1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Arrhythmia and Prep for Colonoscopy

Posted by ajnewyork @ajnewyork, Aug 24, 2022

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with colonoscopy prep prescriptions causing abnormal heart rhythms.

I developed atrial flutter in early 2021 and have since had to have two ablations and one pacemaker implantation to correct symptomatic bradycardia. Between the procedures, I have had episodes of tachycardia, some lasting for days. Symptoms have been mostly under control for the past two months through taking a low dose of metoprolol succinate.

I've scheduled a colonoscopy and my cardiologist's office has provided a detailed medical history to the gastroenterologist who will perform it (in a hospital). I've just noticed that the prep prescription ordered by the gastroenterologist lists abnormal heart beats as a "rare" side effect and mentions (in bold) that people with heart problems are more likely to have them.

Of course, I'll consult with both of my doctors, but if anyone has any experience that they could share, I'd be grateful. I did a little web research and it appears that other preps have the same or a similar listing.

Thanks so much.

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jenrev | @jenrev | Aug 25, 2022

AJ, I'll reply because I am an arrhythmia patient myself, no pacemaker but 5 ablations and rhythm control with Amiodarone for periodic a-fib and PVCs. I just had a colonoscopy two weeks ago and my gastro dr. and I briefly discussed the chance for arrhythmias to arise during or after the procedure. It so happened that I had a run of PVCs going the morning of the procedure, and still had them later that day, but that was my normal pattern. There were NO changes caused by the procedure.

If you are on blood thinning medication, check with your cardiologist/EP to find out whether it's okay to hold off that medication for a few days before the procedure, which is what the gastroenterologist requires. I was okay to hold Eliquis for 5 days before the procedure, and resume it immediately afterward.

It's good that you are inquiring and following up with your physicians. I am sure you will be just fine.

Jennifer

REPLY
3 replies
lorettabesser | @lorettabesser | Aug 25, 2022

Yes I was on heart medication for Afib and Aflutter and I was also concerned. I talked to my doctors because I needed to get colonoscopy and also read all the side effects. All turned out fine.

REPLY
1 reply
ajnewyork | @ajnewyork | Sep 9, 2022
In reply to @jenrev "AJ, I'll reply because I am an arrhythmia patient myself, no pacemaker but 5 ablations and..." + (show)
@jenrev

AJ, I'll reply because I am an arrhythmia patient myself, no pacemaker but 5 ablations and rhythm control with Amiodarone for periodic a-fib and PVCs. I just had a colonoscopy two weeks ago and my gastro dr. and I briefly discussed the chance for arrhythmias to arise during or after the procedure. It so happened that I had a run of PVCs going the morning of the procedure, and still had them later that day, but that was my normal pattern. There were NO changes caused by the procedure.

If you are on blood thinning medication, check with your cardiologist/EP to find out whether it's okay to hold off that medication for a few days before the procedure, which is what the gastroenterologist requires. I was okay to hold Eliquis for 5 days before the procedure, and resume it immediately afterward.

It's good that you are inquiring and following up with your physicians. I am sure you will be just fine.

Jennifer

Jump to this post

Jennifer, thank you so much for replying to my post and I apologize for not acknowledging it earlier (I wasn't aware of any notification from the system that anyone had responded). It is reassuring to hear that your procedure went well and that there were no complications. I canceled the upcoming procedure but will reschedule it. Thanks again.

REPLY
ajnewyork | @ajnewyork | Sep 9, 2022
In reply to @lorettabesser "Yes I was on heart medication for Afib and Aflutter and I was also concerned. I..." + (show)
@lorettabesser

Yes I was on heart medication for Afib and Aflutter and I was also concerned. I talked to my doctors because I needed to get colonoscopy and also read all the side effects. All turned out fine.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for letting me know this and again my apologies for my late reply. I'm really glad it all turned out fine and am encouraged by it!

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drhorn | @drhorn | Sep 10, 2022

I have paroxysmal Afib (no ablation as of yet). I take Metoprolol and Eliquis. Last fall I had a colonoscopy. My Cardiologist told me to stop the Eliquis for 3 days prior to the Colonoscopy and to start it back in the evening after the procedure. I had no difficulties with the Colonoscopy although the GI doc did say I had been in Afib briefly during the procedure. All went well and I have no reservations about having another Colonoscopy in 4 years as recommended. Anxiety is the enemy of all Afibbers. Take heart and good luck to you. Ann

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tedberg | @tedberg | Dec 20, 2022

69 yr old prepped with Suetab and colonoscopy today. Pre surgery got pvcs today. Been on metroprolo succenate for 6 years no pvcs throughout. So yes, pvcs came up, nuse said can occur due to prep. Now wondering if I should call cardiologist to ask what now.

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1 reply
tedberg | @tedberg | Dec 20, 2022
In reply to @tedberg "69 yr old prepped with Suetab and colonoscopy today. Pre surgery got pvcs today. Been on..." + (show)
@tedberg

69 yr old prepped with Suetab and colonoscopy today. Pre surgery got pvcs today. Been on metroprolo succenate for 6 years no pvcs throughout. So yes, pvcs came up, nuse said can occur due to prep. Now wondering if I should call cardiologist to ask what now.

Jump to this post

Meant to say pvcs did occur today, 1st time in 6 years.

REPLY
annecyle | @annecyle | Jun 15 7:10am
In reply to @jenrev "AJ, I'll reply because I am an arrhythmia patient myself, no pacemaker but 5 ablations and..." + (show)
@jenrev

AJ, I'll reply because I am an arrhythmia patient myself, no pacemaker but 5 ablations and rhythm control with Amiodarone for periodic a-fib and PVCs. I just had a colonoscopy two weeks ago and my gastro dr. and I briefly discussed the chance for arrhythmias to arise during or after the procedure. It so happened that I had a run of PVCs going the morning of the procedure, and still had them later that day, but that was my normal pattern. There were NO changes caused by the procedure.

If you are on blood thinning medication, check with your cardiologist/EP to find out whether it's okay to hold off that medication for a few days before the procedure, which is what the gastroenterologist requires. I was okay to hold Eliquis for 5 days before the procedure, and resume it immediately afterward.

It's good that you are inquiring and following up with your physicians. I am sure you will be just fine.

Jennifer

Jump to this post

May I ask what prep was suggested that you use

REPLY
fortunateoldguy | @fortunateoldguy | Jun 15 7:45am

Colonoscopy preps puts me in AFIB most every time if I’m not careful. It’s not the prep solution that causes it. It’s the massive loss of electrolytes, minerals and water from the diarrhea that does. Docs say drink a lot of Gatorade which helps some but I found on my own that Pedialyte Electrolyte Water works much better.

NuLYTELY or GoLYTELY preps both have electrolytes but the taste is quite poor. There are plenty of alternatives too. Just stay well hydrated and keep up your electrolytes as they are the spark plugs for proper electrical rhythm of the heart.

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layla97 | @layla97 | Jun 15 9:11am

My GI doc recommended taking 4-6 Dulcolax the day before taking Sutabs. I often get tachycardia with abdominal cramping so I told myself to only take 2 Dulcolax. This caused tachycardia (154 beats per min) but the Suetabs did not affect me. I have been finally diagnosed with SVT but they are unsure of how to treat me.

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