Ho controlled breathing helps

[CDreamer]

forbes.com/sites/daviddisal...

[JaneFinn]

That's very interesting, CDreamer - thank you! And a good evidential reminder not just to do the breathing when my heart is jittery, but actually as a general health boost.

One query I wonder if anyone can answer? The outline for the 4-7-8 breathing exercise always says to do the cycle 4 times (several times a day). Yet when I'm doing it to calm my heart or mind I tend to keep going much longer than 4 times. Is there any reason we should limit it, do you know? Thanks

[CDreamer in reply to JaneFinn]

No I don’t think there is a reason rather than a guide for minimum efficacy. I am a great believer in doing what feels good for you!

I tend to do 3x2 mins daily rather than one session. I originally learned & taught what was called 7:11 breathing - in for a count of 7 - pause and then breath out for 11 - pause. I don’t think it really matters but what I did find interesting is the counting the breath having a direct link to emotion within the brain which is new information I believe.

[JaneFinn in reply to CDreamer]

Ah that makes sense, thanks! X

[secondtry]

Thanks CDreamer much appreciated. I am currently doing quite a bit on breathing stuff and think my past night time AF may be due to poor breathing whilst asleep - the Vagus Nerve is often blamed but that might be just the 'ambulance' because you are not getting enough oxygen. I believe its a question of getting more oxygen in, easier when you are awake! , I rarely exceed 97% and often drop lower. In the States they have done quite a bit on UARS (Upper Airway Respiratory Syndrome), which I am now looking into believing that could be the main issue. Have a great AF free day.

[CDreamer in reply to secondtry]

Agree with everything you say. About a year ago I did oxygen therapy and I felt SO much better. I also have sleep apnea & a neuromuscular condition so use CPAP at night so I track my stats and noticed they are gradually dipping again. Mine are currently about 93-97.

There has a lot of evidence about the healing affect of oxygen but getting it into our cells is quite difficult - hence the Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy.

Here the medics don’t take any notice unless you are consistently below 92.

[solarjdo69]

Hello fellow afibbers. I've used an app on my phone called Prana Breath which has helped me a lot. I try to do for 5m twice during work day, then once in evening. I find that after doing this breathing execise, my heart rate drops considerably. EG: start may be 122. After doing the exercise, 90.

[solarjdo69]

One more breath related tip. i suffer from some sleep apnea. I find that if I take about 30-60 seconds of large breaths every time I wake up, My heart rate and BP are down considerably in the AM. EG: 74-82. If I don't bother, it's often 95-105 in AM. MY feeling is that the deep breaths help oxygenate the blod, making up some for the reduced intake during the apnea "episodes."