Circadian variation of paroxysmal afib - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Circadian variation of paroxysmal afib

netpi profile image
7 Replies

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/104...

I have noticed a definite pattern with my afib - predominant in the early morning, especially when I wake up and have not yet fully awakened, and with respect to seasonal patterns with higher incidence in fall and late winter/early spring and none during the summer months - so far I have not been able to find a reasonable explanation for this though there appears to be a connection with atmospheric pressure changes as well as rapid fluctuations in temperature ranges and the timing of my episodes is very similar to that of seasonal variations of ulcers

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netpi profile image
netpi
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NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

My AF is also worse in the autumn / winter months and occurs much less during the late spring / summer months.

I too have pondered on why this is and considered whether it is because of the beneficial side effects from more sun / light? Although I guess if you don't live in the UK this might not apply 😀.

netpi profile image
netpi in reply to NooNoo14

Yes I think it is likely related to the lack of sunshine - I am in Ontario Canada and while we have a fair amount of sunshine, most people don't get nearly as much sunshine during the cold winter months when more activity is confined to indoors - I do supplement with Vitamin D to compensate but that doesn't appear to have much of an impact - it is well known that different seasons can impact different maladies but as of yet, it is not exactly clear why

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14 in reply to netpi

Might make for interesting research....

netpi profile image
netpi in reply to NooNoo14

Yes indeed but I haven't seen an abundance of research as of yet - the link below summarizes my exact experience - afib peaking in September with fewest attacks in June - I have had several episodes over the years in September and have never had one in June - guess which month I prefer to travel!

heartrhythmjournal.com/arti...

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

Thanks for the link netpi.

I have just checked my history and since 2013 the majority of mine have definitely occurred between September and June.

What a good idea to travel when AF events are less likely to happen - had never thought about this link before so thank you. I will look at going away in July or August.

NooNoo

netpi profile image
netpi

Here's another link regarding seasonal variations - this one looks to be the best researched in terms of providing other research data - I am going to follow up the individual research findings but again we see the seasonal patterns as well as connection to temperature and air pressure - that one is of particular interest to me since I have repeatedly noticed a constellation of symptoms arriving along with low pressure changes in the weather

jafib.com/PMC/XML/Inprogres...

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

Thanks for sending the link. I will set aside some time at the weekend to read it.

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