AFIB and Congestive Heart Failure

@gal5 Has your doc considered Atenelol? I went on it after about 20 years on Metoprolol, which started causing problems after so many years as an excellent med for me. Atenelol for me is not problem-free, just better. Good luck!

Thanks for info!

@gal5 Negotiating with your cardiologist, he/she may agree to let you use metoprolol or any other beta-blocker sparingly....when you really could use it, and not in your system all the time. Or, perhaps experimenting at half the current dosage. Some people need time for their systems to adjust to metoprolol, but some also find that almost any amount of it running in their blood takes the starch fully out of them. Low heart rates, dizziness, shortness of breath, no/low energy, unexplained falls. And there are other drugs to try. But your cardiologist forgets you the instant you leave the office as there's someone next in line. You should contact and explain your situation. I think there's a workable solution, and it just needs to be agreed to by both parties. You don't have to live miserably.

@mikeydc2008 I don’t think it’s the Doctors who chose to behave like that. It’s the People at the top of the health care hierarchy that listen to the brainy consultants who figure out how to squeeze profits out of every minute of the Physicians’ day.

@shmerdloff
I really feel ya about the miscommunication between docs! I’m lucky my PCP & cardio each work w/in networks that do communicate! I made the mistake of going out of network for a new doc (pulmonologist) & it wasn’t good, at all. Had to find another one. Don’t be timid about changing docs till you find ones you can work with. I’ve had to drop/change 3 now! Good luck!!

I’m also AFib & CHF. Have had a couple ablations & PM implant & was on Metopropol for some time. Got off due to side effects. Was on Eliquis also, but dr finally switched me to baby aspirin. Now taking Farxiga & still on Amiodarone. (Plus antianxiety med & antidepressant, & supplements encouraged by my PCP.) PM really helped w/ AFib but CHF still kicking my butt. Hope that helps a little (I’m still learning about this stuff). I’ve really come a long way though, after 6 mos of constant hospitalizations & procedures. Best wishes for you!

@gloaming has a note in this string that is helpful, I won't repeat that info.
Feeling well with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, plus the medications you may be asked to use and titrate, might be an ambition of your treatment plan, which hopefully is written out.
Hopefully the treatment plan is seamlessly communicated to you and your primary care provider, since you and the primary doctor are responsible for understanding and monitoring the diagnoses, medications, goals,and overall treatment plan, in conjunction with the cardiologist.

I do think it's useful to inquire of the group, to try to double check your treatment plan and if similar people/circumstances "feel well", although to "feel well" about the plan versus feeling well physically are different goals. Best wishes.

@lachuchana1
Thank you!
It's also helpful to know we don't walk these journeys alone.

Should be a reply to @mjw3
I have CHF and had Afib until I got an ablation and a mitral valve replaced (2014) with full open heart surgery, with a cow valve, then when that one got worn out had an aorta valve put in for my mitral valve thru the groin. (2020) That was done and home in a day. I was on warfarin and Sotalol AF (plain Sotalol did not work for me but AF does), but after second surgery was able to go on Eliquis and 81 mg aspirin. I also take low does Carvedilol and other meds for other issues. Working for me now, but I do question my drs if I need to. Good luck to you and keep inquiring….