I’ve had 5 episodes of mixed AF/AFl in the last 2 weeks, some much more symptomatic than others. As many of you know I’ve tried all sorts to self convert - from driving over deep potholes at speed (unintentional) to vaso-vagal maneuvers, some worked sometimes and at others nothing worked and I just had to sit it out. Sometimes I could identify a trigger - virus or other infection, over exerting myself etc etc.
For many years I was convinced coffee, being a stimulant, should be avoided, ditto alcohol but for heavens sake - we need to live a life and I really enjoyed my coffee - so I talked to Nutritionist about it and this is what she said:- avoid any coffee that has been sat around stewing such as in a percolator or filter. Only have really good quality and preferably organically produced coffee. Only have coffee made through a pressure system machine. Only drink coffee with some sort of fat added - evidently camel’s or yak’s milk is best but there being a rarity of that in Devon - I plumped for full fat goat’s milk or coconut butter (bit oily but tastes really nice).
Now before you all shoot me down in flames - I’ve tried this 5 times - the first was accidental and the last 4 quite intentional and it has worked EVERY time. The first time I went into AF whilst shopping in town so thought I need to find somewhere to sit quietly and do some deep breathing and then thought - ahhh... sod it...I’m in fast AF anyway, I’ll have a coffee anyway (I will always drink a full glass of water with my coffee - continental thing). Well - by the time I had finished - flipped back into NSR.
Did the same thing at home - 4 times - including just now - taking Kardia readout and monitoring BP & sats Which were all fine by the way - HR between 105-150 before coffee now - 69 in NSR???!!
My only possible conclusion - like anti-Arrythmia drugs - any compound that has the capacity to trigger a Arrythmia reaction also has the possibility of stopping it.
Interesting how every Nutritionist I have ever met is a strong advocate of coffee.
Food for thought.
PS - I know I am contrarian - my husband tells every day - same coffee put his HR up from 62 - 105.
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CDreamer
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Very interesting, I wonder if it is the same process as exercising to speed up the heart briefly, which some people swear by. Maybe anything which gives the heart a good kick might be effective eg the ice cube trick? Rather like restarting your computer. After all that is how a cardioversion works. I hope it keeps working 😀
Interesting post CDreamer. A few years ago I was invited to a neighbour's house for pre-Christmas drinks and nibbles. I went over in AF, feeling very sorry for myself I may add. As usual alcoholic drinks were pressed on me and I gave in, saying I'd just have a very small glass. The wine I was given was so nice, I ended up having another couple of small glasses. Later another neighbour looked at me and said you're looking really well and without thinking I answered with, I feel it. It was then that I realised I was back in sinus rhythm!! i can't tell you the joy I felt!
There may well be something right about your conclusion that any compound that has the capacity to trigger AF may also have the chance of stopping it. If anyone tries this remedy and agrees it works then please put a post on the forum. How wonderful it would be to have all those lovely things to eat or drink that we've had to avoid for ages!
First time of this forum . I have just replied to CDreamer it works for me every time first found out after being in permanent aflutter in2006 no meds worked only cardioversion . Happened again on holiday so I thought may as well have a few pints I couldn't believe it back in sinus rhythm this I did on anumber of occasions until my ablation in 2009 .I then developed proxy afib lasting 6-24hrs tried massive amount of flecanide under hospital conditions for pip ,this worked but I was groggy for 24 hrs after . So I tried 2 to 3 pints of lager and it worked everytime! In certain situation when you can't or don't feel like a drink I go for a walk 15mins to 1hr and my heart is back in sinus rhythm it beats waiting around for hours on end with fireworks going of in my chest every few seconds on up to a 24hr rollercoaster.I did refer to my consultant first as he said I had no other conditions and it's better than taking the heart drugs. The afib attacks are getting to regular now so I'll have to see my GP to get me back on the waiting list to see a consultant I hope they have better procedures now as 2006 to 2010 was a comedy of errors I had many laughs (well I had too otherwise I would have been suicidal!)even a farce but they got there in the end. Its just the thought of going through it all again I hope they've improved.
Poor old Bob will be tearing out his hair.....ripping up all the fact sheets and tendering his resignation to the AFA......and it's all your fault, plus Jean of course!!
Hi Flapjack, and to think you were not in favour of me giving up drugs post ablation! I neither drink alcohol nor imbibe coffee or tea that contains caffeine, and am a part time vegetarian ( I eat meat occasionslly). So to conclude and in the interest of balance maintenance of SR is often down to our lifestyle also. 🤗
Whatever works for you CD I don't have a trigger that I am aware of except getting stressed. Don't think I can stress myself to see if it gets me put of P-AF
Loving your post, and it does make sense! My worst trigger is my beloved hot curry and my usual AF kick off time is 4.45 in the morning, still never too early for a good curry!
You probably take CoQ10 already but if not I would get your level tested (by post) and go for 200mgs/day until over the top of the 'normal' range. I say this because it is meant to strengthen the heart beat rather like coffee. I also agree that what puts you into AF can take you out - so on my 'try' list is a cold ginger beer that put me into AF a while ago now.
First found out I had permanent atrial flutter in 2006 after going to hospital with a high heart rate 130 . They tried various concoctions of drugs nothing worked so had to wait for cardioversion . While away on holiday I went into AFL again so I thought may as well have a few pints heart went back into sinus rhythm .I did this each time until I had an ablation. Then I developed paraxsymol afib lasting 6 to 24hrs tried a massive dose of flecanide under hospital conditions for pip this worked but felt groggy for 24hrs. After doing this a number times I tried the old lager remedy after 2 or 3 pints bingo ( actually 2pints does it and the third one is a celebration!). I also found that when you don't feel like a drink I go for a walk 15 mins to 1hr at a decent steady rate brings me back to sinus rhythm.
This is my first reply only joined last week after trying to find out what to do next after having pvi some years ago and my proxy afib has returned I found this site by accident and it is brilliant!
I left hospital on rate drugs with a failed cardioversion for afib last November. Going with the theory that what puts you in afib can get you out of afib, I headed to a Dunkin Donuts and had a cup of coffee with a Jelly Donut. The next day my Kardia Mobile arrived and I was in NSR. Can't for sure say it was the caffeine and sugar that did it, but that is my guess. PS Currently no coffee or sugar because I feel both are triggers for me but if I go back into afib I probably would head to Dunkin Donuts again!
Hi Hock, It wasn't coffee and jelly donuts that put me in afib. Actually not sure what it was, but among the list was too much coffee, some Indian Spices, straining at the toilet, stress. I just tried coffee and jelly donuts to get me out of it because caffeine and sugar are two possible triggers and as has been stated what gets you into afib can possibly get you out of afib. Ice water on the face is another example of what could put you in afib and possibly what could get you out of afib. Getting your HR up high by running is another example. I'm certainly not recommending coffee and donuts or any of the other things just stating my experience.
You're right. I think the more information you have from others about the condition and how to live with it the better you can workout what to try for yourself. After 6 weeks of AF stretching put me back in NSR. A coincidence? Maybe....
Reply to Vonnie - decaff, instant coffee is the absolute WORST thing you can drink - unless you know it is naturally decaffeinated and rinsed only with spring water. The chemicals used to make coffee caffeine free are horrendous. Avoid if you value your health.
Sorry but I can’t get my iPad to to reply to your post - please read my original post about the nutritional values of very fresh, organic, pressure made caffeinated coffee.
It’s not the caffeine but the chemicals which are injurious.
Yes,decaff instant coffee is nasty stuff.I bought some for work and wondered why I got heaps more attacks until I worked it out that I didn't on holidays or at home! Same with tea.
LOVE this! I also appreciate the advice you got about which coffee to drink. CD, can I ask how you make your coffee at home? I have used a Belgian filter for a few years (kind of little plastic dripper with a metal mesh filter in it), which makes a mug of coffee without too much of a wait. In October last year though, someone bought me an AeroPress and I'm loving it! The coffee is so much better, and it's the quickest made cup of coffee, other than a genuine espresso machine.
Thanks CD. I've drunk the pod coffees, and they are very good. Unfortunately, the single use plastic waste involved has put me off using them at home, and the choice of coffee seems restrictive. I like to buy small producer's self roasted and ground, or grind my own. The large producers I favour when I can't get those are Waitrose Italian Blend, Grumpy Mule, or my local supermarket's own brand. The only waste with the AeroPress is the small paper filter and the grounds themselves, which all get composted together.
You might gather I enjoy my one coffee a day. Perhaps I'll try your tip next time my AF kicks in!
Yes I worry about the pods but I found a recycling depot - the Nespresso pods recycle anyway. I like the Grumpy Mule and we have a really good local producer, expensive, but lovely coffee. I must say we are considering changing to one that GP grinds and blends. I look at the Aeropress.
They always offer you coffee in cardiology wards in hospital.
I have just given up really coffee (due to my two recent AFib episodes) and only having decaf and am not having alcohol for my 3 months 'blanking period' after my ablation on 27 June. This is an experiment! I really miss good coffee and a fine wine!!!
I do keep trying! Along with 2 doctors, one hospital, one GP, a physiotherapist, a nutritionist, a sleep expert and myself, a retired psychotherapist - we have started a group which we call a social enterprise group with a mission to educate on health and wellbeing based on the priciples of Functional Medicine - which is based on first of all listening to the patient’s narrative and treating the person - not the disease or the symptom. I feel very passionate about this. Bless you for your comments xx
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I don't have a trigger that I am aware of except getting stressed. Don't think I can stress myself to see if it gets me put of P-AF 
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