Afib Advice

[Ajay50]

Last August I attended my GP's practice for a chest infection, while being examined my GP asked if I was aware that I had an irregular heart rhythm, I stated no. I was sent for an ECG the next day which confirmed Afib, i was prescribed Apixaban, which I was on anyway due to previous leg clots and pulmonary embolism, I was then referred to my local health boards cardiologists department. In October i returned to my GP with regards to suffering bouts of dizzy spells and unsteadiness i was prescribed 1.25mg of Bisoprolol, a few weeks later I recieved a letter from the cardio department stating that I needed to be reviewed, but it could take up to a year. In November last year I was given an appointment to attend an echocardiogram the results of which showed I had slight increase in size of the left chambers of the heart especially the left atrium. I now have an appointment with the cardiologists next month.I would like to ask members what treatment did they receive and was it successful, my Afib manifests itself as a normal pulse rate ,between 55 to 90 bpm but the rhythm is irregular/ irregular with missing beats and some thud sensations and occurs continuously without any periods of normal rhythm. I have been suffering from tiredness and fatigue while undertaking exertion tasks, such as gardening, which has resulted in needing a rest period every 15 minutes. I have not noticed any improvement since I was prescribed Bisoprolol.

Thanks inadvance for any replies.

[Popepaul]

You are describing your afib as being persistant. If this is so the usual course of action is to try a cardioversion to see if your heart can return to NSR. If cardioversion fails then flecanaide could be prescribed in an attempt to control rhythm. They are unlikely to prescribe flecanaide if you have other cardio problems like atherosclerosis HF etc. My understanding is that they will not offer an ablation unless you can return to NSR. It is good that your pulse appears to be under control. Good Luck.

[greenba in reply to Popepaul]

I had AFIB for a few years. When they put me on Bisoprolol I was like a Zombie, it slowed me down way too much. When out walking on a couple of occasions my pulse fell to 34/35 quite alarming, after further tests and monitor I was fortunate to be taken in to have pacemaker fitted. End of problem.! Good luck to you.

[Popepaul in reply to greenba]

I concur with what you say. For some bisoprolol can bring on bradycardia. I take 2.5 mgs and my pulse tends to be about 55 when sitting. My personal experience is that bisoprolol has been very helpful to date. It seems to calm my heart down.

[MaudieElvis]

I have A F since early 2023.

Because so long cardiac nurses not hopeful for drugs/ cardioversion. They were right - had cardioversion on Friday in Feb - by Sunbday, back in AF

Bisoprodol made me feel tired and like a zombie so I’ve come off that and now I’m Altizem 120mg - much better. Follow up next week - I don’t want to have to be cardioverted 4-6 times so am gonna ask for ablation as I’m sick of feeling unwell

All the time.

[Choccie55]

I have SVT which is similar. I started off on Bisoprolol but episodes increased over time so opted for an ablation. Unfortunately it was unsuccessful so I have now been prescribed Flecainide alongside Bisoprolol. I had to have a CT scan to rule out coronary artery disease before being prescribed it. I get the odd flutter but have remained in sinus rhythm since. My father in law took Flecainide for AFib and it worked well for him too. Symptoms of arrhythmia include dizzy spells and breathlessness. I wish you well with your treatment.