
Suggest Treatment For Irregular Heartbeats After Procedure To Correct A-Fib

Question: In March 2016 I had a procedure correcting A-Fib. I have had to have further shock to put my rhythm back as it should be. This lasted for quite some time. For the two weeks, the irregular heart beat would come and go. I would rest and it improved. The past week and two days, I have continued with the irregular heart beat. The worst was that my pulse (heart beat) was very high. It has stayed about 138 to 149. My blood pressure measured 100/71 to 98/74 most of the time. I went to see my NP Thursday and was given a heart monitor. (the NP had already left when I arrived for the appointment). I was told that the NP would give me an angina-gram. I was told she was gone and I would have an appointment next Thursday. I am currently taking Propafenone 150 MG (3 PR DAY) AS WELL
ATENOLOL ( 3 TIMES PR. DAY. 25MG). I take furosemide 40 MG . 2 tablets (80Mg) by mouth daily. Also, Potassium CL 10MEQ ER Capsules (2 pr. day). Warfarin SOD2MG tablets each day, except Monday Wed & Fri, I take 3MG . Other medications are cyclobenzaprine 10MG for back muscle pain, and Thyroxin 01.0 mcg. 1 pr day. My question is regarding the use of Metoprolol Succ ER. My husband is currently taking this and wondered if it may work better to get my heart beat down. I had taken one version of this for some time after my surgery, however, it was dropped and replaced with the Atenolol 25 Mg. Also what is just as concerning is that I am retaining fluid around my chest and abdomen area. Since I had been to the Dr.'s office on Thursday, and will go again soon, can you suggest that I might up the fluid medication and/or also switch the Atenolol for a day or so to get the heart rate down. I am not sleeping well and am worried about both situations. I am not anxious to go to the emergency room as usually a doctor is not available on duty until Monday. Many thanks for your attention. XXXX, Lake XXXXXXX XXXXX
ATENOLOL ( 3 TIMES PR. DAY. 25MG). I take furosemide 40 MG . 2 tablets (80Mg) by mouth daily. Also, Potassium CL 10MEQ ER Capsules (2 pr. day). Warfarin SOD2MG tablets each day, except Monday Wed & Fri, I take 3MG . Other medications are cyclobenzaprine 10MG for back muscle pain, and Thyroxin 01.0 mcg. 1 pr day. My question is regarding the use of Metoprolol Succ ER. My husband is currently taking this and wondered if it may work better to get my heart beat down. I had taken one version of this for some time after my surgery, however, it was dropped and replaced with the Atenolol 25 Mg. Also what is just as concerning is that I am retaining fluid around my chest and abdomen area. Since I had been to the Dr.'s office on Thursday, and will go again soon, can you suggest that I might up the fluid medication and/or also switch the Atenolol for a day or so to get the heart rate down. I am not sleeping well and am worried about both situations. I am not anxious to go to the emergency room as usually a doctor is not available on duty until Monday. Many thanks for your attention. XXXX, Lake XXXXXXX XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Following advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
My opinion is that your HR should be lowered if you increase atenolol morning dose to 50 mg.
Since you have some signs of water retention which may be a sign of heart failure I would like to suggest replacing Atenolol with Metoprolol succ ER 50 mg per day in order to control HR.
However since this medication may have unwanted side effects you should discuss with your doctor about substituting atenolol with metoprolol.
If your symptoms will persist or will increase in intensity or seems to get worse you should go to ER.
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Following advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
My opinion is that your HR should be lowered if you increase atenolol morning dose to 50 mg.
Since you have some signs of water retention which may be a sign of heart failure I would like to suggest replacing Atenolol with Metoprolol succ ER 50 mg per day in order to control HR.
However since this medication may have unwanted side effects you should discuss with your doctor about substituting atenolol with metoprolol.
If your symptoms will persist or will increase in intensity or seems to get worse you should go to ER.
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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