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Jennifer53 profile image
17 Replies

Hi everyone,

I have untreated intermitten AF. I stopped all cafeine drinks and my AF improved 90%. Now when I feel it starting I cough out as hard as I can and it stops. I dont know if that will work for anyone else but I thought I would share it with you

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Jennifer53 profile image
Jennifer53
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17 Replies
NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

Hi Jennifer

I could have done with that suggestion before my AF kicked in just after midnight today 😀. I too thought I had stopped the episodes by changing my eating and drinking habits and taking magnesium, but hey ho, off we went again.

I really hope you have a better outcome.

NooNoo

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer in reply to NooNoo14

AF is almost always progressive so don't beat yourself up. It is a long journey so buckle up as it will be a bumpy ride.

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14 in reply to BobD

Thanks Bob, beginning to realise that.

It has been a month and 3 days since my last one and I feel so well in between.

I had not started the meds (diltiazem) recommended by my EP but took the first one last night when AF kicked in. It says to take them at the same time each day. Hopefully not expecting to be awake at midnight tonight, can you suggest when I can take the next to start off a regular and effective routine?

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer in reply to NooNoo14

Just take them at dinner time is what I do with all my pills.

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14 in reply to BobD

Thanks Bob

Finvola profile image
Finvola

Hello Jennifer and thank you for sharing that.

I starting having 'funny turns' 9 years ago and blamed them on my use of white spirit as a paint thinner and solvent. Strangely enough when I started using linseed oil instead, the turns stopped and for 3 or 4 years I thought I had cured myself. Only when I was diagnosed with AF did I realise that solvents are probably only a trigger for me and not a cause. :(

It may be that caffeine is a trigger for you so it's great that you can reduce the attacks - my motto is - anything which helps, helps.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Thank you for sharing. It's always good to hear little tips that may help.

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

Jennifer, mine is definitely caused by the food I eat - not aware of any other triggers but who knows! Really hope you continue to avoid yours.

When I was blue lighted to A & E re AF the paramedic told me coughing sends an electrical charge to the heart......in your case just the right amount!

I cut out all caffeine but as I have felt stronger from supplements, lifestyle and no AF I have started drinking some tea again.

lingooz profile image
lingooz

Will try thanks, as my breathing exercise not always working now 😋

Musetta profile image
Musetta

Hi Jen 53,

I was first diagnosed wit Af about 3 or so years ago and spent a number of hours in casualty - when AF was finally converted to sinus rhythm with IV drugs. The attending doctor showed me the Valsalva manoeuvre. This manoeuver, sometimes helps during AF episodes.

Cheers,

Musetta

constabule profile image
constabule in reply to Musetta

I was told to do something similar - blow really hard is as if attempting to blow up a balloon , had not realised it had not a posh name and see it is another old remedy. Seems it its not good for the retina though,

- Ho hum

Jennifer53 profile image
Jennifer53 in reply to constabule

I read that is is good to do if you are having a heart attack, so decided to try it and it works for me

Jennifer53 profile image
Jennifer53 in reply to Musetta

What is the valsalva manoeurve?

Musetta profile image
Musetta in reply to Jennifer53

Hi Jen,

I copied this from wikipedia - it does a much better job at explaining than I ever could :)

The Valsalva maneuver or Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by moderately forceful attempted exhalation against a closed airway, usually done by closing one's mouth, pinching one's nose shut while pressing out as if blowing up a balloon.

Cheers,

Musetta

Musetta profile image
Musetta

Hi Jen,

Perhaps medication will also alleviate your symptoms of intermittant AF - particularly anticoags for the reduction of stroke risk.

Cheers,

Musetta

Jennifer53 profile image
Jennifer53 in reply to Musetta

Too late for me. i had a stroke almost 2 years ago On warfarin now. also have a hole in my heart. Surprising I didnt have one sooner Recovered very well but have a form of epilepsy from the damaged part of my brain. causes one eye to have double vision. Off the road now but hoping to begin driving mid next year. Im a walking disaster

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