Medication tips for afib

[Dashoundmom79]

I have had afib for a long time now, and only medicated with 1.25mg of Bisoprolol daily. They tried a ablation about 6 years ago and it failed so still on bisoprolol. The symptoms are getting worse and my last heart monitor showed an increased 4% in burden. The cardiologist has now suggested 40mg of verapamil 3 times a day...is anyone else taking verapamil for afib...if so what are the pros and cons ..has it eased the symptoms...I do not drink alcohol ( due to taking bisoprolol ) i no longer drink caffinated drinks or fizzy pop...I do however vape but a low dose of 3mg....any help or advise will be grateful. Thank you 😊

[Blearyeyed]

I would definitely give up vaping if you can , as vaping can trigger more cardiac related symptoms in many people. Vaping , although not smoking , still causes constriction in blood vessels and causes a change in your oxygen volume temporarily. I know a lot of people replace cigarettes with vaping while they withdraw from tobacco, but it's usually better to try to wean yourself if vapes as well as soon as you feel you are beyond smoking withdrawal.I'd also suggest that you join the Atrial Fibrillation Support group on HU , as it's a forum specifically for people with AFib so you will get to read a lot more experiences and get more replies from patients like yourself.

I know many people whom take verapamil for various cardiac, and other health conditions , and they have a positive response and experience of using it. Currently waiting to see if I may need to swap to it myself.

Take care and I hope things improve soon, Bee

[Wonky_heart]

I take 240 mg of Verapamil and in the beginning this worked. Slowly however, this became less effective (I can't take betablockers because of other issues). I was then upped to 360mg and although this worked, I began having long pauses in my heart beats (long R to R ) so now whilst I'm waiting for my 2nd ablation (next week!) I take the 240 daily and an extra 120 as a pill in the pocket when things get really bad. Otherwise, I haven't noticed any other side effects.

[devonian186]

There are a variety of scientifc surveys suggesting vaping and heart problems don't mix.

I have no idea why you have given up Caffeine yet persist with vaping. Its bad news. Stopping it might help you more than taking new medications. What does your GP think of the vaping?

[Dashoundmom79 in reply to devonian186]

It was the consultant who advised no alcohol or caffine, but was happy for me to continue vaping.

[Grimmer]

Verapamil worked for me in the past. Gives you constipation at times but I had no other side effects.Vaping will affect you more than alcohol or caffeine so try and give that up