Hi everyone,
I wondered if anyone could help with this. I have had two fairly bad episodes of AF, both of which have started when I’ve been lying in bed reading a book at night. I wondered if this is just a coincidence, or linked to the fact I’m lying down? Can certain postures affect the onset of AF. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Regards to all.
Thanks.
I'm wondering whether you were lying on your left side ?? This can be a precipitating factor for some people. In saying that I have had fast AF start just reading propped up in bed . I've also had it start in all sorts of seemingly innocuous situations so may just be coincidental.
Since the actual cause of AF is unknown, all kinds of guesses are made as to why it starts or stops. After seven years of noticing my spine is seemingly the reason mine starts and stops, you may wish to see if this may be one of the triggers for you some of the time. And if you do, you may be able to avoid this trigger some of the time.
You can probably not expect doctors to entertain this idea with you. If you can find out with some test or other means that you do have spine issues that affect nerves, you may find a solution to your AF. Unfortunately, this could be a long shot but if you don’t know it could be, you will never consider it and miss the possibility.
Just a guess, but perhaps as you hold your book it could be creating tension in your chest and aggravating your heart. Jean
That sounds like a possibility. Thanks for the advice.
I've purchased one of those tablet/ book supports and definitely improved my heart rate when reading
That's interesting to hear Denise. I think we often unwittingly hold tension in our chests and this can set off AF and what you have said supports this belief. Jean
I agree Jean. Thanks.
Hi, I have also heard full stomach can press on vegal nerves and set of AFib. Laying flat
I have read this too. Also leaning forward whilst sitting in a chair can cause the same thing.
I never go to bed within 3 hrs of a meal. I never sleep on my left side (2 pillows there to stop me rolling over). I consciously take deep breaths if I am going to relax listening to enjoyable music or reading a good novel - as AF can trigger if you move from busy to ultra relax quickly. I also sleep with 3 pillows under my head. Haven't triggered an episode for years.
I have found that lying on my back (or even reclining in a chair) can sometimes cause ectopics and palpitations. This is someothing tomdo with the digestive system I suspect.
Yes could be. Thanks for your response.
Most of the comments, from my experience, indicate spine issues. Since mainstream medical does not consider the back, it is never part of the discussion. And since the cause of AF is not known, to me, it makes sense that everyone is looking in the wrong place. Since our spines change (deteriorate) as we age, perhaps this is the real reason why more older people have AF and why younger people, who spend hours everyday hunched over devices, are getting it as well.
Spines are a challenge to fix, drugs often don’t fix them and heart doctors would have a lot less need to be involved so there is likely not much incentive to explore this possibility and perhaps a better solution. Billions of health care dollars could perhaps be saved.
I was going into Afib at night, did a sleep study and got a Cpap, I’ve not had Afib for almost a year now.
That’s interesting. I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks.
I've had a few episodes in the past when I've been slouching on the sofa watching TV. Jumping up quickly has helped a couple of times, but it usually kicks in straight away. My AF normally starts in bed, when I'm on either side.
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