Sotalol vs. Metoprolol for the heart crowd

[Koolau]

It's also important to watch for side effects and not just ignore them.

My wife had been on Lisinopril for years and developed the typical dry cough side effect. I don't think she even noticed but I frequently told her she was coughing a lot. She finally had her doctor switch meds and now she doesn't cough anymore, and her BP is better now too. If I hadn't said anything she would probably still be ignoring that side effect today.

Ironically, her doc switched her to Metoprolol which she seems to tolerate fine with no side effects so far. Each person reacts differently. Before I found Diltiazem I was the king of side effects. Every drug I tried made me feel worse than the condition I was trying to help.

So far, I've been blessed with minimal side effects except to one of the old cephalosporin antibiotics. Not fun when palms and bottoms of feet ITCH!

 

[Flyfish1]

Moved my way up to Metoprolol 100 mg and Candesartan. BP has always been a problem for me. No issues with the metoprolol except possibly some increased fatigue. But staying off caffeine and taking the metoprolol have helped with the occasional jitters and has improved but not eliminated the stress of docking...lol.

 

[JoeWras]

The person asking to keep medical off may have been confused by bogleheads, who has a zero medical discussion policy. They do them, we do us.

I'm following this thread because a sibling just had A-fib and got put on metoprolol. This is the first I've heard of this drug. I've ignored most heart stuff but I want to start educating myself in case I also develop issues.

 

[Koolau]

^^^^^^^^^


I'm often amazed at how many people I know who have A-fib (either constant or paroxysmal.) I didn't realize how common it is. It seems to come up in casual conversation that so-'n-so has A-fib. Back when I was younger, I'd never really heard of it.

Heh, heh, I wish I had invented Eliquis (or even Metoprolol.) I guess you would call that "doing well by doing good!"

Due to the stroke potential it IS vital to know about A-fib and to deal with it with a competent physician. I like the KardiaMobile device - just for my own peace of mind. YMMV

 

[qwerty3656]

I had AFIB and was on Metoprolol (never on Sotalol). Just wanted to chime in and suggest you google "fish oil supplements and afib". I'm convinced my fish oil supplement was contributing to my AFIB (as well as PVCs).

 

[ivinsfan]

Qwerty one thing the cardio surgeon told my DH was to stop taking fish oil for the exact reason you mention.

 

[JoeWras]

I'm often amazed at how many people I know who have A-fib (either constant or paroxysmal.) I didn't realize how common it is. It seems to come up in casual conversation that so-'n-so has A-fib. Back when I was younger, I'd never really heard of it.

My theory on this is multi-fold.
1) 50 years ago, they didn't know people had it unless they had an ECG hooked up.
2) People died of coronary MI's before A-fib presented (due to smoking, transfats, HBP, etc.)
3) People got strokes and that was the elephant in the room, not the cause of the stroke.

Qwerty one thing the cardio surgeon told my DH was to stop taking fish oil for the exact reason you mention.

Great. My PCP just had me up to 2000mg per day for joint issues. Now that's got me wondering.

 

[Koolau]

My theory on this is multi-fold.
1) 50 years ago, they didn't know people had it unless they had an ECG hooked up.
2) People died of coronary MI's before A-fib presented (due to smoking, transfats, HBP, etc.)
3) People got strokes and that was the elephant in the room, not the cause of the stroke.


Great. My PCP just had me up to 2000mg per day for joint issues. Now that's got me wondering.

When I see things about fish oil and A-fib, I recall the studies that first said coffee was bad for you and then studies said that coffee was good for you. My Cardiologist and PCP both know that I take Fish Oil supplements and have never commented. Who knows?

One thing is certain: None of us gets out of here alive.

 

[mountainsoft]

I've ignored most heart stuff but I want to start educating myself in case I also develop issues.

Between my irregular heart rhythm (PAC's), my wife's Pacemaker, my mother-in-law's heart valve replacement, and my mom's afib/stroke/pacemaker, I've learned more than I ever wanted to know about the heart. I'm familiar with most of the common heart and blood pressure medications, including their side effects. Still, I had never heard of Sotalol...

 

[qwerty3656]

My theory on this is multi-fold.
1) 50 years ago, they didn't know people had it unless they had an ECG hooked up.
2) People died of coronary MI's before A-fib presented (due to smoking, transfats, HBP, etc.)
3) People got strokes and that was the elephant in the room, not the cause of the stroke.


Great. My PCP just had me up to 2000mg per day for joint issues. Now that's got me wondering.

When I see things about fish oil and A-fib, I recall the studies that first said coffee was bad for you and then studies said that coffee was good for you. My Cardiologist and PCP both know that I take Fish Oil supplements and have never commented. Who knows?

One thing is certain: None of us gets out of here alive.

Just a follow up to my fish oil comment. Since I have AFIB and was also getting PVCs, I stopped taking it all together, but here is a video suggesting that low doses of fish oil are probably safe. (He suggests less than 1 gram).

 

[Luvtoride]

^^^^^^^^^


I'm often amazed at how many people I know who have A-fib (either constant or

.) I didn't realize how common it is. It seems to come up in casual conversation that so-'n-so has A-fib. Back when I was younger, I'd never really heard of it.

Heh, heh, I wish I had invented Eliquis (or even Metoprolol.) I guess you would call that "doing well by doing good!"

Due to the stroke potential it IS vital to know about A-fib and to deal with it with a competent physician. I like the KardiaMobile device - just for my own peace of mind. YMMV

As for a previous comment that Afib has been hard to detect, I disagree. Mine was detected by a nurse screening me before giving blood at a mobile blood drive outside my office at least 15 years ago. I was turned away from donating blood and went to see a doctor immediately.
I have persistent Afib and have been treated with blood thinners for many, most recently with Eliquis, with no issues.
I also take Metoprolol for high blood pressure, with no side effects. I was specifically told NOT to take fish oil, by my doctor.

 

[Koolau]

Between my irregular heart rhythm (PAC's), my wife's Pacemaker, my mother-in-law's heart valve replacement, and my mom's afib/stroke/pacemaker, I've learned more than I ever wanted to know about the heart. I'm familiar with most of the common heart and blood pressure medications, including their side effects. Still, I had never heard of Sotalol...

I had not heard of Sotalol either and DW and I both have had A-fib (and BP) issues for years.

 

[Koolau]

As for a previous comment that Afib has been hard to detect, I disagree. Mine was detected by a nurse screening me before giving blood at a mobile blood drive outside my office at least 15 years ago. I was turned away from donating blood and went to see a doctor immediately.
I have persistent Afib and have been treated with blood thinners for many, most recently with Eliquis, with no issues.
I also take Metoprolol for high blood pressure, with no side effects. I was specifically told NOT to take fish oil, by my doctor.

Not sure who suggested A-fib is hard to detect (certainly it is not difficult for a medical professional) but a lot of people can NOT detect it in their own bodies. I can tell instantly when I convert to or from A-fib. But DW can only tell with her KardiaMobile device (or help of nurse/doc.) Apparently, there are folks who go around with A-fib for years until they happen to be checked for something else (or routine/preventive care - or heaven forbid, have a stroke.)

Though A-fib itself is relatively harmless for most people, it dramatically increases stroke risk which is why it must be treated. Thank goodness for Eliquis which is generally low in side effects. It just costs a LOT with many of our insurance plans. I do give thanks that I don't have to pay full price (over $2K/3 months!) Mine ranges (depending on doughnut hole or whatever) between $200 and $700/3 months. (Much cheaper than a stroke!)

 

[JoeWras]

Not sure who suggested A-fib is hard to detect (certainly it is not difficult for a medical professional) but a lot of people can NOT detect it in their own bodies. I can tell instantly when I convert to or from A-fib. But DW can only tell with her KardiaMobile device (or help of nurse/doc.) Apparently, there are folks who go around with A-fib for years until they happen to be checked for something else (or routine/preventive care - or heaven forbid, have a stroke.)

I apologize if I started that. I said something like "back in the old days, unless it was on an ECG, it didn't matter".

Not completely true. I should have added the doctor listening with the stethoscope.

The point was if A-fib is coming and going, then "back then," unless you present with it to your doctor, they would not see it. Today, if you feel something and tell your doctor, and doc doesn't see or hear it, they'll put you on a Holter monitor or even ask you to get a watch.

Holter monitors really got small enough in the 80s and they revolutionized tracking this stuff. In the 70s and before, I'm confident A-fib went unnoticed by many and the result was a stroke.

I may be a little sensitive to this because I grew up on Chicago and "da Mayor" Daley died in his doctor's office right before Christmas 1976. This was like a huge wake up call to all Chicagoans, because the story was so well known. Daley felt bad for a while and didn't go to the emergency room. When he finally got to his doctor, the doctor knew he was in trouble, and basically said "You are going to the hospital now" at which time Daley died right there.

The point was made to impressionable youth like me that you shouldn't mess around with chest pain. And I remember the point getting through to my family too. At the same time, enter new technology like the Holter monitor. Also enter knowledge about heart disease and prevention like we never new.

What am I babbling about? Let's just say heart care before 1975 was primitive compared to the rapid advances in the decades beyond.

 

[mountainsoft]

Holter monitors really got small enough in the 80s and they revolutionized tracking this stuff.

When my doctor wanted to track my irregular heartbeat they gave me a Zio Patch to wear for three days. It basically just sticks to your upper left chest. Only slightly annoying to wear, I could do all my normal activities, even showering. The worst part was having to shave my chest, "abrade" (sandpaper) the skin, then wipe with alcohol (ouch!).

 

[JoeWras]

When my doctor wanted to track my irregular heartbeat they gave me a Zio Patch to wear for three days. It basically just sticks to your upper left chest. Only slightly annoying to wear, I could do all my normal activities, even showering. The worst part was having to shave my chest, "abrade" (sandpaper) the skin, then wipe with alcohol (ouch!).

We've come a long way, haven't we? Even compact telemetry was available by 1984 or so.

Here's some early tries. Holter's first shot in the late 40s. He ended up donating the patent idea to public domain. Seriously, what a great gift:

Holter's associate with radio-transmitter of cardiac data shortly after the picture above. My heart rate might be up after carrying this around. [Source: https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC6932486&blobtype=pdf]

 

[Luvtoride]

I apologize if I started that. I said something like "back in the old days, unless it was on an ECG, it didn't matter".


What am I babbling about? Let's just say heart care before 1975 was primitive compared to the rapid advances in the decades beyond.
I knew I read that posted here...no need to apologize. Yes, cardiac care has definitely gotten much better and sophisticated since the 70's. My dad died of a heart attack (his third in about 7 years) at the age of 55. The minor interventions back then were pitiful compared to what is done and available now. I am acutely aware of my cardiac health, especially since heredity is not on my side. At 66, I've had a heart attack, live with A-fib and still feel well protected with the medications I'm on (blood thinners and BP meds) and a Pacemaker. I keep my weight controlled and work out on a regular basis (wearing an Apple Watch). I consider my cardiologist, my primary care doctor and I can call him for any type of pain/ discomfort or health issue and get a call back promptly.

 

[Koolau]

I apologize if I started that. I said something like "back in the old days, unless it was on an ECG, it didn't matter".

Not completely true. I should have added the doctor listening with the stethoscope.

The point was if A-fib is coming and going, then "back then," unless you present with it to your doctor, they would not see it. Today, if you feel something and tell your doctor, and doc doesn't see or hear it, they'll put you on a Holter monitor or even ask you to get a watch.

Holter monitors really got small enough in the 80s and they revolutionized tracking this stuff. In the 70s and before, I'm confident A-fib went unnoticed by many and the result was a stroke.

I may be a little sensitive to this because I grew up on Chicago and "da Mayor" Daley died in his doctor's office right before Christmas 1976. This was like a huge wake up call to all Chicagoans, because the story was so well known. Daley felt bad for a while and didn't go to the emergency room. When he finally got to his doctor, the doctor knew he was in trouble, and basically said "You are going to the hospital now" at which time Daley died right there.

The point was made to impressionable youth like me that you shouldn't mess around with chest pain. And I remember the point getting through to my family too. At the same time, enter new technology like the Holter monitor. Also enter knowledge about heart disease and prevention like we never new.

What am I babbling about? Let's just say heart care before 1975 was primitive compared to the rapid advances in the decades beyond.

I had forgotten about Mayor Daily's passing like that. I guess he left a good example for the rest of us to listen to our bodies.

I do remember when Mayor Washington passed. That was really a sad time in Chicago. He too had a heart attack.

I am thankful for the great improvements in heart care. I have three stents to prove it!