Afib and smoking

Hi does anyone smoke who has afib would just like to know

[Hidden]

Hi, lifestyle issues have a major impact on AF and these include smoking and alcohol. In the last month you have posted 3 times and they all refer to alcohol and smoking. Although it may not be easy, I think you probably know that these are things which need to be avoided as they will not help any treatment plan succeed. Maybe time for some New Year resolutions....😉. Good luck.

[greatness in reply to Hidden]

what happens if you die tomorrow- you miss out on "goodness". If you live the goodness exceeds your pessimistic attitude to life just because you have AF. Start living and don't give dreary boring advice- usually about yourself.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Fluffy.

I'm not lecturing at all - please don't think I am. I started smoking at about 13 and know how hard it is to stop. The best thing I've ever did is to stop smoking - I know how hard it is.

The simple answer to your question is to quit. It is bad for your heart (regardless of afib) and not a good idea.

It won't be easy (nothing is) but try and nail it. Just every now and then I still get the 'I could kill a fag' feeling even after so long stopping smoking. It soon passes though.

Try your best and quit the habit. Patches and the like might help get over the first two weeks (that was the worse time for me) so worth a Google.

Good luck. It's not easy to do but well worth while for you.

Paul

[Hidden in reply to Paulbounce]

That’s interesting Paul, I stopped smoking when I was 11 - my mum caught me when I was coming home from school and knocked 7 bells out of me!

Eternally grateful!!

[Hilly22]

Hi again Fluffy.

I used to smoke and know how difficult it can be to give up, but I’m so glad I did.

To answer your question, the following is copied from the NHS website ...

“Certain situations can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation, including:

* drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, particularly binge drinking

* being overweight (read about how to lose weight)

* drinking lots of caffeine, such as tea, coffee or energy drinks

* taking illegal drugs, particularly amphetamines or cocaine

* smoking”

I know you weren’t asking for this, but if you do want a few tips on giving up fairly painlessly, please feel free to message me.

[Hilly22 in reply to Hilly22]

Or anyone for that matter x

[Crocoll]

I do, sadly it is very hard to quit.

[Palpman]

After 40 odd years of smoking I started vaping. Been doing so for 9 years. Now I vape nic free 100% vegetable glycerine. I drank every single night for 30 years but then 18 months ago I had to choose between Flecainide and alcohol. Been alcohol free since.

It was all a habit for me luckily.

[Hidden]

I might give vaping a go

[Hidden]

I've also asked people if they take tumeric instead of warfrain not just about smoking and drinking and I've not had a drink for 10 weeks

[Janey1955]

I did until four months ago. Not heavily though. Have now stopped and no it’s not easy. I am vaping but trying to keep it to a minimum. Stopping hasn’t made the slightest difference with the afib but I don’t see how I could continue smoking whilst on a list for an ablation.

It is a health risk overall

The vaping helps

Jane

[HiloHairy]

My smoking experience is very similar to Palpman's.

Smoked for 40 years. Over that period tried hypnosis, shock treatment and pretty much everything else. None of them took. Through vaping managed to quit over 10 years ago by slowly titrating down from 18 mg to 0 mg. Quit vaping about 8 years ago but during the pandemic have picked it up again at zero nicotine and without inhaling. I tend to do it in the evening while drinking in moderation.

I've learned my AFib tolerance for alcohol and as long as I keep the drinking down too two units or less it doesn't appear to trigger afib events.

I wish I could say the same thing about salty meals which appear to be my main trigger. This has made me give up Asian cuisines which were my favorites. I've also given up most processed foods and eat a mostly plant-based diet with three or four oz of fish each day.

How you say in English? BOORRINNG!

[Ianc2 in reply to HiloHairy]

At least you are still here to comment and you will be able to go and look at the wonderful world we live in as as the vaccination program becomes well established. Sounds like you have a reasonable grip on it

[Tomred]

Yes I smoke tried vaping but the thing never left my mouth ended up very breathless so quit vaping unfortunately I still smoke but my mother also had a fib and never smoked she lived to 92 i know i would love to quit smoking but its just so hard never say never

[Dodie117]

I stopped by using the Allen Carr book - mainly changing my mindset - I was not giving up anything, I was regaining my freedom from the slavery of nicotine addiction. I had smoked 30 cigs a day for over 40 years and actually once I looked at it from that angle did not find it too hard. It’s still wonderful to be able to go wherever I like (pre Covid!!) and not have to fret about where I can have my next cigarette.Good luck 🍀

[sdweller]

You should quit, it's simple.