Atrial fibrillation

I have afib, was diagnosed about 3 years ago. Went through ablation about 2 years ago which seem to work beautifully until spring of 2025, when I started having bouts of rapid heart rate that would not stop for 5-6 hours, sending me to the ER a couple of times, once resulting in cardioversion. Since then afib has been managed by adding Flecaidine to to Metoprolol and Eliquis regime. So far so good, even though I do have some atrial flutter now and last 3 day at home monitor showed I was in atrial flutter for the entire time??? Going to repeat monitor in 2 months. Generally, I feel like my afib symptoms are controlled by med regime, having sleep apnea diagnosed and treated, and stopping all alcohol. My biggest complaint is that Metoprolol hampers my exercise routine and daily activities due to weakness and heaviness in my legs. When I asked my cardiologist (more than once) and describe my experience, he says that leg weakness and heaviness is not a common side effect of Metoprolol, but when I look it up that is the first thing that pops up. Can anyone add clarity to this? He wants to ultrasound my legs to look for circulation issues, I am ok with this but am very doubtful that he will find anything. I am in really good shape for a 73 year old, and exercise (walking, weights, core program) everyday.

@debmonroe it’s definitely the medication don’t let them tell you otherwise

@debmonroe I should have quantified that the Metoprolol had made me terribly depressed. Now, it doesn't bother me. If it affects you that way, remember it's the medicine!

I have afib, was diagnosed about 3 years ago. Went through ablation about 2 years ago which seem to work beautifully until spring of 2025, when I started having bouts of rapid heart rate that would not stop for 5-6 hours, sending me to the ER a couple of times, once resulting in cardioversion. Since then afib has been managed by adding Flecaidine to to Metoprolol and Eliquis regime. So far so good, even though I do have some atrial flutter now and last 3 day at home monitor showed I was in atrial flutter for the entire time??? Going to repeat monitor in 2 months. Generally, I feel like my afib symptoms are controlled by med regime, having sleep apnea diagnosed and treated, and stopping all alcohol. My biggest complaint is that Metoprolol hampers my exercise routine and daily activities due to weakness and heaviness in my legs. When I asked my cardiologist (more than once) and describe my experience, he says that leg weakness and heaviness is not a common side effect of Metoprolol, but when I look it up that is the first thing that pops up. Can anyone add clarity to this? He wants to ultrasound my legs to look for circulation issues, I am ok with this but am very doubtful that he will find anything. I am in really good shape for a 73 year old, and exercise (walking, weights, core program) everyday.

@debmonroe My experience with flecinide was not good. If you've looked at what it can do to you, you may want to consider an alternative.

@mache2024 can you say more? I’ve looked at side effects and they seem about the same as with all the other meds I’ve been prescribed for afib. I do find it curious that it can actually cause heart arrhythmias, like convert afib to flutter etc.

@debmonroe The drugs like Flecainide and amiodarone weren't developed for AFIB. From what I have found, they are designed to help control ventricular fibrillation of the heart. These drugs are called off-label for AFIB. The biggest side effects are that they can harm your kidneys, lungs, and liver.

@mache2024 thanks very much. I certainly don’t feel like it is helping. Looking into getting off of it.

@debmonroe I was on amiodarone for a short while. I forget if it was before or after my ablation. I remember the cardiologist saying how it was bad for everything except the heart!