The link to AF

Have PAF for a while. Symptoms are: the pulse going to 80 from the usual 60, frequent urination at night and abdominal sounds (gurgling etc.). Have no comorbidities and, at the moment, take Bisipropol 2,5mg. The question is: Are the symptoms the reason for AF (the trigger) or a consequence?

[CDreamer]

Consequence. AF produces an irregular HR and mine would go from 65-180. Frequent urination is because your heart when in distress secretes an enzyme which instructs your kidneys to remove all salts from the blood - which is why it’s really important to stay very well hydrated at all time with AF and especially in this warm weather. Good idea eat foods rich in electrolytes - I found pure coconut water is good hydration and rich in electrolytes, some buy a drink - available more in the US than Europe. Banana, avacado, tomatoes, lots of greens like kale, spinach etc - all essential.

Take care in this warm weather to keep cool - I’m currently sitting under a ceiling fan.

[Bluesometimes in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CDreamer

I found your comment about AF causing frequent urination very interesting. I have had PAF for 7 years and up to a month ago managed it with Riveroxaban and Flecainide as a PIP. Typically bouts of AF- very symptomatic- became more frequent and tiresome. I have always been pill-phobic but a month ago ater a consultation with my cardiologist I ageed to try a beta-blocker - Nebevolol- and twice daily Flecainide. So far they have made a huge difference to my QOL including sleeping better.

But also the pills seem to have made a difference to symptoms of an overactive bladder particularly during the night. So the idea that a less distressed heart benefits my bladder symptoms is rather cheering.

Do you have any links or references to studies looking at the connection between AF and frequent urination that you could share?

As always much appreciative of your invaluable input to this forum.

[CDreamer in reply to Bluesometimes]

Fibrillating atria produce ANP which causes frequent urination as the body tries to balance salts/water in the body. This is a complicated process - very complicated!

This is an interesting read if you can follow:- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

It is however somewhat technical - jump to the highlights:-

The Highlights Highlights

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a hormone that regulates salt-water balance.

ANP acts in the heart to prevent cardiac hypertrophy.

ANP also regulates vascular remodeling and energy metabolism.

ANP variants are associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

[Bluesometimes in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for this

[Hidden]

Hi,

My comments in sequence ........... Jan 2010 diagnosed with paroxysmal AF in the following months up till around August 2010 I realised that my AF kicked off after I'd eaten my main meal of the day, say, 18.00 hrs onwards.

Long story short, my symptoms were diahorrea, burping, intestinal gurgling and worst of all - massive, painful bloating. It was the bloating that kicked off the AF. I say that because I never experienced all these things together, any one of the four totally at random, thats how I know I can blame the bloating.

Consulted a Nutrionist who advised on diet in the months ahead to Sept 2011 ( roughly). As time went on further by changing and monitoring my diet I have now reduced my AF events to around 3 a year, lasting 3 to 12 hours. At one point I managed to get from April 2015 to February 2018 without any AF at all.

So for me, its a cause. The culprit would appear to be a 'very naughty' vagal nerve. Others may well report variations, some will experience what CD had described and others may see a similarity with me.

Just know one thing - AF is a hydra-headed monster.

John

[secondtry]

Consequence. Important to stop the AF episodes as if left are likely to lead to an increasing trend and the likelihood of two or more ablations. Discuss options with your cardiologist asap, pay privately (if your wallet allows, around £250) to avoid any delays. At the same time make Lifestyle changes as discussed many times here. Good luck.

[lawrencesmith667]

I had atrial fibrillation from Zelboraf, a drug I must take daily for Erdheim Chester Disease. ECD is a rare cancer-like disease, which causes, among other fun things, high inflammation, which causes frequent urination. I discovered that taking ibuprofen before bed could lower my nighttime trip to the bathroom from 4 or 5 to only one. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that ibuprofen can trigger atrial fib. I tried a natural anti-inflammatory, curcumin, which unfortunately causes diarrhea, resulting in more urgent and labor-intensive nighttime visits to the john. Adult diapers?

[Hidden in reply to lawrencesmith667]

Have found out the aspirin can help as well.