Anxiety and Anxious thoughts/situations as a cause

[JoshGains]

I was in a difficult domestic/relationship situation, which ended a few weeks ago. Since then, the frequency and duration of my AF has declined dramatically. Cause and effect? Beforehand I was deliberating and cogitating as to what to do, and it was causing me a lot of anxiety. I have commitment issues, and now I have less commitment, I feel calmer. Regardless of that, my point is that if one of AF's main triggers is anxious thoughts, situations or states, why is not more being done to look at the neurological causes of it, rather than purely seeking to shoot the messenger (which is basically what ablation is)?

[BobD Volunteer]

There is no doubt that AF is affected by the central nervous system in general and that stress can exacerbate it. Life style changes have in the last few years become an excellent way of reducing AF burden as we recommend here many times. Unfortunately because things like the vagus nerv serve many organs in the body treating AF neurologically is difficult if not impossible where as changing those life style issues allows calming of the system. Well done for doing what you have.

[Hidden]

That’s it.....problem solve, I’ve told the wife to get out of my house. Expecting a miracle cure sometime soon😉

That said, an interesting point, dependent on “Gains & Losses”!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I don’t think it’s a miracle cure you’ll be getting 😂

[Dawsonmackay]

Neurological causes! What? You just diagnosed it and fixed the problem! Seriously though, all of us need to get a handle on dealing with stress, in the present moment. While dealing with stress is stressful, if you pose the question here, you will receive several helpful responses. Just take care of yourself. Know who are your nurturers and hang out with them.

[secondtry]

Yes stress is certainly one of the common triggers, unfortunately the medics are not trained in that area and so I suppose rightly don't stray into casual advice; the same goes for the nutrition trigger red meat, gluten & sugars. I am very pleased I took action independently on all these lifestyle factors. My theory has always been it is not one but a collection of individual personal issues that tip you into AF and therefore only you can take charge of your treatment plan.

[Polly159]

Interesting point. In another post recently I said I was retiring in few months. I love my job, but it is quite demanding including emotionally which I suppose is a stress factor a few weeks ago, like you, my Afib episodes lessened from two a week to none for the past 3 weeks. Also lined up for an ablation in June sometime. I think it does make sense to look at the emotionak/psychological/stress triggers and deal with them. (Sometimes easier to deal with physical rather than psychological, ie diet, exercise etc) but should be tried) problem is, under 'normal' circa ie without afib, I could manage work fine and sometimes 'thrived' on getting stuck into it.

But yes, I agree - the immediate medical response seems to be just that - medical (medicine, procedures etc) with little consideration if the 'stress factor'. Maybe a need, where appropriate to ask our docs about it and also to be aware ourselves.

All the best Polly

[Love100cats]

I'm struggling to differentiate between stress and anxiety! I went through the most stressful time of my life watching my husband of 56 years die in December but my heart was pretty stable all those months But yesterday waiting for the man who clears rubbish to come I had a f and rapid heart beats 100-110. I felt really rough. Today is a very busy day but I have my son here so my BP is low and heart rate is in the 50s. So anxiety affects me and I do get anxious waiting for people to turn up whereas with extreme stress I seem to feel numb. Is that a safety mechanism? Any thoughts?

[Marytew in reply to Love100cats]

You make a really good point – which, now I have read it also seems to apply to me. I went through a hugely stressful time during which my AF appeared not to react. However, things which I know I should class as ‘just life’ e.g. waiting for an indefinitely delayed train (a recent occurrence) do seem to adversely impact on my AF. As you say, could this be a safety mechanism? Also, may I offer my condolences on your loss.

[jedimasterlincoln]

I was expecting you to say the frequency and intensity had gone up since the breakup!

I had a 10 year marriage end in early 2013, moved house same time away from it all and started 12 hour shifts at work in the June of same year. In the August my AF journey started!

The situation earlier in the year, coupled with increased fatigue due to the shifts and drinking a lot of caffiene was all to blame I feel.

[JoshGains]

Well, I agree it is a combination of factors. I was returning from a football match last night (watching not playing) and the AF came back with a vengeance. Total distractions can often help get rid of them - a sudden or unepxected event or something involving me taking focus off myself can get rid of them. Anyway, ablation coming up in about three weeks time. I will report back sometime afterwards.