small bag of wheat from a farmer’s supply store.

BellaLover profile image
BellaLover

I am also on 1.25 Bisoprolol & my feet, hands, ears & nose are all blue & constantly cold. Hands & feet are the worst, & it's when I'm inside as well as outside. Consultant said it was due to the blood going to the heart instead of the extremities.

haynatcha profile image
haynatcha

Hi

I am on 1.25mg bisoprolol and get Icy extremities (feet, ankles and calves, hands nose and ears). This happens even when central heating is on and my home is warm!

I have some soft sole sheepskin slippers that I wear in bed during the winter months.

Moving and walking indoors helps.

mobyfool profile image
mobyfool in reply tohaynatcha

I do try and keep moving that helps

GrandpaM profile image
GrandpaM

I am on 2.5 mg of bisoprolol and when I first started I noticed that I felt the cold more than I used to. It is almost 3 years now and I am glad to hear that this is a common side effect.

Sheffield55 profile image
Sheffield55

Have been on propranolol 10mg for 2 yrs. I also experience cold hands and feet with pins and needle sensations. I exercise to get back warmth.

Blackknight57 profile image
Blackknight57

im on 1.25 *2 in a day , also warfarin. Fingers and lower legs are always cold.

Hdev profile image
Hdev

I take a beta blocker , metoprolol, and have icy feet and lower legs on/off at times,,,especially winter time,,,never had this before afib and it’s meds,,,add Eliquis and here I am,,,I’ve learned to love fuzzy socks 24/7!!

JK5AEO profile image
JK5AEO

A very common side effect of this drug. I have freezing feet and toes all year round.

49reasons profile image
49reasons

Following my heart attack 2 years ago, I was put on atorvastatin, aspirin, ticagrelor, ramipril & lanzoprazol. Had some amazing bruises on ticagrelor, but came off that after 6 months. Was taking 2.5 mg of bisoprolol until recently but this was halved after some low heart rate readings (42bpm). Reason given was I was more active. I still suffer from cold feet however and my resting heart rate is still on the low side (49 bpm). I do cardio rehab once a week and walk. I find that fluffy bed socks help with the cold feet at night and sheepskin boots on winter days. I feel well most of the time, but often wake in the mornings feeling awful- slight nausea and generally feeling unwell . It takes about an hour some days to pull myself together. On the plus side I’m still active and able to enjoy life at 75. I think lockdowns during the pandemic played a part in my heart attack as exercise was difficult also mother had angina and although I never smoked, inhaling the smoke of others in an office setting before the indoor smoking rules came into being.

bowls12 profile image
bowls12

Mobyfool

Feeling of cold and/or numbness in hands and feet is a common side effect of Bisoprolol. It can affect up to 1 in 10.

This is mentioned in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that is in the box with the tablets. Under the Heading Possible Side Effects.

I have been taking Bisoprolol for 6 years and understand your problem. I wear woollen gloves and keep as active as possible. Keeping active boosts the circulation and helps to alleviate the problem

pole-climber profile image
pole-climber

Wow been taking Bisoprolol for 6 years and also have these problems never associated them with the tablets put it down to old age so thanks for the information.

Kenbo profile image
Kenbo

I’m on bisoprolo was feeling lightheaded cold and no motivation doctor told me take it at night I’m much better now

EFJJD profile image
EFJJD

Hi There I can certainly empathise on this - I have been diagnosed with vasospastic disease (my heart event was apparently due to vasospasm rather than arteriosclerosis) and my circulation to my legs and feet are very affected by the cold (this started prior to my acute event and worse now)-I too am on a very low dose of bisoprolol but found my pins and needles / numbness and horrid cramps were an issue before I started on bisoprolol. It may be good to explore this more with your cardiologist / vascular team. Keep us posted and wrap up warm.

PinkKizzie profile image
PinkKizzie

Hi mobyfool, I'm not on bisoprolol but my feet are always like a block of ice. Hands, lower legs, nose, and ears are also cold. I've got an electric throw which is fantastic, and I also have a luke warm water bottle to put under my feet. I bought a Teddy Bear bed set and it's so cozy. Keep warm.

sam-sam32 profile image
sam-sam32

Hi mobyfool, I see you have plenty of answers - but yes, I too get very cold feet and some skin numbness in my toes. I generally feel the cold more but this could also be my age. Yes also to the runny nose - I frequently have to wipe my nose as it feels wet a lot of the time. sam-sam32

sam-sam32 profile image
sam-sam32 in reply tosam-sam32

Sorry - me again. Should have said I am on 2.50 mg Bisoprolol. sam-sam32

Eldot profile image
Eldot

Yes. I've always had a slowish heart rate so cold feet and toes are part of normal life for me, but my 2 x 2.5mg Bisoprolol definitely initially made it worse but now two years on, my feet and life are back to normal.

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