Atrial Fibrillation and long-term management with medication

Posted by AidanDunne @aidandunne, Jul 15, 2011

My Father was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, 5 years ago and recently had his medication (soluthol) switched to a newer synthetic medication, however after 3 months his blood pressure drop to the extent that he was blue and extremely fatigued.

After numerous tests they found that the new medication even though the dosage was the same the potency was double strength, the additional side effect was a drop in insulin production.

Therefore when they realised this they switched him back but I am curious as to the long term treatment of Atrial Fibrillation via medication.?

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margaretfriel | @margaretfriel | May 31 8:15pm

In reply to @barn67 "Question I have hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Afib and tachycardia all is under control for now. What..." + (show)

Before I share my personal experience, my #1 advice: Check with your Cardiologist or other Medical Professional. We're ALL like snowflakes, No 2 Of Us Are Alike!
I too have A-Fib. Last Christmas my daughter & family invited me to Steamboat Spring, Colorado. Home for me is Springfield, Ill. Altitude of Spfld. = 600'. The base of the Mt. & town of Steamboat Springs = 6,700' . I found I just didn't have the endurance to take long walks like I take at home, just didn't have the energy ... however it didn't keep me from going for shorter walks around the village at the Mt. base, or into town. On our Last full day my daughter was Insistent I ride the Gondola to the top of Mt. Werner with her, walk around for +- 5 minutes & ride back down. (elevation 10,560') . For the next two days & nights my heart-beat was erratic, I couldn't sleep, it took 5 days for me to recover.
After I returned home I googled "A-Fib & Elevation" ... it recommended A-Fib patients not visit places with an elevation above 5,600', (I was "pushing-it" going to Steamboat Springs at 6,700'.)
Hope this helps ... but I'd like to repeat, Your Best Resource is A Medical Professional.

margaretfriel | @margaretfriel | May 31 8:22pm

In reply to @ajnewyork "Happy Birthday and congratulations! Your post is an inspiration. All the best to you." + (show)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You're An Inspiration. Love Your Positive Attitude.

margaretfriel | @margaretfriel | May 31 8:26pm

In reply to @barn67 "Question I have hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Afib and tachycardia all is under control for now. What..." + (show)

I wrote a response, Don't Know why it hasn't followed your question.
If you can find my response, I ';ve shared personal experience going to Steamboat, Co., & taking the Gondola to the Top of Mt. Werner ... 10,568'. (NOT RECOMMENDED!)

barn67 | @barn67 | May 31 9:08pm

In reply to @margaretfriel "Before I share my personal experience, my #1 advice: Check with your Cardiologist or other Medical..." + (show)

Thank you for your info.
I have talk to my cardiologist he said should be fine.
Just nice to hear of people with real experience and you are right no two are alike.

Thank You

milkmaid | @milkmaid | Jun 1 2:37pm

I have been taking flecinide because it makes losarten and bystolic work so much better for BP reduction. Example 160/systolic to 110/systolic.
Feel good cardiac wise. Problem my feet hurt so bad on flecinide 8-9/10.
I am bummed!

ajnewyork | @ajnewyork | Jun 1 4:32pm

In reply to @margaretfriel "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You're An Inspiration. Love Your Positive Attitude." + (show)

Thank you!

mm501 | @mm501 | Jun 2 9:34am

In reply to @milkmaid "I have been taking flecinide because it makes losarten and bystolic work so much better for..." + (show)

Talk to your doctor. He might be able to change your med to something that will be as effective without the foot pain.

aard | @aard | Jun 2 11:29am

In reply to @barn67 "Question I have hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Afib and tachycardia all is under control for now. What..." + (show)

Here is some good information from the American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/09/09/travel-to-high-altitudes-could-be-dangerous-for-people-with-heart-conditions

milkmaid | @milkmaid | Jun 2 1:45pm

In reply to @mm501 "Talk to your doctor. He might be able to change your med to something that will..." + (show)

Thank you

carly14 | @carly14 | 6 days ago

My doctor said it affects cognitive ability so I said oh I would like to know what I’m doing and he said well you’ll be too old doesn’t matter

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