New arrythmia after surgery

[FloralD]

Hello all. Not posted for a while - lot of time taken up going to and from hospitals Had MV replacement late November and a treatment at the same time for AF ( radio frequency ablation). Everything was going well when my heart suddenly started to go fast all the time - resting rate 120. Had palpitations since the beginning of Feb. Very scary!! Seems I now have a different kind of arrythmia and after a lot of checks and tests have been prescribed Verapamil - just started it yesterday. Has anyone any experience of this drug? I'd be very grateful for any comments. Don't think they are very happy about what is going on with my heart and I didn't really get a straight answer about whether or not it might have been caused by the ablation done at the same time as the valve. Seems there are other options if the drug doesn't work well but its all very disappointing. Expected to be flying to the 'Med' by now, getting some sunshine but can't even walk round the supermarket.
Diana

 

[KIRSONRON]

I was on Verapamil for several years - it was a blood pressure treatment. Its called a calcium channel blocker and it reduces the smooth muscle contractions (the heart is a smooth muscle). I tolerated it well - side effects may be constipation (since the digestive track is regulated by smooth muscle contractions. You may also experience some gum bleeding - another of its side effects. Not a bad drug if it works for you.