When will my bisoprolol rebound symptoms end ?

This is an old thread but still relevant. Strong recommendation for anyone who has the symptoms described to additionally seek an echocardiogram (which is an ultrasound of the chest, heart and aorta and is different to an “ECG”) if the ECGs and other diagnostic tests show nothing unusual. While symptoms described often seem like pericarditis there are situations when in fact this could be a serious issue with the aorta such as an undiagnosed aneurysm causing severe regurgitation from a stretched valve. That is an extremely serious situation and usually requires immediate attention.

ECGs and other routine tests will not easily identify an aortic aneurysm. You need an echocardiogram (ultrasound). My close friend had all those symptoms listed here and was sent home from ER after the usual tests (showing no evidence of prior cardiac arrest) only to have further palpitations. He persisted straightaway with a second opinion which suggested possible pericarditis. It was recommended he be waitlisted for an echo in a few weeks time but instead he forced his way back into the ER because he knew something was just not right. They agreed to run an echocardiogram straightaway and immediately discovered a very serious and significant aneurysm that was close to the point of rupture (dissection). There was always a minor tear beginning and his symptoms were a rare indicator as dissection often happens without any warning signs at all. He was airlifted almost immediately to a major cardiac unit for lifesaving surgery.

Had he not been given an echocardiogram to identify this (and an aortic issue was not predicted earlier by the ER because of his relatively young age) he would have almost certainly have had a full aortic dissection within hours or days and almost definitely he would have died within moments of the rupture. There is almost no time to wait with an aortic dissection, the aorta is the largest artery from the heart that supplies the entire body. As a result of his experience the hospital has now changed its standard procedures to ensure anyone presenting to ER with these symptoms is also given a routine echocardiogram rather than put on a waiting list for one.

Hey willow,

The literature points out the following for bisprolol:

Abrupt Cessation of Therapy

Exacerbation of angina pectoris, and, in some instances, myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmia, have been observed in patients with coronary artery disease following abrupt cessation of therapy with beta-blockers. Such patients should, therefore, be cautioned against interruption or discontinuation of therapy without the physician’s advice. Even in patients without overt coronary artery disease, it may be advisable to taper therapy with Bisoprolol over approximately one week with the patient under careful observation. If withdrawal symptoms occur, Bisoprolol therapy should be reinstituted, at least temporarily.

If you have had your treadmill check, I would reinstitute this medication so to avoid any further withdrawal.

Uncontrolled hypertension can be very dangerous.

Best wishes,

Laurie