Allergic reaction to topical NSAID, not Afib!

[dkfromTN]

Several months ago I joined this group because I had an elevated heart rate event that was diagnosed as Afib. My story follows: I believed I had had an allergic reaction to a topical NSAID. My heart rate went from my normal resting of 55 to 130 within an hour of applying a topical NSAID to my thumb (for trigger finger). I was sitting still waiting for the cream to dry, so there was no reason for my heart rate to rise. A trip to the ER and an 10 hr stay at the hospital resulted in an Afib diagnosis and an Rx for Diltiazem. By the time I was transported to the hospital, I was in normal sinus rhythm, but they had given me IV meds. I told the ER cardiologist I thought it was an allergic response. He dismissed me outright. Once I was transferred to the hospital, I told the cardiologist on call (who ultimately became my cardiologist), told me it was highly doubtful and that he'd never heard of that before. I was put through all the cardio tests during those 10 hours and all my tests came back with a report of a healthy heart. I was 61 years old at the time. Based on my age, there were no heart concerns--except this diagnosis of Afib. So, for the next few months I took the meds and had checkups with the cardiologist. After release from the hospital, I started researching "topical NSAIDs and Afib. I found a small study from overseas where they found this to be possible. I shared this study with my cardiologist. He remained doubtful. I continued to research and also followed Dr. Sanjay Gupta's Facebook page and his LIVE Facebook events. I was lucky enough to ask a question during one of those and he confirmed that it was indeed possible for topical NSAIDs to create an Afibk-like event. That was the confirmation that I was looking for. After taking the Diltiazem for about 6 months, I asked if it would be possible to go off the Diltiazem and see if the Afib was still present. He reluctantly agreed. I went off of it and have been off of it for 9 weeks and my resting HR continues to be around 55 and I have had no abnormal jumps. I saw the cardiologist last week and asked if he was prepared to admit that it was an allergic response and NOT a life-time sentence of Afib. He crooked his head at me and said, "I'm not sure I have a choice." So, Lord-willing, that was my last visit to the cardiologist unless my age dictates another routine healthy heart exam. I'm not encouraging anyone to stop taking their meds or following doctor's orders. But, I am suggesting that doctors don't always have all the information about studies being conducted and sadly, it seems that the 'easiest' and I'm sure they deem 'safest' is to prescribe meds. I get that. But, if you know your body and do the research and take it to the doctor and the doctor refuses to at least consider it, look for another doctor. I'm grateful that my cardiologist was willing to work with me as a conducted the test. He even gave me some sample meds to help prevent a stroke in case I started experiencing an Afib event. So, I wanted to share my story in the event it helps others. Or, if like me, they have a unique issue, it may give them hope to keep searching, keep talking to your doctor. Thank you #SanjayGupta @SanjayGupta God bless you all.

[BobD Volunteer]

NSAIDs are in my opionion A BAD THING as there is no doubt that for example ibuprofen tablets can cause AFas shown by a Danish study a few years ago. That said most doctors agree that creams and ointments carry little risk as so little is aborbed into the blood stream. The problem is that we are all different and there will always be one exception to the norm and if that happens to be you then you suffer. The moral of the story is that we all need to be experts on ourselves.

[Profound15 in reply to BobD]

I took ibuprofen last December and within two hours went in to afib. I’m convinced the nsaid caused the event and I’ll never take them again.

[mrahbar]

My Afib was caused by an allergic reaction. I even had a cardioversion and took diltiazem and eliquis for almost 6 months, but I threw them away on my own. The echocardiogram and many other tests indicated that my heart was structurally healthy. I have had at least 8 ekgs since the diagnosis, and all of them have been fine.

I am not a doctor and am not telling you what to do, but doctors aren’t always right.

[dkfromTN in reply to mrahbar]

My cardiologist said “well, you’ve taught me something”. I told him that saying that did not fill me with confidence! 😱. Sometimes you have to listen to your own body.

[irene75359]

There are many on here who have had a similar reaction; the cardiologist hasn't heard of it so it cannot be. Pleased you took charge! Wish you continued good health.

[dkfromTN in reply to irene75359]

Thank you

[myrnalynn52]

I wish you all the best and glad you have come out the other end AFib free , we all would love to be Afib free !