FitBit One...a thought!: For several... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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FitBit One...a thought!

Delle profile image
16 Replies

For several years I've worn a Fitbit one hooked into the centre of my bra...as recommended by FitBit.

For several months, since I've gone back into persistent AF, I've had an awful constant fluttering around my heart, on top of everything else...two days ago I wondered if the WiFi which runs through the Fitbit maybe causing it, so stopped wearing The FitBit in my bra...hey presto, fluttering has gone...coincidence? I wonder...???

Any thoughts on this please...just curious...as ever!!

Thank you so much :)

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Delle profile image
Delle
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16 Replies
RiderontheStorm profile image
RiderontheStorm

Since AF is caused by electrical current gone haywire of sorts, it follows that kinda makes sense having an electrical circuit near your heart - eh? I am still trying to figure out how Alcohol affects AF since now it has been firmly established as a causation factor.. Good thing you have had success at figuring it out and removing what could be causing it! Best wishes.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

There is some anecdotal evidence that outside electrical interference can affect our hearts. Pacemakers for example are affected by such things as ceramic hobs and there have been reports of key less ignition in cars causing problems.Many people have blamed carrying their mobile phones in shirt pockets.

I spent five years working in an office above an electricity sub station which made the old fashioned TV screen type computer screens unreadable. (we were one for the first trials of LCD screens for IBM). Did that cause my AF? No more than a life time of candles burnt at both ends doing two jobs?

There is no doubt that if you have a genetic pre-disposition to AF just about anything can trigger it.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to BobD

I think you will find it is not ceramic hobs but halogen hobs that interfere with pacemakers - just in case you scare everyone with pacemakers & ceramic hobs Bob.......

Most of the modern pacemakers are ok with keyless fob ignition systems, but it is wise to check, there is information on your pacemaker card that you can check against the car manufacturer specs to make sure.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer in reply to CDreamer

Ceramic/halogen.? They are all modern abominations to us AGA users. lol

My EP did tell me that if he ever had to put in a pacemaker I would have to stop MIg or Tig welding due to the electromagnetic interference. There again that was eight years ago and they maybe have better screening these days? Again there was a much publicised case of Nissan who had to specially modify a MIcra to fully key operated ignition after a lady found that she was ill every time she drove it. I did ask Ford when I bought the Focus and they looked completely mystified but forgot to ask BMW when I traded up this year.

The point is that there is so much EMI around that we are subject to it all the time. When using a lap top in my sitting room the other day my son's girlfriend found at least two Wifi networks from other houses within 100 yards or so. WE had to fit a booster to ours as the box was in the office at the other end of the bungalow and her computer couldn't find it. .

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to BobD

Agree you can no longer escape em interference, it has become endemic. The body's own magnetic field extends to approx 2 feet from surface skin so it is hardly surprising some are adversely affected.

Hubbie bought new car 2 years ago with keyless fob and was warned but given all info to check his pacemaker was ok. Kitchen people warned against halogen though.

There's someone on here who swears that keeping his mobile in his breast shirt pocket will bring on his AF. I had a mobile switch a television on once!

Silly advice from FitBit if you ask me.

Koll

If you research electro sensitivity you may find anecdotal evidence. It is an area about which science is just coming to terms with. I carried my cellphone in my shirt pocket for some 2 years or so before my palpitations started and increased in frequency. The palpitations were then followed by AF some 12 months after I discontinued the practice.

The jury is out on this one, but since so much of the human body is made up of electrical impulses, not only the heart but the brain too, I see no reason why not. If we go down that track one wonders about the impact of WiFi, radio waves, microwaves, cellphones and other electrical impulses on the central nervous system. As I say, a road still being travelled.

John

Polski profile image
Polski in reply to

It has been mooted for many years that these things cause health problems, but it is always 'pooh poohed' by anyone in 'authority' be they medical or involved from an electronic point of view. Ie The jury is still out.

See Dr Sinatra's book: he suggests a way to neutralise the effects of static electricity etc overnight - or recommends walking barefoot outside daily (in the UK?!), and believes this could help our AF and other health problems considerably.

We switch our Wifi off at night in the hope that that will decrease the problem a little!

Boombiddy profile image
Boombiddy in reply to Polski

Polski, are you getting low speeds now?

I used to switch off my router at night, and as a result got very low internet speeds.

This is because if it's switched off, at the exchange there is a decision made that your router is not coping, and the speed to the house is adjusted accordingly.

Polski profile image
Polski in reply to Boombiddy

It hasn't happened to us so far, but we're not in the Uk, so the local system is probably different. Will bear that in mind if/when we return to the UK. Thanks.

Goldfish_ profile image
Goldfish_

It's an ultra low frequency low power signal so the stimulus to the heart should be negligible, but if you find its associated for you then that's the proof. Interesting. I couldn't find other reports though

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Some people are very much more susceptible than others, I guess the one way to know is to monitor yourself with and without? I wear a Fitbit on my wrist and certainly notice some sensations around the area worn if I wear it for more than 6 or so hours at a time.

in reply to CDreamer

Hi CDreamer,

Your opening few words hits it on the head. The point is it is like all sensitivities/ allergies/ intolerances .... these things all 'hit' each of us in different ways, no one size fits all ! And some it doesn't affect at all. Rather that those who are vulnerable to these things are just that. Vulnerable to them. You can have 4 or 6 or more groups of people who are vulnerable to electro sensitivity but probably different ways. Then you can have those that aren't. Similarly with food and diet - and that is most likely to be the most common one. Just 'cos a person doesn't have a sensitivity/ allergy etc doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And of course with my theme of the cell phone the electronics/telecommunications industry won't exactly publicise it.

I too wear a Fitbit (on my right wrist), with no side effects. But, there is no way I'd put a cell phone in my shirt pocket again. Not now that I've been AF free since April 2015.

John

in reply to

I keep my mobile in my pocket for that very reason, but been hearing lately of reports that keeping it in your trouser pocket might cause sterility.....that won't bother me 🙄 now, but can't be good?

Hi Delle,

I posted a bit on here the other day about electrosensitivity. I was sorting out my computer files and came across this which I post now as additional and more specific information. I got the name a bit wrong its electro magnetic sensitivity.

"WHO - Electromagnetic hypersensitivity

who.int/peh-emf/publication...

Backgrounder

December 2005

As societies industrialize and the technological revolution continues, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and diversity of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources. These sources include video display units (VDUs) associated with computers, mobile phones and their base stations. While these devices have made our life richer, safer and easier, they have been accompanied by concerns about possible health risks due to their EMF emissions.

For some time a number of individuals have reported a variety of health problems that they relate to exposure to EMF. While some individuals report mild symptoms and react by avoiding the fields as best they can, others are so severely affected that they cease work and change their entire lifestyle. This reputed sensitivity to EMF has been generally termed “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or EHS.

****************

What is EHS?

EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms, which afflicted individuals attribute to exposure to EMF. The symptoms most commonly experienced include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling, and burning sensations) as well as neurasthenic and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation, and digestive disturbances). The collection of symptoms is not part of any recognized syndrome."

I had a file of several reference points which are;

1 who.int/peh-emf/publication...

2 electrosensitivity.org.uk/

3 powerwatch.org.uk/

So, I hope that adds a bit of an interest to your daily toil.

May the force be with you.

John

Delle profile image
Delle in reply to

Thank you Carneuny for making the effort to research that...it's really interesting and appreciated....btw...I now wear my fitbit on the top of my sock and around my ankle when in bed!!! ;)

Delle

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