hi, I have had A Fib twice, in 2010 and 5 weeks ago. In 2010 it was converted by fleccanide, 5 weeks ago I was given some Bisoprolol which converted me 2 hours later and have been on 2.5mg ever since. A week ago I started feeling a number of ectopic beats, which have grown in frequency. These are compounded it seems by my position. If I’m standing or lying on my front they occur seldomly, if at all. However if I lie on my back or sit down I can get 5-10 a minute at times. I’ve got a Kardia ECG monitor which has confirmed what I’m feeling in these positions. Breathing in and out deeply also seems to provoke them. Has anyone else experienced anything like this, whereby they have developed an issue with ectopics on bisoprolol and in particular they have been affected by the position you’re in? I’m wondering whether the Bisoprolol has created the issue or it’s something else. I haven’t been back in A Fib since the original episode 5 weeks ago. I have a low HR naturally and with the Bisop. Am in the low 40’s at rest. Thanks.
afib - taking Bisoprolol - developed ... - British Heart Fou...
afib - taking Bisoprolol - developed prolonged ectopic beats, particularly when sitting or lying down on my back
I get ecotopic beats, but these occurr at all different times of the day and night, and during different activities. I am not sure if it related to taking Bisoprolol, but rather diet.
Are you on any other meds for BP such as Amlodipine or Losartan?
hi, thanks for the reply. No other BP meds, just pregabalin for back pain, statins and mirtazapim for sleep.
Hi, I had been on Bisoprolol for a couple of years plus BP meds. The Losartan was giving me ectopics and really low HR. GP thought it was the interaction with Bisoprolol as opposed to the Losartan so tweaked off that then reduced Bisoprolol. I was also on Amlodipine 5mg, started getting palpations approx 2 hrs after taking and upto 10 hours thereafter. Initially thought that these were because of tapering down the Bisoprolol but having stopped the Amlodipine they have has good as gone. Now I am looking to full stop Bisoprolol.I did find like you bending over, deep breaths, living down especially on LH side aggravated ectopics and palpations
Good to know I’m. It alone. Thanks!
*not alone
I think that everybody experiences ectopic beats. You may be having an increase or you may simply becoming more aware of them. Personally I am very likely to experience ectopics and even afib if I eat a large meal before I go to bed. For some a period of ectopics precede the passage into and out afib. I think that the York Cardiologist has a video about this. I think that it is generally accepted that bisoprolol reduces ectopics.
Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes, I’ve experienced ectopics all through my life. This is however is quite different. It’s almost a permanent state. A few days ago I recorded 20 ectopics on a 30 second Kardia ecg. I would say I’ve had them in the thousands over the last week. It also appears to be provoked by certain physical positions. I’ll take a look at the video. Thanks.
Yes breathing in and out can actually trigger one. Deep breath can. But also deep breathing exercises can slow them down Have you tried this? Breathing in and holding for a couple seconds and exhale. There is more info online. I think it's 4, pause 2 and exhale 8. (Counts)
My osteopath just suggested the same. Box breathing he called it. Thanks.
update: I’ve discontinued pregabalin and slightly increased Bisoprolol and the ectopics have stopped. Not sure which it was but shave an appointment with a cardio electro physicist in Jan and will ask them for their thoughts. Thanks for the replies.
this post got my attention.as I thought I was on my own.i used to get this.i would wake up one day and realise my heart was extra beating every 3 or 4 normal ones.it would cause me so much anxiety because i also have pulsate tinnitus so i can hear my heart constantly.it wouldn’t be so bad if I couldn’t as i would not know so badly.mine would sometimes go on constantly for up to 4 days and then suddenly stop .very unsettling.but i came to realise that it was happening within the first few months on bisopralol .i also have first degree AV which possibly some of the reason.but I continued to stick with the bisop and now I no longer have these long episodes.so I think you will hopefully be ok eventually but yes your not alone .its not nice but I hope it helps knowing your not and I hope like me it will settle down eventually.take care and good luck
Thanks so much. Yes, all is calm now and I think it probably was the bisop. Glad to hear yours cleared up, thanks for taking the time and all the best.
sorry I just read that you got it sorted.great news take care 👍
it’s funny you should say that mine have increased since being on bisoprolol 🤷♀️
Heart attack= heart failure but no surgery possible? 
How am I still anemic? 
Sleeping/sleep position post cabg
Anyone switched to nighttime for taking Bisoprolol or split their dose ? 
