Does anyone get attack’s of AF when they are especially anxious? I normally get one every three weeks for about 36 hours, but lately I have been very stressed about a family situation and it comes on more often and I also am very breathless. I would be grateful for any advice. Liz
Anxiety and AF.: Does anyone get attack... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Anxiety and AF.
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sewingscissors
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Hi Liz.
Stress and afib can be bed mates. Breathing exercisies can help you relax a little - worth a Google.
I've been thinking about putting a post on here for a few months now - but it might be a bit controvaersial. Maybe it's not the best idea although it's likely to have been covered before. I most likely won't though although it ticks some boxes for me.
Try to get as much rest as you can and sleep well. For sure check out relaxing breathing exercises to relax.
It's tough times for us all at the moment. I'm sure things will improve for you soon.
Good luck.
Paul
Thank you Paul. I appreciate you advice and will try to do relaxation and breathing excercises more regularly, because I know they have helped in the past.
All the best
Liz
Paul, put your post on the forum for us to read please. It's sometimes refreshing to read something a bit different. Don't forget it's only your opinion and your entitled to think what you want.
If you want to put it by me first, then please do. Waiting to read your new ideas now.
Jean
Hi Jean.
OK - I'll draft it out and put the post up. It wont be for a few days now - as guess what - I'm having a few days break at the moment. In Blackpool of all places ! Eating a staple diet of chips / mushy peas and gravy isn't really a good idea with afib problems. Still I really need a break and my travel plans this year have totally gone to pot.
I hope you are OK and doing well.
Best,
Paul
Look forward to your post. All ok with me. Blackpool -hope that's not one of the areas with the high covid rates?
Sure Jean. I'm holed up in my hotel at the moment. I can say I'm about the only person following social distancing I've seen so far. No one seems to be following government guidelines. A few are but not many.
TBH I think I would have been safer going to Golden Sands in Bulgaria. I can stay in the higher ground there and be much safer. It's the flight that worries me most.
I just needed a break and Blackpool is only a few hours from staffs. Still it's done now and the lake district is only a short distance away - who knows where I'll go next. I have my passport with me - it's unlikley I'll travel abroad this year.
Who knows though 
I love my travel and may just take my chances. I won't put anyone else at risk but I love my adventure and experiencing new cultures. It's my enjoyment and very important to my life.
Paul
Hello Paul. I am 'voyeur' of this forum which I find so helpful but I rarely post! Your comment about your travel adventures has spurred me into action though! You wrote....'I love my travel and may just take my chances. I won't put anyone else at risk but I love my adventure and experiencing new cultures'. I am a fit and healthy 51 year old paroxysmal and sometimes persistent AFer of around 3 years. Travel has been my passion over the years but since developing AF my thoughts on travel have changed. I dread the thought of being somewhere and ending up needing medical attention...the thought of being 'off the beaten track' (which I previously loved) and having an AF episode just scares the heck out of me! How do you cope with these thoughts (or don't you have them)? I've even considered hypnosis to try and get the worm out of my head which so messes with my travel plans! Thanks for any advice you (or anyone) can give.
Hi Fizzio.
It is a concern but I put it at the back of my mind. I always carry my PIP with me and get some comfort from knowing it's there if needed.
Try a 'local trip' to start with so you can soon return if needs be. Once you start to relax then consider a longer flight.
I haven't let afib put me off my travels - it can do one. The twice it returned since my CV was when I was abroad after little sleep. A flec soon put it right although I was on edge for a few days.
It's more the Covid thing this year that's put me off. However I enjoy my travel to much to do the same next year. Que sera, sera !
As fun as Blackpool might be it's not quite the same as experiencing new cultures - although with some folks walking around here you might say it is a different culture altogether !
Paul
Thanks Paul. Yes it really is a mind over matter thing - I'll keep honing my skills in that area! We've booked to go to Majorca next summer (covid permitting!) but I've secretly checked out the quality of the health care on the island!! Will take it one step at a time and maybe leave Costa Rica until I'm a bit mor confident!! Enjoy Blackpool - years since I've been there and as you say - quite a culture shock!! Take care and stay safe.
Fizz wrote
" Yes it really is a mind over matter thing - I'll keep honing my skills in that area"
100% Fizz - beat afib - don't let it beat you
Majorca is only about 2 and a half flight time. You can soon get back if needs must - keep that in the back of your mind although I'm sure you'll be fine. Make sure you take extra med's and a prescription just in case of a lock down and you run out.
One other thing worth noting - check any med's are the same. I travel to Bulgaria a lot for business. You can only get slow release flec there now by law. They are no good to me if I need to take an extra one as a PIP - I need the instant hit for it to work. Make sure you have a good supply from the UK - take extra just in case.
Go / enjoy and forget about afib. I think it's the Covid business that might affect any travel plans.
Yes Blackpool is a bit of a culture shock (no offence to anyone who lives there). Most of the tourists completely ignore social distancing and government regulations - I wouldn't be surprised if there is a total lockdown here before long.
Macdonalds are doing well out of it though. During the half price food days there a queue a mile long to get in - they are packed in eating half price Big Mac's !
It's a disaster waiting to happen - watch this space
Enjoy your weekend.
Paul
Try taking the tram to Fleetwood. It’s quiet there and a good fishing museum to go around.
Thanks Mike.
I'll follow your advise and do that - it's quite a few years since I went to Fleetwood and it sounds like it might be right up my street.
I like quiet and laid back so it's something to look forward to. Thanks for your suggestion.
Paul
Paul. The tram ride is quite nice. They are all new and a super ride. Fleetwood was a big fishing port at one time.
Hi again Paul. Yes please do put up your post. I would be really interested and there is nothing wrong with a bit of controversy! I feel a lot better after all the kind messages.
Enjoy Blackpool.
Liz
Jean ... no longer true! I am forever in “trouble” because of my strong opinions ... better to remain neutral and boring ... two family members are upset with me because l suggested that they dare not go out and protest during these “peaceful “ protests. What happened to freedom of speech?
Hi Jan, I love to hear the opinions of others. Sometimes they don't sound right at the time they're given, but can later. What I don't like is people insisting that what they say is right, they must allow us to disagree (without both sides getting stroppy).
Probably political ... Don’t do it ... I was kicked off of one forum here as well as Nextdoor ... a forum in our local neighborhood ... for some reason people cannot stand differing opinions these days and consider it being “mean” rather than intellectual intercourse?
Im certain there I a link between stress ,anxiety and AF. I'm sure it was stress as the major factor is starting me off!
As Paul has said ,breathing exercises,visualisation,doing something you enjoy( gardening,hobbies music etc) also helps xxx
Thank you so much Wilsond for your help. It is so reassuring to hear from other people who understand. This is an amazing forum and I will definitely take your advice.
All the best
Liz x
I’m not sure I can give advice but I certainly feel for you, I had my first major episode of AF while my husband was waiting to go into hospital for a very dangerous operation. There was a physical trigger - a nasty virus - but I am sure the ‘pressure cooker’ feeling I had all the time was a factor. I would check your blood pressure though as I am sure mine was way up and that provokes AF as well.
Best wishes 🦋
Thank you Buffafly. That is very helpful. I know what you mean about the “ pressure cooker “ feeling. That is exactly what I had last night. Tonight I am to read a lovely book and then do breathing excercises to try and still the AF and worried thoughts!
Best wishes Liz x
Reading a good book can really help you relax Liz. Doing the breathing exercises helps too. It can focus your mind away from AF and can help you relax.
I'm not sure if I read the 'right books' to help me relax at night, At the moment I'm reading 'Razor Smith' - A few kind words and a loaded gun. I don't recommend it if you need a 'chill out' book at night.
Wil wrote
"breathing exercises,visualisation,doing something you enjoy( gardening,hobbies music etc) also helps"
Perfect advice - just perfect.
Best,
Paul
Thank you Paul. I have just had the best night in ages, thanks to all you lovely people. Anxiety still there, back in SR for the moment and coping better. Have planned a relaxing day ahead with my lovely husband, cat on lap( cat not husband !) and gentle, calming book. Not sure about your choice of book!
Take care
Liz 🙂
There have been so many responses you don't really need one from me, but stress is a major trigger for me. But what is strange is that quite often the attack happens the day after the reason for stress is over. I'm a great believer in deep breathing, conscious breathing or whatever. I have staved off attacks - at least temporarily. But if it's going to happen, it will. An example of a delayed reaction attack was when my husband cut his hand on a bottle. We were miles from anywhere and although my son in law was a saint and dealt with it all, I was obviously distressed. My husband was in hospital for two days. I breathed my way through the time and felt slightly smug that I'd had no Afib. Then he came back and boom! It's as if the heart has a memory.
Thank you so much for replying Katie. It is such a help to know how other people cope. But you are helping me in a very special way. I am reading your lovely books . I find them perfect for my present mood. Thank you so much. They take me away from all the Corona anxieties and my poor granddaughters really serious OCD with its attendant fears. I am now relaxing on a barge! Thank you.
Liz x
Oh! I am so glad to be able to help in a very slightly practical way. I find the right book to read is helpful and I store up tv programmes to watch when I have an attack in the night. Then I can think of the Afib as an excuse to watch my favourite programmes (Escape to the Chateau mostly) and not as a horrible thing to endure. Although it is always that. Love, Katie -
Hi Liz....yes I have the same problem, I like you have social problems, and whilst I had a reasonably successful catheter ablation last year, stress and anxiety have brought AF back with a vengeance. So I know where you are coming from. I too do breathing exercises,to help me cope with a recently diagnosed husband with Alzheimer’s. My doctor has put me on anxiety medication and it does help, but doesn’t stop the stress with AF,at least not so far. So seek your GP’shelp if you need too.
Thank you so much for replying. I am due to see my doctor about blood test results very soon and will talk to her about the anxiety. I am not too happy about the video and telephone apps which seem likely to stay. I am so much happier talking face to face, but there we are. All the best, Liz x
Since my ablation last year, I only now get ectopic beats, thank goodness (and long may it continue!); but I would feel sure that anxiety is a cause of arrhythmias, including afib. I have a theory from a doctor who I once say that my own anxiety affects my digestion, perhaps even making me subconsciously tense up slightly and perhaps gulp more air and distend my stomach, which then pushes up against the diaphragm and the heart, irritating it in some way.
Steve
Stress is a common suspect as an AF trigger. I had plenty including family and when AF came I decided to ditch not one but all areas of stress, which involved avoiding somethings and changing myself for those I couldn't influence. It can be done, nothing is more important than your health and 'on the other side' it really isn't bad in fact quite liberating!
Massive link in my opinion especially if you can't really pinpoint any physical cause for the AF. Anything that counteracts modern life helps, personally I think 'autogenic training' helps as it's about learning to control your body's physical response to stress.
Andy
Yes. Alcohol triggers it too and it can come on for no apparent reason. I have always suffered in various guises with social anxiety so a night out is tricky even on soft drinks. As an example though during lockdown I took my dog a walk into a field that appeared to have nothing in it but over the horizon walked 40 cows I was really really frightened and that brought on a severe attack. So yes I think there is a link
Jane
Do you take a magnesium supplement? I had a period when I was getting attacks of anxiety for no apparent reason. Since I have started taking magnesium regularly (100mg magnesium taurate 3 times a day with meals) they have stopped. At the moment I am pretty stressed by the arthritic and tendonitis pain I am suffering and not knowing when I am going to get the operation due to covid - especially as I am having to limit the painkillers due to side effects. This makes me a bit depressed and weepy but no anxiety attacks. My afib attacks have been more frequent this year - 4 so far after none in 2019 but strangely they are less intense and even they don't make me anxious as they used to.
Thank you. No I don’t take Magnesium but will definitely look int it. Liz
I was very stressed about family members, and now have an episode ongoing for 6 weeks,I am sure the stress caused it. I am taking Clonazepam ,it calmed me down, but am still in an episode, medications has my rate controlled, but praying my heart will go back into sinus node.
Stress, can certainly set my heart off. It did when my daughter got married and I had to face my ex husband. I no longer watch upsetting or scary things on t.v. either. The other night I started to watch a programme re 9/11 and just felt so stressed and upset I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep that night and had to turn it off. Will watch it one afternoon as I think we all need to be aware of the horror of that dreadful day.
I've cut people out of my life because they cause me anxiety and feel so much better for doing that. Do your family realise how the situation is causing you to become stressed?
The breathlessness - I think that's just caused by our hearts not beating correctly and there's not really a lot we can do about it, other than try taking deeper breaths.
Jean
Anxiety only made my attacks worse when they first started. I was prescribed Valium to help me deal with it.
The Digoxen and Quinidine I took for many years only made me feel worse, have more attacks and become more anxious about everything in life. For a long time I was unable to drive in the middle lane on a freeway, just in case I had an attack and could not exit. I was afraid of having an attack while trapped in an elevator, so no elevators and I would not fly for fear of being trapped on a plane in while in A Fib. I drove everyone around me nuts.
With many years of having a PIP that I know works quickly, every time, has eased that anxiety completely.
When I got my new prescription for Flecainide in June the doctor asked if I wanted a prescription for Valium. I declined and told him that I had not taken it in probably 10 years.
I have not had an A Fib episode in 19 months, but I still keep a supply of fresh Flecainide with me, just in case. Without it, my anxiety would probably soar. In fact, I was very anxious leading up to my appointment in June with my new cardiologist. I was afraid he would want to use a different approach to treating me and would not give me the prescription for Flecainide with lots of refills too. Thankfully, he was up to speed on my case having reviewed 34 years worth of medical records and he had spoken to my recently retired cardiologist about my case.
I use to be on that rollercoaster of often and long AF sessions. Mine would always start in my sleep. I was put on fecinide , meteprolol and xaralto. 100mg of flecinide 2 times a day. I get an AF session every 7-9 months that last 3 -4 hours. The intensity of AF is also less. I know some like to avoid pills but It's made my qol better. I don't have the anxiety of when it's going to hit again.
Try the mindful videos. Very good and relaxing. This is an excellent one youtube.com/watch?v=6p_yaNF...
Yes this happens to me alot and with stress my AF normally lasts between 8 and 24 hours I do breathing exercises and take fleckamide as a pull in the pocket only when in AF sometimes it goes when I pinch my nose and close my mouth and breath out very heavy breaths three sometimes works I do this first before I take my fleckamide I get a warning with my AF I need to pee more this is a tell tale sign with me. Hope some of this has helped 🙂
I don't think anyone above has said this, but stress is not only a mental process it's also physical. Stress releases adrenaline and cortisol - stress hormones- and when you don't use them up by flight or fight, then they circulate and cause inflammation. Inflammation causes AF and affects any other weak points in your body.
I feel anxious when I'm in AF.
When you are anxious, the physical symptoms are: Pounding heart, breathlessness, almost fight or flight. Well these are also how I feel in AF. What I'm trying to say is AF makes me feel the physical symptoms of anxiety first which then leads to the mental symptoms and actually being anxious... not sure if I've managed to get this across and enable people to understand what I mean...
Yes it's a vicious circle. The AF can happen without anxiety too, but the pounding heart feels like stress, which generates anxiety and all those stress hormones kick in.
That is very helpful. It is good to know what is going on in the body, not just accept it. You explained it very well. Thank you.
Best wishes
Liz
Forgot to say also that a consultant said last week to me that Anxiety affects the parasympathetic nerve system which can lead to AF if you are susceptible.
That is really interesting and has given me more food for thought. Thank you Coco .
Best wishes Liz
Yes I do too. I also get very dizzy and get a pain in my back after an attack I find drinking water helps.
My cardiologist always tells me AF isn't the killer but stress is. He doesn't give me any tips for getting rid of stress though. Perhaps listening to relaxing music, meditation, breathing exercises might help. Try to go in a quiet room on your own to practice them is possible. In an ideal world................... Hope you will be feeling much better soon. XX
Thank you so much for replying. This is an amazing site. So many people want to help. My stress levels are high at the moment due to my lovely Grandaughter having very serious mental problems resulting from OCD and of course it’s such a worry for the family. But I am trying hard to control the anxiety by breathing techniques, relaxation and reading nice calming novels, which take me into a temporary safe world, away from Covid and scary thoughts.
All the best to you and take care.
Liz x
,
This forum has helped me many times. Doctors have their part to play for us all but other sufferers just know what you mean. I have an autistic grandson with OCD, so I feel for you. Take good care of yourself. XX.
Afib kicks off adrenaline and related heart hormones, and lives next to anxiety ( anxiety without the emotional start but all the feelings). Anxiety can kickstart afib, I’ve had both together and each separately. I had increasing afib for 12 years and now I’m 3 weeks post ablation with no Afibs but feel the palpitations like my heart is trying to get to afib. Yeah, you have heard this before, relax w the anxiety and whatever your EP says w the afib.
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