Time Flies...

[NJ47]

Hi all,

Can't believe it's been so long since my last post. I hope you're all winning the battle.

Since my last DC CV nearly 18 months ago I've been in and out of AF. On average I'd have an attack every 3 to 4 months but lately I've had LOADS of stress and I've actually had two attacks in the last four days; actually in AF as I write.

The attacks last anything from 10 to 48 hours. Last year I was discharged by my Cardiologist following an ok 24hr Holter check being told to monitor things.

If I can reduce my stress enough, could I stop these attacks or will every attack make things worse?

Thanks

NJ

[ultramarine]

Hi NJ. There are various methods you can use to lessen the attacks even while they are going on. Others will use different ones but I used to use, deep breathing from the stomach, ie one deep breath and hold it for around 5 counts.

Do this as many times as you think, I used to do this around 3 times then repeat. Another one is blowing into a small syringe tube (the bottom half) it has always stopped it for me. Finally, I used to take a quarter of the medication if none of these worked, its important to do stomach breathing first because it stops any panic which AF loves.

I also used to ring for the ambulance after 3hrs if none of this did any good.

You usually know what causes it, if you get frequent episodes, you mention stress, Yes this is one big factor but not the only one. You might need to keep a factual diary of stressful situations and other things like food intake etc. Meditation is the key for stress long term, but short term try some of the above. Hope this helped. I have had no palpitations at present, because I have had recent surgery, but I still practice meditation and Tai Chi.

Hope this helps

[ultramarine]

Ps forgot, when you breath out, double the time of breathing in, or until your stomach feels tight.

[NJ47 in reply to ultramarine]

Thanks Ultramarine. Trying that now. I've kept a full history of all attacks which is really helping my medical team.

Thanks again

NJ

[rosyG in reply to NJ47]

bearing down as if going to the loo can also help- similar effect to the breathing out advocated above

[NJ47]

Thanks