HAPPY TO FIND OUT IM NOT ALONE

[A-FIBBER333]

I was so happy to read all of these reports regarding body positioning and onset of A-Fib/rapid heartbeat with a skip. I have just started experiencing this when A: sitting in a low chair and, B: laying down in bed. Have been woken up several times a night now over the last few weeks. This is interesting, as I have been on meds for my Paroxsymal A-Fib for over ten years now without this problem. Perhaps older now, weaker valve? I was told 'the clip' would be the correct route to take, making the valve smaller thereby causing less strain to evacuate the blood build up. Who knows. I do know that my doctor did say eating too quickly/too much, and not waiting to digest properly before retiring for the night, can cause the problem with the stomach pressing against the heart. I tried drinking something gassy to make me burb which, strangely, does alleviate the problem somewhat.

[Hidden]

Many of us find that eating late at night and particularly a large meal is a trigger for AF. I don't eat after 6pm but difficult when staying at hotels etc or simply eating out at home as 8/9pm is the norm. Smaller meals is the answer here

[BobD Volunteer]

Really not sure what you mean by "the clip" or reference to the valve.? You have AF so you will get AF and since it is generally a progressive condition it will get worse over time unless properly treated. Valvular AF is merely a lightly different type since the weakness of the valve may allow extra pressure on the walls of the atrium which can cause stretching and additional breakdown of the natural electrical pathways

If you have so far only been treated by a normal cardiologist or even your GP then you need to see a specialist in arrhythmias called an electrophysiologist and get proper treatment. If you go to AF Association website there is a wealth of information about the various possibilities from drug regimes to ablation and an explanation about the condition in all is forms.

[A-FIBBER333 in reply to BobD]

Indeed. Thank you. Yes, I am with an A.Fib specialist, here in Los Angeles. I have paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. The Clip is a device to close the enlarged area, which I now have due to wear and tear. This in itself helps the heart to pump at a normal rate. Ablation is not always the answer. Reason being and depending upon who carries out the procedure, you may have to redo it more than once. Ive heard of people even having it down four times. The thought of being under anaesthetic for any period of time, let alone probably five hours or so, does not thrill me. The 'clip' - you can check it out on the internet, may also be done more than once, as affixing the device may need a realignment, but not more than twice. Right now, I have resorted to eating earlier and, more or less, sleeping more upright Thank you for your response.