Confused

I have PAF about every 6-8 weeks for a few hours and it reverts to sinus spontaneously.  I have been diagnosed with bradycardia and recommended for a pacemaker sometime in the future.  I am taking 7.5 mg Cardicor (Bisopropolol) and Co Diovan (Valsartan) and diuretic 80/120 plus being taken off Warfarin and put on low dose aspirin.

Following foot surgery last week, my BP dropped to 50/90 and pulse to 37-40.  I was sent home but passed out and was readmitted for another day.  I was advised to stop medications for a day.  During that day I had normal blood pressure and pulse and today also, although I have taken the medications.

I am getting confused that my condition is being treated as if I had permanent AF. If my readings are normal without medication when I am in sinus, then surely taking the daily meds is going to pull down the readings, even to the point of passing out as I did.  I am due to see the GP next week and advised to ask for the pacemaker to be fitted, but I am wondering whether it is necessary at all.  It seems to me that AF and bradycardia are two conflicting conditions as regards medication or intervention.

[DeltaDawn23]

I have had paroxamal Afib since 2003.  I was treated for 7 years with a beta blocker, Atenolol, in divided doses along with Xanax to dampen the adrenaline.  That worked and a beta blocker is a pretty benign medication.  Now my Afib is happening more often and I have been put on Norpace, an anti-arrhythmic drug.  There are a few side effects, but it is helping.

I am not familiar with your drugs, but it does sound like you're being over treated.  Have you seen a EP cardiologist?  I think it's unusual to treat Afib with a pacemaker unless you've had an ablation that destroyed the sinus node.  

At any rate, you deserve an explanation and to be part of the treatment plan.  It is your body, you're paying for it, and you live with the results.  Perhaps a second opinion?

Good luck.

[Jerry_NJ]

I am not familiar with PAF, is paroxamal AFib it seems.  Are you in NSR most of the time?  When the AFib is active to you have difficult symptoms?  If yes and now, I'd talk to the doctor(s) about being treated with just aspirin to minimize clot formation during the AFib periods.  Seems the Beta Blockers are too strong for you, perhaps you will adjust to them over time.  I have found my blood pressure back to normal ranges after being on high dose beta and calcium channel blockers, both lower BP.  Seems my body, which never had a problem with high BP, has adjusted to the medications.  They still cause some fatigue and if I "jump" up from a resting position  I can get a "shot" of dizziness.