Polyvagal Theory Explained

[CDreamer]

As many on this forum will know, anxiety and AF go hand in hand. Many of us know about vagus nerve and stimulation and ANS - Autonomic Nervous System & connection to heart, stress, digestion, dental work etc. But Polyvagal Theory is far more than vagus nerve - it is a 3 part process which Dr Stephen Purgess a neurological behavioural scientist describes in this interview.

youtu.be/8tz146HQotY(Not working as expected?)

It is certainly NOT all in the mind - it is physiological and here are the full physiological explanations. In his book Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory he has explained all of the physiological (NOT PSYCHOLOGICAL) ‘missing links’ of theory and practice that I have been lacking for the last 20 years. It also explains the idea of why a sense of safety and social interaction is so important to create before healing can take place. I think this paragraph might also help others with AF to realise the relevance of the Autonomic Nervous System to AF alongside stress/anxiety/PTSD as well as it’s relevance to dental work.

A critical component of Polyvagal Theory is focused on the shift in neural regulation of the heart that occurred during vertebrate evolution, especially during the transition from the now-extinct primitive reptiles to the first mammals. Through evolution, the neural regulation of the vertebrate autonomic nervous system progressed through three global stages, with the third stage being present only in mammals.

Fascinating stuff - for those interested in looking at explanations based in cross disciplinary research - an all round good read!

[BobD Volunteer]

Thank you CD. Interesting.

[Bagrat]

Really interesting. Have come across this whilst reading about hypervigilant dogs who sometimes react inappropriately too. What with that and the link with the gut microbiome maybe we are finally catching up with traditional chinese medicine.

[CDreamer in reply to Bagrat]

It’s what a lot of complimentary therapists have worked with for years but this gives clear evidence of the physiological mechanisms involved & that there is a 2 way process - building a sense of safety with social interaction - the therapeutic relationship - can bring about real change & freedom from fear & trauma.

[SingingT]

Thank you so much CDreamer for this video link. I found it fascinating. It brings together many of my symptoms. Methinks I will take up pranayama yoga again. I would love to think I could come off my Sotalol (perhaps not the Apixaban) by controlling my myelinated vagus. Might go and discuss some emotional issues with a psychologist in order to reduce my tendency towards hyper vigilance. I’ll do anything to gain control lol 😆

[Hidden]

I suspect there is a lot more going on than the Vagus Nerve, although that alone COULD be our afib problems. Here is more on Glands/Nerves:

1). The Sympathetic Nerve INCREASES the heart rate.

2). The Vagus Nerve DECREASES the heart rate.

3). The Adrenal Gland INCREASES the heart rate (with adrenaline).

4). The Thyroid Gland both DECREASES and INCREASES the heart rate.

5). The Hypothalamus Gland produces hormones directing other glands to due stuff.

6). The Pancreas processes sugar, which cause other glands to do different things.

7). To further complicate the situation, when one gland stops working, sometimes another gland will try to pick up the slack.

Plus - there are lots more glands in the body, plus don't forget the organs, which (some) also influence the heart rate.

I am pretty sure the root cause of the heart beating abnormally is the same (or very similar) in all of us. Medications, chemicals, foods etc. can all cause our glands and organs to mis-fire. For me, sugar (and dehydration) are causing some gland(s) or organ(s) in my body to mis-fire, sending mixed signals to the heart - for example, telling the heart to beat fast and slow at the same time. This would explain why a healthy heart sometimes beats abnormally. It also explains why my heart afibs when I eat too much sugar, because the heart does NOT use sugar to contract (uses fatty acids). In our old age, I suspect a gland or organ is not working as it used to, causing afib or other heart palpitations. Unfortunately doctors and researchers don't know what it is (yet). In the meantime we will have to listen to our bodies VERY closely to see what is causing our problems and reduce or eliminate our afib by reducing what triggers it.

This getting old stuff reeks!!

- Rick Hyer.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

And you haven’t yet mentioned trauma, stress and anxiety which affect all that you list.

My problem with research and many doctors is the specialisms. We are starting to get cross disciplinary pollination in some institutions but unfortunately the application of the results of that research for relief of our suffering will post date our demise.

My Gran always said - Youth is wasted on the Young. I now know what she means!