I was diagnosed with pAF a few months ago after doing a very low carb diet and drinking too much Pepsi Max. I had a single attack (first time ever). I was put on 2.5 mg of Bisprolol. My heart scan came back as a “very good” structure and function. I have occasional ectopics at certain times of the month when my hormones are shifting about. I’m 44. Every day I wonder if it will happen again...my Dr said to put it at the back of my mind. MRI scan to complete investigation soon. I love life and I’m very fortunate to have a great family and lovely home. This “what if it happens again” is really draining me. I’ve stopped the diet and Pepsi max. The dr said my beta blocker will stop another attack. What do you think?
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Julia7
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Hi there Julia, I would listen to your GP and also your body. I would guess you might be sensitive to stimulants like caffeine and alcohol so watch your intake or like me do not have any.
The other thing to watch is more complicated, the mind i.e stress which is another factor that fans the flames so chill out however suits you best.
Just remember, you have had a excellent result from your scans, most people on this forum would give their right arm for that news. Try to relax and enjoy your life, if the problem does get any worse the professionals will fix it for you. I also take bisoprolol and have done for 6 years.
Thanks so much for your reassuring reply. Yes, anxiety is brought on by wondering if it will happen again. I can also actually bring on ectopic beats from worrying about if it will happen again. I never even used to think about my heart before this! It’s a bugger. You’re right though, good results! Just hoping for a clear MRI result. I think that will help a lot.
The good news is that your AF was brought on by a specific (unwise) behaviour and so is unlikely to happen again for a very long time, if ever.
I totally agree about avoiding things which are known to affect AF so here's the basic list: Alcohol binges, stimulating drinks like strong coffee and Red Bull, artificial sweeteners (some people say all additives but I would just say if it's obvious a certain food causes ectopics then cut it out if possible), Nsaids such as Ibuprofen, if you need a local anaesthetic ask for an adrenaline free one, and don't take cold remedies with pseudoephedrine or similar in (ask your pharmacist).
All those things are likely to make your heart race if nothing else so if you feel yours is twitchy best to keep it calm and the beta blocker will help.
Thanks so much for your reply....I’m hoping I never get another episode. My Dr said the beta blocker will prevent it. I was doing the Keto diet (which is known to bring on AF after researching it). I’m fit and healthy, which I’m thankful for. I’ve just got to get on with it I think.....lots of people have it apparently?!
I’ve had paf for nearly 20 years I’m now 50 and take flecanide twice and day 50mg I still get it on and off sometimes for a short period but sometimes for longer periods. It took some getting use to the “what if feeling” but think positive, there was a time I didn’t even want to go out incase it started but life is short and we need to live to enjoy it. I’ve had two divorces and some stressful times all of which seem to trigger af along with caffeine/alcohol/and various foods but it’s trial and error to rule stuff out. My advice would be enjoy yourself in life less stress less episodes of af.
Thanks, Peter, for your sensible reply. I’m hoping I never have another episode and think I know the trigger (2 litres of Pepsi throughout the day, the Keto diet and vigorous exercise). You are right about stress though...and I’m seeing to that by relaxing more and having a good night’s sleep. I’m hoping the bisprolol helps too....
Hello Julia - probably most of us know exactly what you feel - waiting for the next jump and mentally watching your heart. I know I did that for months after diagnosis too.
The Pepsi will either have sugar or artificial sweetener in it - both known to be triggers for many of us, so taking that out of your diet will certainly help. Anxiety is natural with something so unpredictable as AF and there are relaxation and breathing exercises which can reduce tension and even get rid of the ectopics.
One thought which helped me to stop worrying about AF’s return was to decide that my AF would return and when it did, I would cope with it but in the meantime, I would enjoy my life.
Very sensible, Finvola. I’m just scared that I’ll drop dead if it happens again. But, as my hubby said, you don’t hear of many 44 yr old women who suddenly die. I was told by the nurse to take another Beta Blocker if it happens again. I’m not even sure if it was Afib as I had a series of ectopics and then panicked like mad because I thought I couldn’t stop them. How do you tell if it’s panic or Afib?
Ectopics are horrible and panic on top of them causes breathlessness which makes everything feel worse.
Can you take your pulse, either at your wrist or in the dip of your throat at the side? Ectopics will feel like a beat - pause - thump, followed by normal heartbeats, then beat - pause - thump again. AF pulse is chaotic, fast, slow, pauses - the lot. Panic could produce a fast but regular heartbeat. Practising to recognise your pulse gives you some degree of being in control.
I find slow, deep breathing helps to stabilise my heartbeat and helps me to keep calm(ish).
Yes, ectopics were felt in my wrist and I can also feel them in my neck (when I was having the presumed af attack). They weren’t all the time and were defo because I was panicking. I can almost bring them on at times.,My pulse remained high and gradually came down (without being erratic) when they gave me a beta blocker. This lone episode happened on the day I ovulated....I think hormones had a massive part to play in this. Thanks so much for your reassuring reply, it’s much appreciated.
Thanks, John, you are completely right....way too much Pepsi and maybe overdoing the exercise. I’m happy to say that Pepsi and the odd G&T were my only naughty habits. I eat very healthily and don’t like tea or coffee hence choosing Pepsi to drink (I haven’t touched any since as it frightened me so much). I’ve done quite a bit of reading up on heart healthy foods/vitamins/minerals and don’t go mad with alcohol (although this relaxes me, lol). Since I’ve been going through the perimenopause, my anxiety has increased which I don’t think helped either. I’m making sure I get enough sleep and find lots of ways to relax, including breathing exercises and taking my time more (always rushing around between busy job and busy home life). Thanks for your advice and support; it’s much appreciated!
I found hypnotherapy really helpful. I had had it before, for other things, and when my worst fear came to pass - an Afib attack while on my own in a hotel in London - I breathed through it, thinking myself into a calm state. It was hard work, I had to concentrate, but when I came out if it, I felt positively elated.
You now know what is likely to trigger an attack, you are on medication, so you don't need to feel anxious. As this is so easy to write and so hard to do, I suggest doing something about the anxiety. It'll help you in all aspects of your life.
But good luck with it! It's horrible but it doesn't have to ruin your life.
Thanks, Katie...I haven’t considered hypnotherapy. It’s a great idea. You must have been so scared when you were in the hotel, good on you though for conquering it! The Dr said the meds would prevent a further attack and also not drinking Diet Coke. I’m even wondering if it was a massive panic attack...don’t know how to tell the difference?! Are you on meds?
Yes. Bisoporol, an anticoagulant, and blood pressure pills. I also take magnesium and turmeric (for my joints) and iron. I rattle but it mostly keeps me ok. The thing that is useful about hypnotherapy is that it stops your mind going round and round in the night.
It sounds as if you may well be fine! Once I came on this site I began to think I was hardly ill at all considering how other people suffered. It put my occasional AF into perspective.
I don't really drink these days as it makes my heart race and I just prefer not to.
Yes, I feel a bit silly moaning and worrying about my attack (which I’m not even sure it was Afib...could’ve been massive anxiety and panic from lots of ectopics due to hormone change). I’m going through the perimenopause and I’m noticing that when I ovulate or have a period my ectopics begin. Then they disappear again. I’ve always been lucky enough to be slim but now beginning to find I’m putting weight on even though I eat healthily and exercise. Did your dr say the bisprolol would stop attacks?
I had been investigated for Afib, seen a specialist etc, but nothing was found. However he said if I had another attack an ECG would be 'gold.' I had another attack (bad) and ended up in hospital. I'm on the medication I was prescribed in hospital as the specialist checked that he agreed with it. He did't promise it would't happen again and about three times since then the Afib has broken through.
But I am nearly (very) 67 and have weight problems. I'm sure you'll be fine. But hormones do play havoc with us. So you do have my sympathy.
Learn about breathing to relax, check out hypnotherapy and it will seem a lot less frightening.
Yes, I’ve cut back on alcohol...still drink a few glasses on the weekend but don’t go mad. I don’t like tea/coffee, fortunately. Yep....anxiety is a bugger for me: I get anxious about having another one so vicious cycle! I’m even wondering if it was a big panic attack...what’s the difference? Acupuncture is a great idea.
I had an isolated episode of PAF when I was 39 which which was attributed to drinking too much caffeine and Coca-Cola. I had almost zero problems until last year aged 64. Prophetically, I was told at the time “you might have problems in about 20 years”. It might be the case, then, that you will be ok for a very long time or can avert future problems with lifestyle changes. Key things to do would be to keep alcohol consumption really low and ensure that blood pressure is in the appropriate range, do plenty of low-intensity exercise etc. If you don’t have a history of AF or heart disease in your family that would also be in your favour.
Thanks for your reply....it’s as if I’m waiting for another attack. I’m getting on with my job and other daily activities as normal but always at the back of my mind. I’m exercising, as normal, which makes me feel better. I’m adopted so don’t know about family history. Having an mri because of this reason and then they will consider discharging me from consultant care.
You could see your GP for some ideas on how to tackle the anxiety (which is a well known product of AF). I would say, however, that given that there is a known cause for the AF you have had, and stopping the Pepsi has resulted in the AF also stopping, the probability of your getting it again would seem to be fairly low.
Another possibility would be to speak to your EP and ask if he could explain in a bit more detail why is confident that the AF won’t reoccur to set your mind at rest.
Yes, it’s all about calming my mind. I do feel calmer as the months have gone on but the fear is at the back of my mind. I’m reading books about meditation and mindfulness and exercise really makes me feel better (weirdly as my heart obviously races during exercise). My nurse said that if another attack did occur, to take another beta blocker which should help. Yes, I’m going to keep talking to my GP...he has arranged for therapy also to tackle anxiety. Thanks so much for your support.
Hi Julia 7, I had what I "believe" to be an Afib attack in Nov'17, the morning after an "excessive" party night. I didn't go to hospital and after an hour or so my chaotic heart rhythm became normal. Over the next week or two I had a couple of similar (much shorter - only minutes) a couple of episodes of racing heartbeat (again minutes), a little dizziness & pretty noticeable ectopics. Over the next month, I had all the tests, echo etc. and heart was structurally fine / performing well, BP fine and ectopics although apparent over 24 hours were not excessive (apparently <10,000 per day would usually not constitute a "problem" with a good heart). Immediately (the day after the attack), I entered a 3 month period of abstinence - no alcohol / de-caf etc., lost a little weight so to become within "ideal" weight range, and exercised more (but not to excess). I also introduced certain heart beneficial foods (particularly almonds / bananas daily) to my diet and also began to take Magnesium Taurate. After 3 months, and feeling "better", I gradually introduced, beer (real ale - less chemicals), red-wine, and a daily double - espresso! (if you read the analysis the jury is still out on a little coffee per day having any negative effect).
Anyhow, since then, no further attacks, the ectopics gradually reduced and have now all but gone (at least the symptoms have and I can't feel any, (which fundamentally is all that matters !)
The cardo. I saw, was clear at the time of my attack in stating that Afib can be brought on by many triggers that are often individual to each specific person, whether this be the introduction of a new medication, excess or abnormal stimulants (even a change in quantity or type of alcohol / coffee consumed - party or holiday heart??), newly introduced "extreme" exercise, stress or worry etc. He went on to say, that in the majority of cases if this "trigger" is stopped or removed then the Afib will also be stopped. In my situation, very positively too, the worry of a possible further attack has also stopped! Please try not to worry and definitely try the magnesium taurate for the ectopics! Also, look on you tube for Sanjay Gupta - Cardiologist).
Thanks so much for your very detailed and informative reply...yep, my heart tests are all showing a very good heart structure etc always have perfect blood pressure etc. I think (and obviously hope) it was a one off. I even wonder if it was a massive panic attack at times due to having quite a few ectopics. The ectopics come and go...I don’t have that many but only on certain days of the month to do with hormones. Yes, I’ve cut down on alcohol and am following a healthy diet (haven’t really ever eaten badly mind). A banana a day too. Where do you get the magnesium from? I think, if it was Afib, it was brought on by excessive Diet Coke followed by lots of exercise.
Hi Julia 7, from what I've read, most cardio's seem to believe that a "low" amount of daily ectopics are only "troublesome" to the sufferer (I believe <2000 daily), that they aren't harmful and consequently aren't seen as a cause for concern. If they are excessive, or the palpitations are overly bothering, many people seem to have improved or stopped ectopics by taking Magnesium supplements. The ones I take (Magnesium Taurate) are recommended by Sanjay Gupta and the "Taurate" type are seen as most suited to our "condition". They work out at £30 per 180 - Amazon (though price fluctuates), and I take 2 per day (this stays pretty much within recommended daily intake guidelines and as others have stated the body will flush out any excess).
Also, and I'm not sure if this is relevant to your situation, but I am pretty sure my "attack" was connected to GERD (brought on by excess!). It's known that trapped gas can stimulate the bodies vagus nerve which in turn can cause "palpitations". It's just with you mentioning the large amount of Coke you were drinking daily. Eliminating this intake would likely stop the possibility of it being connected to GERD. I would also try to avoid very large meals, late night eating and would try to chew everything really well! Another heart healthy supplement would be garlic & turmeric, ginger are both good for inflammation.
My belief (and this is only my opinion after reading and reading other forums / medical journals etc.) is that although a "new" electrical circuit(s) is created during an episode(s) of Afib, there is no absolute certainty that Afib will ever happen again (particularly after a single episode) - certainly were an individuals heart is seen to be structurally good and the individual is otherwise healthy with a low CHADS score. A new circuit(s) only makes it potentially more likely than in those individuals who have not had an attack. I take a lot of comfort from this and see the positive diet changes etc. as just minor (and very manageable) lifestyle adjustments!
Wow, thanks for such a detailed reply...it’s much appreciated and very interesting. That makes so much sense about trapped gas; never even entered my head! I’m defo going to order the magnesium taurate. Looked at the Sanjay Gupta article too. I feel so much calmer after reading such informative feedback. I go for a week or more without a skipped heartbeat and then have a couple a day...which panics me hence increasing them. When I get them now, I smile and carry on with what I’m doing and they seem to go away. I’m just hoping for a clear MRI. In my mind, if my heart starts racing again (as my attack a few months back) I will take an extra tab and if it carries on, make my way to the hosp. I’m hoping it never happens again. Fingers crossed!
Hi Julia I had my first PAF in June this year so understand have had a couple of more attacks,I am unable to take a beta blocker as makes my HR and BP go to low,I am older than you 64 and at first was always checking and worried now I see this just a condition I need to live with,I hopefully have an appointment with cardiology in December.
Your test results are good positive results hope all is ok with MRI please try to relax and enjoy yourself.
I have found the people on here so knowledgeable and helpful so stay In touch
Thanks so much for your reassuring reply, it’s much appreciated. I have found that around the time I ovulate and menstruate, my ectopics appear. This is when I had the suppose Afib attack. I’m convinced I’m going through the perimenopause...which also adds to anxiety. I will defo stay in touch. Lovely people here!
I asked my cardio if l would ever have another paf attack ... l told him that l felt as though it would never happen again ... his response was “yes, rest assured that you will have another attack” ... l didn’t believe him ... BUT ... two years after he said that guess what ... another attack ... in the hospital he said to me ... “l told you that it would return” ... l took some silly vitamin that was supposed to improve one’s vision ... that triggered the attack ... l’m positive ... not another one since ... l feel back to normal ... but always kind of “scared” in the back of my mind ... mine isn’t bad enough for an ablation ... yours may never return, hopefully, but just be careful to follow a healthy lifestyle and try to forget about it. I too had excellent test results which is comforting!
It’s very comforting to have good test results. I think that I will be cautious of taking anything new now, after your experience. I’m on a very low dose of beta blocker which I’m hoping will prevent it happening again. I’m sure it was from drinking too much Diet Coke. I’m perimenopausal also which gives me anxiety and ectopics around ovulation and period. I even wonder if it was a massive panic attack after having a run of ectopics? Are you on meds? What were your symptoms when you had the attack? Thanks so much for your helpful reply.
Can't see how keto would bring on AF. I was on Keto 2 years before AF started. Switched to decaf coffee (2 cups a day) and caffeine free coke (2 cans a day). AF free at the moment but no intention to switch diet as it's a way of life now.
The Keto diet made me feel generally unwell even though I felt less bloated and was really enjoying the food I was eating. I think it was a combo of keto, loads of Coke and vigorous exercise. I didn’t put the Afib down to that until the dr asked me about diet. I’m eating very healthily and have cut out coke etc....my hormones don’t help mind, going through perimenopause which doesn’t help either. Thanks so much for your reply.
yes, my cardio was thinking of putting me on a channel blocker. Last time I seen her but have not talked to her since last we talked about it.
Well I feel the skipper beats, had thud and very rare the very fast heart beat (SVT) they happens in the most random times. I could be sitting down relaxed, sleeping, getting up from bed, bending over, yawning I mean they happen with anything I do and don’t do. It’s driving me crazy. Now I live with fear as I’m waiting for the next one to hit. Very sad way to live
Arh, bless you. I think, the more you focus on it, the more it happens. That certainly applies to me anyway...I can almost bring ectopics on. When I don’t think about it, they aren’t there! I can go for months without an ectopic and then, something will happen (pressure in work, planning for something etc) and they return. My hormones defo don’t help! The fear you live in won’t help at all...have you tried therapy or meditation? I am reading a good book about staying calm atm...
My heart starting beating very hard and fast and irregularly. It was scary. It happened early morning ... l dressed and my husband drove me to my cardiologist office ... ten minutes away ... l was told that l was in afib ... placed in a wheelchair and taken over to the hospital adjacent to his office ... two of his office workers accompanied me along with my husband. I was admitted and they started doing their thing. I was there several days and l went into natural sinus rhythm without cardio version. I take smallest dose of sotalol half am and half pm. That happened six months ago ... no problems so far. I know that different vitamin triggered it. When l read the reviews on it l remember one person stating that they were very strong and to be careful. I can’t remember the name of the stuff. I threw it out.
It always seems to be in the mind. I suggest focusing on self development. I really benefited from the two books positive intelligence and also the happiness advantage. Try writing three things down a day that make you happy and soon you will find yourself looking for them instead of the worry. Also, when you do find yourself worrying rub your finger and thumb together focusing on every detail of your fingerprints while you take 3 deep breaths. Hugs xo
I've been on bisoprolol and flecanide for years and touch wood I havnt had an episode since . I've had a couple of what I call knocks but nothing else . worrying about it brings anxiety and stress which is a trigger im afraid. try not to let this awfull situation take over your life .take care
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