My wife was recently admitted to CCU with A Fib (resting pulse - 165).

She had never had an A Fib condition, and was "heart healthy" until she was prescribed Prednisone, (10mg 2x daily), for a severe eye allergy.

After checking for clots, she's been subjected to electric shock. So far, so good. Pulse is down to 70, but still occasionally irregular.

Carefully weigh the benefits of corticosteroids verses the potential serious side effects.

While I was on 80 mg of prednisone for swelling in the eye I had an ekg that read Wolf-Parkinsons-White. I wonder if the prednisone caused that.

Vball_#4

Thanks for the warnings. Quite a price to pay for treating allergies! Were you folks given a trial of topical cortisone sterile ophthalmic drops before going to the larger oral dosing?

I get severe eye allergies, but the drops really do the trick, and at a miniscule dose compared to what you all were taking, because it's just used locally. Still, not w/out risk, tho' I've never had complications & do use the cortisone eyedrops only when absolutely necessary. I also take an oral prescription antihistamine.

Please note I'm not talking about OTC eyedrops, or even Rx antihistamine eyedrops. IME, only ophthamologists will Rx the cortisone eyedrops. Allergists & GPs will give the oral meds. I did ask my allergist why that was & he said it wasn't in their clinical toolbox, that you need a full eye exam & followup to safely use it, etc.

IME, there are a few practical tips for coping w/eye allergies. First, find out what the specific triggers are & practice avoidance of the allergens as much as possible. If makeup, switch brands or do without. If airborne pollen, reduce your time outdoors when the pollen levels are high. The American Academy of Allergists & Immunologists can direct you to their regularly updated pollen counts for most every area of the country.

Frequent hair washing is helpful for eye allergies, as is having a style that keeps hair away from the eyes. The total surface area of hair, combined with it's natural oils & follicular structure, make hair a reservoir for pollen. So, if you go outside 3 times on a windy, high-pollen day, wash your hair immediately each time after you come into the house. Or use a clean, really tight headcovering each time & discard it when you come into the house.

HEPA filters are helpful for making one's home a haven during allergy season.

Cleansing the eyes frequently with nonirritating eyedrops (Like Genteal preservative-free OTC) was rec. to me by my opthamologist. He is of the opinion that I should do this 4x/ HOUR day & night during pollen season ... well, I'd rather sleep at night, but it is a very helpful comfort measure & does decrease the overall histamine load to the eyes.

Best wishes.

Oh my! I hope your wife is alright now. I will keep her in my prayers

Thank you for your concern.

Yes....wife is now home, heart rythms back to normal, but on blood thinners for the next three months.

She still has large 3rd degree burns to her chest and back from electrical shock.
The cardiologist told me that PREDNISONE caused her cardiac event.

Fair Warning for all!

Unfortunatly, after two months, her (54 yr old female), A FIB is back.
It began with an EKG normal rythum, but irregular, a week ago.
Slipped into A FIB last night.
Now, in addition to her bp meds, she is on 250 mcg DIGITEK.
After twelve hours, only moderate improvement, at best.

Does anyone know the next step for long-term improvement?

Thanks!

You would want to go over to Heart Disorders. They would have more answers about heart problems. I am surprised someone prescribed Prednisone for eye allergies. I was prescribed prenisone when I had a back injury and could not walk even. It is an extremely strong drug. Got me walking again.

There are serious risks listed on the package insert of the stuff and it does need to be weighed compared to the benefit. For me it was a wonderful miracle and I was lucky not to get any of the bad side effects permanently.

Like I said go to the heart disorders board they would know more about that subject.