GERD and Vagus nerve

[cujos]

I find I am only getting palpitations after eating and lying down. Anyone have any experience with this and what was your solution?

[Thomps95]

yes, of course - it might help to take something for GERD, whether via diet or medication such as a proton pump inhibitor or antacid to settle your digestive tract.

[Lcpatrol]

This is more common than people think and very overlooked. It's something I'm sure I've had for years without being properly diagnosed.

In my case the palpitations (atrial Fibulation) built up over time to every 9 days or so for 12 hours. Since treatment with bisoprolol and flecainide eight years ago the AF has largely disappeared. I have however developed high blood pressure.

Essentially I've noticed the association with my stomach and my heart, especially as I have a hiatus hernia. These things kick off either palpitations or high blood pressure so try to avoid them:- hot spicy food, large meals particularly at night, salty meals, and lifting heavy objects. So , best eat little and often and avoid hot spices and salt. Try to drink lots of water. Stressful situations can also play a part and I'm sure it's this that doctors can latch on to to dismiss GERD.

[Trilby8]

Cujos - Google Deb Maselli and ' Beat the Bloat' she talks about the digestive system the vagus nerve and how it can trigger heart irregularities- she recommends taking ginger digestive enzymes and probiotics as well as dietary adjustments to ease bloating etc - all of which I've followed with big improvements- not eradicating PAF but certainly reducing episodes it's a case for me of ' happy gut happy heart' ! Good luck.

[Hidden]

Yes, I was quite surprised about these body connections until I learnt about the Vagus Nerve and also how important a good gut is not only for physical but also for mental health.

I have had bad eating habits e.g. too quick for a long time & excess cakes. Way back I had reflux, then AF and now burping. I am currently working on my gastro system (reflux and AF have gone) and it may seem strange but the indicators that I use are the tongue (furr), toe nails (fungus) and level of burping.

It took a longtime getting bad and it will no doubt take a long time getting back to good health. My strategy is a lot of homework, a couple of alternative practitioners, Mindfulness, avoiding all forms of stress and 'pressing the restart button' on eating habits and diet. Hope something there helps and good luck.

[Roo62]

I definitely had a link with this. My first and only major episode came after an afternoon nap straight after eating, falling asleep on my left side. After that I couldn't lie on my left hand side at night without my heart bumping about. I since discovered I have been suffering with gastric reflux at night. I now make sure I don't go to sleep for at least 2 hours after eating (longer if possible) and I drink a small glass of almond milk before bed (has made a massive difference!). I also use a magnesium spray on my skin before bed. Seems to be working and I can lie on my left side with no problems now.

[cujos]

I'm currently taking Esomaprazole 80mg once a day in the morning. I think maybe taking it later in the day might be a better at helping my GERD and palpitations at night. Thanks for listening and helping. Your insights are inspiring.

[netpi]

There is a timely video that might help you - from York Cardiology on vagal afib - it describes various symptoms associated including relating to the stomach youtube.com/watch?v=ivof8UU...(Not working as expected?)