Hi everyone . It's a while since my last post. I was diagnosed with PAF some 5 years ago and had a PVI cyro-ablation Jan 2017 which was 80% successful. My QOL improved and then improved again after stopping various medications including Bisoprolol however towards the later part of 2017 I became increasingly low on energy , tired , an AF attack and lots of other vague symptoms so off to see my GP. After much discussion full set of bloods including Vitamin levels (first time ever) and to my complete surprise I was clinically significantly B12 and Folate deficient. Following B12 loading dosages I have significantly improved , have my energy back and my heart feels much more relaxed. Will be interesting if it also puts my AF into remission.
I would be very interested if anyone else can relate to a link or association with AF and B12/Folate deficiency. Thank you.
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guitarman49
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It would not be surprising. Many people are anemic and don't even know it. Also, if you go to the hospital regularly, and they draw blood each time, it can cause anemia.
Hi Thank you for your reply. Interestingly when full bloods are taken it seems that unless Vitamin checks are requested they are not done as a matter of routine. This was the first time in my life and really down to my excellent (new) GP understanding my symptoms and thinking a little 'outside of the box'.
Yeah, unfortunately most doctors are either ignorant or don't care enough to check. I believe I suffered much harm because of it. In a span of a couple weeks they probably drew my blood 8 times. It took me many months to recover my strength.
I don’t think B12 deficiency is commonly documented as affecting cardiac function, but it would not be surpising if there was a link given that vitamin B1 deficiency does affect the heart. Perhaps more likely is the extra cardiac load due to the anaemia.
Does your GP plan further investigation of your B12 and folate deficiency?
Hi oyster Thank you for your informative reply. GP does not think I have an anaemia but yes further investigation would be my question when I see the Doctor next week. I also have really bad reflux treated with PPI medication which may be part of the problem but I would say my heart is now more stable and works according to demand.
I have an inherited deficiency of B12 that was picked up nearly 20 years ago during a pre blood donation test. I was sent to my GP who did a full blood test and then set me up with B12 injections at 12 week intervals for the rest of my life. This was so long before I had my first AF attack last year that I very much doubt any connection.
Not everything is to blame for getting AF, and not everything health related is caused by your AF. We all will suffer more and more health issues as we age.
Hello momist . Thank you for your input and yes I recognise that the body changes as we get older but I'm very positive and take a pro-active approach to health.
It maybe just a coincidence but my heart seems to be in a much more stable now the B12/Folate levels have been corrected. I did have a PVI ablation Jan 2017 which significantly improved my quality of life but somehow I also feel the vitamin issue has also contributed to an improvement. I guess time will tell.
I swear by B12 and am convinced it helps keep my afib episodes under control. I use a spray version which is meant to be 94% more effective than tablets!
The above is the ebay link £9.99 and that lasts me about 2 months, I do 5 sprays in the morning, I also use D3. When I used to get AF episodes my heart rate would be in the high 160's and last up to 6 hours, I gave up alcohol and started B12 at a similar time, then when I had an episode it would be nearer the 140 rate and thank goodness I have only had two episodes in the past 6 months and they have been nearer 130 and lasting far less. I do take Sotalol 80mg x 2 a day plus Rivaroxaban 20mg and Atorvastatin 20mg. Hope that helps.
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