atrial fibrillation caused by fostair?

[Molmo]

hi

My I watch has started picking up AF at night. I’m wondering if this is triggered by my fostair. Does anyone have any experience of this?

[Homely2 Administrator]

My asthma when unhappy effects my ecg trace.

[Whiteclouds in reply to Homely2]

Most asthma meds cause a fast heart beat if you’ve had too much of it re your watch I can’t comment I would see my Gp if that was my situation. Your Gp will send you for tests they will also have you wear a heart monitor for several days and nights which will pick up your heart readings . Good luck.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

How reliable is the iWatch for detecting atrial fibrillation in general? I don't have one, but I think I remember reading it may have a tendency to pick up AF and other problems where there aren't any.

Best to consult your GP though, whatever the cause, and to check if your heart is actually ok. If your medication could be a problem for your heart you would need to discuss what to do as poorly controlled asthma isn't good for your heart or other parts either!

[Molmo in reply to Lysistrata]

There is some discussion as to wether the I watch is basically too sensitive so picking up noise. Seen gp but been waiting for further tests from hospital for a few months now. Ephedrine used to give me palpitations so wondered if it could be an issue with asthma meds.

[Troilus]

No idea, but if you suspect you have periods of AF you need to see your GP as AF can cause blood clots which put you at risks of heart attack and stroke. (My husband has AF) If confirmed you will be given anti clotting meds, so called blood thinners.

[Poobah]

Could be your potassium levels dipping? Asthma inhalers do have warnings in patient leaflets for low potassium, which can lead to cramping and potentially AF. If you think there's even a possibility that you're experiencing AF, then your GP surgery can do an ECG. And ask to have your serum potassium levels checked.

[Baggiesfan]

Not really much help sorry, I don't have AF but I had similar with ectopic heartbeats whilst taking Fostair so it's not just you. Switched to Clenil, not a combination inhaler, ectopics settled but asthma got worse. Back to Fostair, asthma settled but ectopics worse again. Now battling to try a different combination inhaler but all they say is double Clenil. Tired of fighting for my health, hope you get sorted but please contact your gp again soon to investigate your AF.

[PablitoClavito]

I swithed to Fostair a few months ago and initially it was brilliant. However, without knowing that it caused it, my heart rate was all over the place, I started shaking 15 - 30 mins after taking it and my heart rate rose from a normal low 60 bpm to over 90 and stayed there all day. I felt like I was on the verge of a heart attack or stroke and became extremely anxious to the point of being scared to fall asleep!

Long story short, the long acting bronchodilator (lab) of this combined inhaler affected my heart and wasn't for me. It did lead to further tests though and I now know that I have a defective aortic heart valve, probably since birth, which will need pretty major heart surgery to resolve. I'm still frightened but at least I know why.

It may be that you are sensitive to the lab too, but not necessarily with an inherent heart problem. I now use Kelhale as a preventer (same steroid as Fostair) and do not have the bouncy, scary heart palpitations which are also excacerbated by Ventolin, something I seldom need.

I hope this helps.