Circadian variation of paroxysmal afib - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,400 members38,733 posts

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

Written by
netpi profile image
netpi
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
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 toNooNoo14

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 tonetpi

Might make for interesting research....

netpi profile image
netpi in reply toNooNoo14

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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

I was diagnosed officially back in 2011 - diagnosis by way of ECG - it self terminated after an...
netpi profile image

Paroxysmal Afib

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with PAF two years ago and that was by chance whilst having a routine...
Reena09 profile image

Paroxysmal AFib

Hello, I have suffered with palpitations for years never had a diagnosis. Last few years I have...
Bebbe profile image

Paroxysmal Afib affecting sleep

Just when I was beginning to relax the good old afib hit me like a hammer at 5am Monday morning...

Paroxysmal Afib at 60

I was diagnosed with Paroxysmal AFIB 6 months ago. I didn't realize I had it until I was diagnosed...
perkman profile image

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.