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I Have Paroxysmal Afib Occasionally. I Am Taking Propafenone And
Question: I have paroxysmal Afib occasionally. I am taking Propafenone and diltiazem to prevent episodes. Right now I have a cold, but am not taking any decongestants or antihistamines because of the risk of triggering an attack. I am also coughing and think that it is asthma. Albuterol would be too risky to take, but would it be ok to take QVAR? Would this work without stimulating heart palpitations?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, QVAR is a steroid, which usually does not trigger tachycardia. It can help reduce inflammation and improve your situation, without worsening tachycardia.
The only thing to consider is possible high blood pressure, as a possible adverse effect related to this drug.
Hope to have been helpful!
I would be glad to assist you again whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, QVAR is a steroid, which usually does not trigger tachycardia. It can help reduce inflammation and improve your situation, without worsening tachycardia.
The only thing to consider is possible high blood pressure, as a possible adverse effect related to this drug.
Hope to have been helpful!
I would be glad to assist you again whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What type of decongestants or antihistamines or cough suppressants should a person with paroxysmal afib use, so as to not risk triggering episodes?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would not recommend taking Oxymetazoline. Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine, as they can affect the heart rhythm, by increasing the heart rate and causing tachycardia.
Regarding anti-histamines, they do not affect that heart rhythm. So, it is ok to take an anti-histamine to reduce the allergic reaction in case of flue like symptoms.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would not recommend taking Oxymetazoline. Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine, as they can affect the heart rhythm, by increasing the heart rate and causing tachycardia.
Regarding anti-histamines, they do not affect that heart rhythm. So, it is ok to take an anti-histamine to reduce the allergic reaction in case of flue like symptoms.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
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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