I have not posted for some time so I thought I would again to bring my different theories to the attention of new people.
Some who have read my posts know I think a big influence on AF is the nerve communication between the brain and the heart. The pathway, the spine, must be un-compromised for correct communication. I know mine is not and therefore my AF changes and varies depending on the condition of my spine. I have tried chiropractic and a few devices that do make a difference.
One recent post mentioned stimulating the ear to affect the vagus nerve. I have tried this for some time and it could help; but it is difficult to know for sure. With the correct device, it is easy to stimulate the vagus nerve and it does not need to be through the ear. It can be done on each side of the neck, sympathetic on one side and parasympathetic on the other. Also it can be done by stimulating the back of the tongue.
I know if my back has discomfort, my heart will likely go into AF if I don’t do something to eliminate the discomfort. Often this only takes movement and a change in position. If my back condition is changing, because of treatment, then AF symptoms will also change. Sometimes, AF will persist for a bit longer; but so far, it stops on its own. If I go for a 30 minute fast paced walk, it will stop about 98% of the time.
The valsalva maneuver may have more to do with the spine than the heart.
Taking collagen supplements has likely helped. As we age, our bodies don’t make collagen as well and our spine needs collagen. The side benefits are better nails, skin and hair. Collagen supplementation can reduce wrinkles.
Unfortunately, heart doctors do not look at the impact of the spine. If my spine is acting up I can have a whole range of weird heart beats and heart rates. And, if this scares you, the first action will be to go to the ER or the doctor and then the merry go round begins. If you wait, you may find the AF will stop; or if you pay attention to your spine, you may begin to learn that it has an influence.
After six years of not being on any drugs and experiencing many AF episodes, I am making improvements by finding ways to heal my spine. Perhaps, doctors should look at the nerve signals from the brain instead of implanting pacemakers as a remedy. The body and brain have a great propensity of finding ways to keep the body functioning so we are especially not necessarily aware of subluxations in the spine.
If you have not made sure your spine is in good working order, you may wish to explore this possibility. Taking drugs may make it harder for you to detect a heart issue because of something happening with your spine.
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EngMac
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I do get AF quite a bit but when and for what reason is changing which makes me think what I am doing is causing change. I have been busy renovating my daughter's house for the past 2 months. Working long days everyday is lots of exercise so I have not had time to do more. Sometimes my heart goes into AF as soon as I get up. As soon as I start working, doing physical things, it stops and stays stopped for the rest of the day. The worst thing I can do is sit at the computer. Our posture on devices is probably a cause for back issues and this could be the reason many people, especially young people, are getting AF.
I find it amazing, when I post my theories, that so few people comment or ask questions. This makes me believe that most people are totally sold on the imperfect solutions available and are not willing to explore or consider a plausible cause. I believe that one day health care professionals will eventually study the spine and how it impacts the heart function. They cannot ignore it forever. Research must be funded and funding does not seem to be available for this research.
I think what you say makes a lot of sense. Posture tends to be a forgotten area in modern medicine. Are you aware of the Alexander Technique? I practiced it many years ago but, as with so many things, let it drift. I see that he NHS has now recognised it as helpful for certain conditions but not as yet heart related.
I have benefited hugely from Alexander Technique and wondered if my teacher could help with the PAF - I was joking at the time but now it seems there might be something to it! I shall ask her!
It amazes me that more people don't reply to your posts too. I'm certainly interested in any ideas as to what could help prevent AF. I can only guess that some people's AF is not that bad, or do they think that ablation (which involves damaging the heart) is the easiest way to a cure!
I remember reading something similar that someone else wrote a few years ago. Unfortunately I can’t remember when.
I tend to think that different things cause AFib in different people, although there are probably a number of common ones. I like the fact that people are sharing what they think might cause it for them because it might help others who have the same cause.
Please don’t be put off by lack of comments. I love your posts, don’t always understand them and don’t a,lways have the time to research the papers you quote. I do go back to them though - takes a while to digest the significance and relevance to my situation, but always fascinating. Thank you.
I remember reading somewhere that AF is similar to cancer. Not the disease but similar in that when someone has ‘cancer’ it can be one of 100+ illnesses with different symptoms and different causes that all come under the cancer umbrella. And there can be a lot of different causes for AF. Anything is possible. Everyone’s journey is different. There is no simple answer.
That's what we hope for though Kaz - a simple answer! Food, drink, exercise, home appliances, etc. Or do lots of different little things make up the complete circumstances that produce AF. The episode I still have ongoing now, started on 1st August, before that I was 7 months AF free after a cardioversion in early January. I believe pulling up brambles in the garden and swimming too hard, caused this event. I have another cardioversion booked for 8th October. I don't think I'm cut out for strenuous work anymore!
jeanjeannie50 It is possible that you did something to your back. And, until you get this something reversed, AF continues. Perhaps the cardio version actually reverses the problem in your back and does not affect the heart at all. I can often stop AF by swimming so I don't see why it cannot start by swimming. You may be able to reverse your issue by swimming in tight circles in either direction or doing something unusual in the water. The water takes the weight off the spine so it can move differently.
My challenge is to reverse an issue that happens because of sitting or doing some physical event. The repercussions from the physical event sometimes take time to make the heart go into AF. And it takes, using my scenar devices, going to the chiropractor or going for a walk, to get the AF to stop. Even these interventions often don't get immediate results. This is why it is so hard to correlate the event and the result. The brain, I think, keeps the best present state in place if the body can function adequately. It takes some prodding to get the brain to allow the heart to change how it functions. Chiropractors tell me that they are making adjustments but actually their challenge is to re-educate the brain to allow the adjustments to become permanent. The brain is stubborn so this can sometimes take many adjustments, and sometimes only one. And, of course, our activities can cause the problem again.
If you have not been to a corrective chiropractor who looks at your whole spine, I suggest you explore this possibility. One visit will tell you if your spine is functioning correctly; and if not, then you can choose to do something about it or not. Remember your brain is stubborn so making this decision takes prodding and faith. You don't have to listen to your brain. You can actually tell it what to do. This I read in book about the brain.
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