PMR & Atrial fibrillation.

[Gussellsupremo]

I was diagnosed with PMR in October 24, my gp prescribed 15mg prednisolone with a tapering plan that now has me on 9mg, as a reasonably fit and active 61yo everything was going fine until whilst on vacation in the Caribbean 3 weeks ago for the first time in my life my heart went into Atrial fibrillation resulting in me spending two days in hospital, I have now been prescribed Apixaban to prevent blood clots, Bisoprolol (beta blocker) and statins, I have been referred to a cardiologist but my question is, has anyone had a similar experience or knowledge of PMR causing A/F or any other heart problems? and what could be the consequences of the cocktail of meds I now find myself taking.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Now you have asked the question you can see related posts- and yes there are others in similar situation who will be along with their experiences etc…

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry it spoiled your holiday!!!!

Relax - it is fine, I have exactly the same story with extras in the history but they don't matter here. My PMR was caused by the a/i part of PMR damaging the sinus node and the episodes started about the same time as the PMR symptoms. I didn't ever think about them, just thought it was overdoing things until I was admitted for something else, given i.v. diazepam and that triggers REALLY bad episodes for me! It was investigated thoroughly and I was put on warfarin back in the day. Now I am on Pradaxa.

I asked Prof Mackie if it was more common in PMR and she said it was just the age group - what wasn't actually what I asked! It turns out that, as I suspected, it IS more common in PMR, similar to other rheumatic disorders. Most people will develop it at some point as they age but it is more common along with PMR:

wjgnet.com/2307-8960/full/v...

I'm on a bigger cocktail than you, have been for about 10 years, doesn't seem to have done any harm. I don't take a statin - they make me ill - but am on ezetimibe and bempedoic acid. As I don't live in the UK I am also on an antiarrythmic drug.

The bivalent Covid jab made it much worse a couple of years ago and last year I had an ablation which has almost stopped the episodes, they are very mild and occasional now. I did have a period a few years ago where I had tachicardia/bradycardia episodes (fast heart rate followed by very slow) and the pauses were up to 7 seconds so I was given a pacemaker. Despite the ablation, I am still on the same medication but it is just a handful to take instead of one! The most important is the anticoagulant - they are very fussy about that in Italy!!!

The UK is a bit different - I'm pretty sure where I live you would be offered an ablation soonish as the work far better done early but if things get worse despite medication, that is pretty standard nowadays anywhere.