What is vagal AF as opposed to PAF?

[Earledavis]

[Bagrat]

I'm no expert but I will try to say what I understand and hope someone will arrive who can do it better.

If by PAF you mean paroxysmal AF ( It comes and goes and resolves without intervention in less than a week) then it isn't really "as opposed to". I believe that there are two sorts of AF vagally mediated ( to do with the vagus nerve that also affects digestion) and adrenergic ( to do with adrenal gland) . Some people also have "mixed AF " caused by both. Whether your AF is paroxysmal, persistent or permanent it can be from vagal nerve probs.

I believe that if you tend to get episodes during the night it is more likely to be vagal. I also get abdominal symptoms, bloating, wind, nausea. Because I believe mine to be vagally mediated I don't know too much about the other variety which can be stress or exercise related. I know that beta blockers are not usually a good choice for those with vagal AF but may be combined with an anti arrythmic drug like flecainide or propafenone. Just to beat the drum again. Whatever type, the stroke risk is ever present and if your Chads2vasc score warrants it, anticoagulation is an important part of preventative treatment.

Having read this through hope it helps not confuses. Best wishes WendyB

[Earledavis]

Thanks so much I know now that mine is PAF. Currently awaiting ablation but no idea when. I am on a high dosage of Sotolol (2 x 120mg) daily and 250mg daily Digoxin. I do get a lot of joint stiffness especially in my legs at night. I do wonder this is to do with the medication. My GP thinks not.

[BobD Volunteer]

PAF is paroxysmal AF meaning it comes and goes. You can have vagal PAF. The vagus nerve connects the brain with both heart and stomach and in some people their AF is vagal related in that digestive problems can trigger the AF. What it is important to,understand is that in order to have AF your heart must have a pre-disposition either because of damage from over exercise , illness, surgery, genetic or a million other reasons. Without that no trigger can be such. So technically you have AF and in some people it is exacerbated by digestive problems or food allergies via the vagus nerve. Those people may find that changes to diet e g gluten allergy- remove gluten reduces their intensity and number of attacks. That is a very short essay on a complex subject.

BobD