Is afib caused by NSAID reversible?

[li17]

I just noticed few days before my first episode of afib, I took ibuprofen for my headache. This is the only reason I can related to my new onset of afib. If this is the true cause, is it reversible?

[CDreamer]

Don’t know but I rather doubt it. If you have AF, you have AF. Only time will tell, you could be lucky but I certainly wouldn’t take them ever again!

I had period of time when I took NSAIDs daily, I stopped taking them immediately when I learned of the dangers, I still have AF.

So many factors but one of the main ones may well be genetic. Anyone else in ythis ur family had or has AF?

[li17 in reply to CDreamer]

No, no one in my family has afib ever.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think the main risk of AF from NSAIDs is long term usage such as people with arthritis who use them for pain control The odd headache I doubt is the reason. You have a pre-disposition for AF or you would not have it so anything and nothing can cause it. Don't beat yourself up but never use them again.

[Luludean in reply to BobD]

I was told can only use Paracetemol for headaches etc. I was given coprodomol for acute joint pain and that was unpleasant.

Do not ever ,by mistake, buy Paracetemol xtra!!!!It is easily done , almost same packaging. I took these and ended up in AE with worse AF than normal. It has extra caffeine in it.

[Polski]

If you have any other health issues, then set about getting these sorted, including problems with teeth. AF reflects the health of the body as a whole. Also consider using magnesium (search on here - box top right of screen - for full details, including any reasons why it might not suit you). Whatever the 'cause' of AF, these things will help to minimise it.

[haverhill88]

Six years ago I was jogging on a typical humid night in Singapore when I noticed my heart monitor reading was erratic pushing up to 180 then dropping back ect.

I wound down and after resting noticed that although my HB was in normal range the monitor showed it was still unsteady and erratic.

The next day my local GP referred me to a heart specialist at Raffles Heart Centre where it was confirmed I was in Afib and gave me the option of electrical cardioversion or an antiarrthymic drug.

I opted for the medication and within a day or two my heart rate returned to normal.

Unfortunately the Afib returned 3 weeks later and I have been in Afib since then ...am now on 15mg Xarelto because of my age 72 and chad score.

On the night mentioned earlier I had taken a 100mg voltaren pill before my run. (In Singapore at that time one could buy it over the counter at pharmacies).

Since all tests shortly after the incident showed my heart to be healthy and strong, I feel certain in fact am convinced that the NSAID drug triggered and left me in permanent Atrial Fibrillation.

I am wondering if any research has been done on this subject and if NSAID use has been shown to be linked to Afib.

[li17 in reply to haverhill88]

There are research stating that NSAID does raise the risk of developing afib as much as 84%. The risk is there as soon as you start taking the NSAID. I so regret and angry that the doctor gave me the ibuprofen and I didn’t even had inflammation.

[Peony4575 in reply to li17]

Hi I have just had my first ever episode of AF as a result of taking 2 Celebrex NSAID. AF is most likely to be caused by first few doses interfering with potassium/magnesium channels. did yours stay away or come back ? Peony4575

[WendyWu20]

I have a feeling that my persistent AF was caused by taking Ibuprofen regularly for about 20 years, as I had very frequent headaches and migraines. I mistakenly believed they were better that paracetamol.

On a positive note, I now seem to winning the battle by going on a healthy eating regime (losing weight) and meditating. The AF episodes are getting fewer over time, rather than getting worse :o)