A bit disheartened and confused

A little over 2 years ago at age 36 I experienced the first of what I came to find out was an Afib episode (of course, not until after being told I was just having panic attacks by some very unhelpful ER personnel).

This was about a week after a doctor had prescribed me rizatriptan for headaches (not migraines!) and I experienced a bad reaction to it, chest tightness and upper leg pain - I only took it once and it was odd that afib started a week later - but who knows. Could only find out if that's what started afib if I could time travel and not take it!

I saw a fantastic electrophysiologist after being referred by my primary after the first really bad episode in which my heart rate was hitting 240+ BPM at rest. He asked me a lot of questions about timing and eventually decided he believes I may have vagal mediated Afib. I did a lot of research into this over the next 2 years, and tried various things to prevent my episodes. I ended up finding that if I avoided garlic and onions in my diet, and most other fructans, I wouldn't have episodes for many months, until I ate out or accidentally ate something that would upset my digestive system. I went almost 2 years with only 2 bad episodes, and only a few minor ones. Then in August my teenager wanted to learn to cook, so we started off getting some mail order box meals, which meant garlic and onions often came back into our meals. I went with it sort of trying to see if all my avoidance was actually helping. (I LOVE garlic!)

Well I had multiple bad episodes September - October, one in which my heart rate ranged from 170-240 for nearly 2 hours. I made a new appointment with my electrophysiologist. In the mean time, I decided to try something new. After any meal which my body finds offensive, it seems I start getting PVCs. I feel them, then I can see it on my ekg on my watch. This often is a warning sign for me that it could progress to a nasty afib episode. So as a new thing, I started taking simethicone for gas when this happened. I didn't have any episodes after I started this, and I went to my appointment.

I sat there trying to explain this to my heart doctor, but as I told him I felt it was associated with what I was eating, how I could sometimes watch my heart go instantly back into NSR right after going while on the toilet during an IBS episode, etc, he said to me that "you'll always be doing something when an episode happens" and told me afib "rarely has triggers". This left me absolutely confused considering it was he who told me of vagal afib. At the time of the appointment, I had only just tried starting the gas-x that week so I wasn't yet confident to say it aborts every episode. I actually ended up crying for most of the appointment because I felt at a loss - I felt he was wrong and wasn't listening, and confused because beforehand I was sure he would get it considering what he had told me our first appointment. I was expecting a referral to gastroenterologist, and I even directly asked "do you not think a gastroenterologist might help?" he said no they're just going to run tests etc and you'll still have afib, my choices were going to be ablation or I could start taking flecainide DAILY (not PIP), and he wanted me to start taking my atenolol twice a day in morning and evening rather than the 25mg once a day. I still don't understand his change in attitude. I took none of this advice, I still only take one atenolol in the afternoon.

However now it has been 3 weeks since that appointment, I have stopped trying to avoid any food ingredients. Sure enough I get the PVCs when I eat garlic or onions especially - I take a simethicone softgel - a little while later I burp a few times, the PVCs stop, I have no episode. I even had an IBS episode about a week ago - took both simethicone and an anti-diarrheal after a bit of afib started (120-150bpm), and it stopped.

It seems at this point my afib episodes are 100% digestion upset related. Most of the times because I am having trouble burping/eliminating gas, and the air being stuck in my system is what stimulates the vagal nerve? I've even had times where I started getting the warning PVCs, and I would manage to just burp without taking anything, and it would be aborted, but most times I have to take the simethicone to burp. It's weird, it's like something is preventing me from burping sometimes, I'll feel it well up, and then I just can't get it to come out.

I cannot be the only one with this issue. Anyone else realize this and have their doctors listen? I am going to ask my PCP to refer to a gastroenterologist soon, I'd like to know, for example, if I might have a mild hiatal hernia. Since I never had an episode until suddenly 2 years ago and then regularly thereafter, I feel something could have changed in my digestive system. Essentially I find it much preferable to attempt get my digestive issues under control than doing an ablation or taking flecainide on a daily basis. I'd love to hear from any of you who have experienced similar and if you decided to do the ablation and why.

I've read that getting ablation sooner, and while paroxysmal, is more successful. I do worry I am risking a later ablation being less successful.

[Hidden]

I don't completely understand your post Phibber, because if you have the solution to your Afib in your own hands through diet, why wouldn't you deny yourself the pleasure of onions and garlic to be Afib free? Many medical conditions require a change of habits, coeliac disease for example, and people adjust their diets to feel better and to stop causing themselves harm. Could you not consider cutting those permanently out of your diet rather than go through investigations, ablations and drug regimes? I think I'd be aiming to do do that.It's also worth saying that there is no sure cure for Afib, with ablation being the most likely to be offered that has a good chance of success (but not always). Often it's a question of managing AFib as well as you can. I think it might be that your 'heart doctor' is hearing a slightly odd message here too, as if you have rather put the cart in front of the horse maybe?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No, when I tried to tell him I believed garlic and onions and their effect on my digestive system were causing my episodes, he told me afib rarely has triggers. He straight up said to me that "you'll always be doing something when you have an episode" as though I was wrongly associating it with my digestive symptoms. Essentially that I was wrong.

I mean here's the thing, what you are saying is exactly what I tried to tell him. That I would rather avoid foods and/or treat my digestive symptoms than go through surgery or take something like flecainide, and he dismissed my notions that that was a good course of action. That is the point.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

See another doctor. Many doctors now do understand that food and digestion are intrinsically linked to arrythmias in particular.

[mrahbar in reply to Hidden]

It’s called gastro-cardia or Roemheld syndrome, and it’s real. I’m suffering from it as well.

[AussieHeart in reply to mrahbar]

Every time I think I won't open the daily link along comes a gem of information like yours. I can totally relate to these symptoms. I suspect Phibber can too. Thank you as I'm now seeing a gastroenterologist after going through similar BS from cardiac electrophysiologist

[Hidden in reply to mrahbar]

Thank you for this, I have not heard of it. Sorry you are going through it as well.

[Paulbounce]

What to say here Phib. Cetainly avoid foods that you feel may kick off afib.

"No, when I tried to tell him I believed garlic and onions were causing my episodes, he told me afib rarely has triggers. Essentially that I was wrong"

I'm not so sure - binge drinking for example can start afib.

"my heart rate was hitting 240+ BPM at rest"

Ouch - if goes that high again call 999 there and then. No messing about. You really must at that rate. It's impossible to function like that. Please make me the promise you'll do that if your rate goes that high again. You are talking dangerous levels there.

Now the good news. You are young and treatment for AF is getting better every year. You are young enough to benefit from this.

I'm sure it won't - but please though if you hit 240 HR again dial 999.

Have a great evening. Don't panic - you'll be fine. You are young and it will work out for you.

Paul

[Hidden in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank you for the kind words. I try to remain hopeful.

Doc had multiple EKGs from both my watch and my Kardia 6 lead, showing my heart rate hitting that high up and down over and over during my episodes. I tried to ask him if it was dangerous, he told me he didn't believe so. I explained at times it went up to that rate multiple times for more than an hour, that I had horrible burning in my upper back etc during it - and how do I know it is not a heart attack? I asked if that rate could cause me to pass out etc - It seemed he had no advice and just said if I feel I have to, I should call emergency or go to the ER.

When my heart rate hits these levels, afterwards, and straight through the next day I am absolutely wiped out tired, and my resting rate is about 10 bpm lower than normal all day. I told him this as well, he did not blink.

It feels almost as though he was just tired that day and didn't feel like doing anything difficult so was trying to throw surgery and pills at me? I have no idea, but yeah, it was quite upsetting.

[Paulbounce in reply to Hidden]

Phib - Your EP should be able to help with this. I'm amazed this has not happened. Maybe it's worth calling his sec in the morning to try and push it forward ?

Best,

Paul

[Hidden in reply to Paulbounce]

Unfortunately, I am talking about my electrophysiologist. I even directly asked him if I should to have something on hand to abort that high of a heart rate etc. Nope. His suggestion at the end of the appointment, and on my after visit summary was to consider a DAILY regimen of flecainide and possibly ablation.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

See another doctor.

[Buffafly in reply to Hidden]

I am reminded of BobD’s comment- if you go to a carpet salesman he will sell you a carpet. Your EP has a narrow view of his purpose. I believe you are in the US? Why would he have any interest in anything that isn’t profitable to him? Even here many EPs seem to take the view that the whole point of seeing them is to discuss ablation, which is fair enough as that is their skill set.

[Hidden in reply to Buffafly]

It has unfortunately been my experience with nearly every doctor. My current primary is a wonderful lady who came out of retirement a few years ago to continue practicing, but now she is retiring again at the end of the year. She has been the only doctor I've found in the last 10 years that does not seem to have a straight up profit motive and/or throw pills at EVERYTHING. It's near impossible to find anything but now in the US. In ANY field.

Example - I had a 1 cm fibroid on my uterus in an ultrasound a few years ago, I was referred to a gynecologist who included a full hysterectomy on the list of options she gave for treatment. I was 34! 1 cm fibroid! Then she called for follow up to give me the results of a test and I asked if rather than move forward on anything she had suggested, could we repeat the ultrasound in a year or 2 to see if the fibroid has grown. She said she "doesn't recommend that" - that was the end of my relationship with her.

[AussieHeart in reply to Buffafly]

Totally agree with that as after my EP inserted a loop monitor and results showed paroxysmal and strong heart, he seemed uninterested and put me on Sotalol and sent me on my way! I had a really bad reaction to Sotalol so my GP chased the EP to change it after the EP said he didn't need to see me again! My thoughts were I'm not a candidate for ablation so he's not interested!!!!!

[Hidden in reply to AussieHeart]

I'm fairly sure that is where my relationship with mine is going.

[Paulbounce]

Sure Phib. Your EP should know his / her onions. I have no medicial training at all so maybe it would best to follow their advice. Just for the record I found flec spot on. I think it was mistake to take me off it. Ask for small about of beta blocker to go with it to. They may say no but there's no harm in asking.

Good luck.

Paul

[Jonathan_C]

Stop eating the stuff that you know that triggers yours afib. You know your body better than the EP does.

Sound fairly obvious and simple advice to me.

[Shcldavies]

Unfortunately nobody knows, most have strong opinions but the workings of your heart are extremely complex. If you have too much or too little of the key ingredients that make your heat work then it can misbehave in all sorts of ways. The food we eat provides the key ingredients (electrolytes) namely potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium, calcium and others. Other factors such as stimulus from many areas of your body and vagus nerve which carry these stimuli from the different part of your body to your heart are all needed to work in harmony for your heart to work properly. Importantly there is very little research into the holistic operation of the heart so hence no one can say. I can say that the food you eat certainly influences most if not all arrhythmia, knowing what you have too much or little of is far more difficult. You find garlic and onions have an effect on you, what these do to your electrolytes may be a key worth exploring.

[Hidden in reply to Shcldavies]

I do explore my electrolytes as well. I added dietary additions for those things, I drink 8oz coconut water daily, a handful of pumpkin seeds, spinach, and a few other sources of magnesium and potassium. If nothing else, they have helped me stay better hydrated and feel better over all. I definitely notice the difference now when I don't have them.

[secondtry]

Totally agree with others take the matter into your own hands and I would add find a cardiologist you trust as you move forward.

My experience over 7 years and reading this Forum for the same time is the mind, the gastro system, triggers and the Vagus nerve are all central to AF despite what the medics tell you. So back yourself first when it comes to Lifestyle changes.

[Hidden in reply to secondtry]

Thank you, definitely going that route.

[CDreamer]

Just to reassure that there ARE doctors out there who completely get the link between digestion and arrythmias and actually lecture about it. Also check out ZOE as they are doing a lot of research on which foods do and don’t agree with people and have a programme in the States for testing.

youtu.be/zt4Cw-VKIlY(Not working as expected?)

[Poochmom in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for that clip of Dr Gupta. He confirmed my suspicions on the stomach correlation to the heart but he put it in terms easy to understand. I may have a hiatal hernia and I do have reflux. Other practitioners have discussed these possibilities but I finally comprehended it here. I don’t take the “zole” medications, but I do use baking soda which works superbly. As soon as I feel the reflux I do this and after burping feel much better. It does seem to quiet things. So thanks!

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Yes in my 2 years of research I saw quite a few of Dr. Gupta's videos. Great information.

My EP when I went to see him the first time just before the pandemic started, seemed to get the link between gastro/heart, it was him who suggested it to me. That is why I was so confused at my recent appointment. I went in there expecting to tell him what I had discovered about my afib and links to digestion, and to have a discussion about it. Instead he pretty much shut me down.

[seasicksurf in reply to Hidden]

I have done a lot of research into AF causes and triggers as well and think I'm very knowledgeable. I however, have not attended medical school or completed the requisite additional training to qualify me as an M.D. or to make any diagnosis or recommendations for treatment. Similarly, I am not a certified mechanic, so I don't tell the repair shop guy how to fix my car when its not running right.

I find nearly all of the professionals I consult in life, for whatever reason, don't welcome me telling them their business. Perhaps your consultant feels the same?

[Hidden in reply to seasicksurf]

Sure seasick, I get what you're saying. The thing is, I didn't argue with him. The moment I started talking about the links I had made, and he shut me down, I sat there mostly listening and barely asking anything, answering questions if he asked me any - and holding back frustrated tears. So no, that was not this situation at all.

My relationship with docs is difficult. My mom wasn't listened to, they kept blaming her symptoms on IBS, when they finally decided to do the additional tests to find that she had stage 3C ovarian cancer she lived 6 more months and died at 47 - on top of it the oncologist told us at what would be our final appointment with him that he knew when he did her surgery at the start of those 6 months that she was incurable but didn't tell her because he thought she would give up immediately because of her history of depression.

Then my dad didn't trust doctors anymore. He had heart issues for years and refused to see a doctor, and died as he progressed to full blown CHF. He went to the hospital, was in ICU, then a month later died at 57.

So now I struggle between wanting to poke and prod doctors when I know something is wrong, and just not going to them at all.

Having this duality in my head is an unfortunate result of our terrible healthcare system in the US. Perhaps you would feel the same. 🙃

[Visitingcat in reply to Hidden]

Gosh your and your families experiences with doctors has been awful, so sorry you have had to deal with these things.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

Please see my reply to seasicksurf below……

So sorry you have had these experiences.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you CDreamer. I had to pursue through ER personnel basically telling me I was having panic attacks, then the first cardiologist who told me to just "get more stamina", to get the afib diagnosis!

[seasicksurf in reply to Hidden]

Believe me I get it. I’m in the US. After many years of frustration, my primary care doctor is a Naturapath. I chose her because of her patience and sensibilities—and canned my western medicine doc after he prescribed pills to counteract pills that maybe worked for my symptoms, never attempting to treat the cause! Like you perhaps, I felt like he resented my input. Find someone you trust who listens and is focused on treating the cause and will help you stay on course.

All the best phibber.

[Hidden in reply to seasicksurf]

Thanks I will - the office my current primary is in has 2 naturopaths, one of them will likely be my next primary.

[Buffafly in reply to Hidden]

My sympathies, I feel the same!

[CDreamer in reply to seasicksurf]

I cannot disagree with you more. Engaging in an equal therapeutic relationship is NOT telling a professional their business.

Unfortunately it seems that females are often dismissed by male professionals, no matter what their discipline and that has been my experience so personally - if a doctor doesn’t listen to what I say - I seek out a doctor who listens - period! There are numerous studies proving gender bias, especially with heart conditions which present very differently in females.

It’s also very evident there is gender bias within the medical profession. I was recently in a medical seminar with two very eminent professors. The male was introduced as Prof ……….. The female was introduced as S……. B…….. - not even prefix of Doctor!

Thankfully, once I learned to recognise professionals who can only engage in a “I’m the expert - do this” and avoid them I found doctors of all genders that I could learn to trust their advice.

I go with the attitude that I am the expert on me and the doctor is an expert on any condition I engage with to seek advice on treatment plans.

There HAS to be a good working relationship for successful outcomes. When trust is betrayed not only does that relationship fail, it sets up failure for other relationships.

[AussieHeart in reply to CDreamer]

Just want to tell how much I appreciate your input on people's questions. I've learnt a lot from your comments since joining recently.

[CDreamer in reply to AussieHeart]

Thank you, that’s very nice of you. I have learned so much from others on this forum it’s just my way of giving back some hopefully helpful information.

[seasicksurf in reply to CDreamer]

I think I must have hit a nerve there CDreamer. Forgive me. That’s quite the rant.

[CDreamer in reply to seasicksurf]

No not a ‘rant’, just some home truths. I think the fact you named my reply as a rant rather illustrates my point.

Having studied therapeutic relationships and their outcomes and learned from one of the few people with a PhD in the subject, just something I know a little about. Everything I said was based on studies and research.

[Buffafly in reply to CDreamer]

I think they just meant you write passionately 😉

[CDreamer in reply to Buffafly]

You got it in one…..😘

[Singwell]

Hmm. There's a pattern here for sure that links with digestion. You say you have IBS do you know this for sure? You also talk about the burping, gas and presumably digestive discomfort. I'd be heading down the nutritional route regardless of if you need to be on the pills. Are you in the US? If so, look for a good Functional Medicine practitioner who is medically trained and trained in nutrition. We get conditions such as IBS because our gut microbiomes are out of balance. If you ARE vagally triggered in your AF then unhappy microbiomes might be contributing.

Check out Michael Moseley's Clever Gut book, The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast ( scroll through the earlier episodes) and listen to Dr Tim Spector on YouTube talking about our gut biochemistry.

Don't give up.

[Hidden in reply to Singwell]

Thank you I don't know whether it is IBS for sure, which is another reason I want to get to a gastroenterologist and do some investigation. I have assumed it, and questioned it at the same time because it is not consistent. I definitely have what seems like "remission" periods from "IBS" like symptoms.

[AussieHeart in reply to Hidden]

Phibber, I feel you and I are twins. I've experienced pretty much the same symptoms and recently dx with paroxysmal Afib. MY EP is uninterested so now under a gastroenterologist who says can help me. He started off putting me on magnesium which helped some of my IBS-palp symptoms but a recent flare matching your description sent me scurrying back to him. I'm considering doing a patient FODMAP course (monashfodmap.com/online-tra... as like you not medically dx with IBS (yet). Foods really seem to trigger my episodes and often coincide with inflammation event (digestion/pain) that makes me think vagal nerve trigger (sore neck). Or an adrenergic consideration (gut churn above kidneys). I've read The Afib Cure but can't get my EP interested as he just says your heart's strong, you're paroxysmal, hope it doesn't worsen!!!!! I do have a loop monitor inserted so it gives me some peace of mind should anything horrible happen it'll be recorded and able to be recalled for review. I was on Bisoprosolal but now off it and keeping it for a pill in a pocket. This last episode I took it for 7 days trying to calm palps as my symptoms went crazy and I developed diahrrea, usually very constipated. Anything I ate caused stomach upset/migrains/tremor/thirst/overheating. It lasted a fortnight and by the time I got in to see the doctor had settled, doh! He's sent me for a faecal loading x-ray anyway. I needed that scan 2 weeks earlier. I agree with some of the comments here and plan to get a second opinion myself with another EP if my gastroenterologist can't or won't help me! BTW, thought the Gastrocardiac Syndrome info a game changer. I will raise that with my Gastro guy at next appointment. Love this online forum, so informative

[Hidden in reply to AussieHeart]

Monash fodmap info is very helpful, elimination diet is hard but worth it. There are many different fodmaps and I am definitely most sensitive to fructans out of them. I am able to control my symptoms by avoiding what I found to be the worst offenders as much as possible, but garlic often hides in a lot of foods unless you make everything yourself so sometimes I end up eating some anyway so am glad the simethicone has saved me so far in those situations.

This forum is certainly fantastic for information! Wishing you the best in your quest for wellness

[Singwell in reply to Hidden]

That's what I wondered. Your digestive symptoms as described could be a number of things but most likely it's about what you eat and the current health your gut microbiomes. Many of the chronic digestive issues we get such as 'leaky gut' , irritable bowel, acid reflux and maybe even diverticulitis are all signs of gut distress. Pills do not fix these, just mask the problem. I had appalling acid reflux and - I suspect - a sliding hiatus hernia. The latter really kicked off when I started taking Diltiazem. I started looking into nutrition, have the acid reflux under control without meds and the hernia is behaving itself. I still have AF but my well being is higher due to these changes and I'm able to enjoy food again. Speaking from experience, it's easy to start taking things out of your diet without understanding the underlying issues and without understanding food chemistry. That's why I'd be heading for good quality nutritional advice in your case. As an example, I started eating less meat but didn't realise that all the legumes I was eating are FODMAPS and that these were making my digestion worse. If you're getting a lot of gas pressing upwards from the gut then look up FODMAPS. Main thing though is to heal, not just eliminate. Obviously this is just personal share but if it helps?

[Visitingcat]

Does the simethicone help with trapped wind in your chest? I never tried it as I thought it was for wind lower down causing cramps.

l haven’t had the trapped wind cause an af episode but last time I got stuck in persistent afib, just over two years ago, it was the worst symptom I had. It caused a horrible feeling of pressure in my chest and I would be sat on the edge of the sofa with my hands gripping like claws desperately wanting to burp and be unable to.Like you said it was like a ball in my chest.

Sometimes eating something helped but was frightened of eating in case it made it worse. My gp gave me omeprazole when I told her I was taking loads of antacids but a few months ago I had to stop them as I was getting constant runs with them.

I was waiting to see a cardiologist, supposedly urgent referral but nothing happening, my heart rate was constant 130 but went to 160’s every time I moved about. I felt terribly disabled and could not even stand at the sink and wash up without bringing this feeling on. I actually went to a and e as I felt so ill and they tried various drips to bring my rate down, unsuccessfully unfortunately. The nurse looking after me said it was my heart causing these symptoms not indigestion and was noticing ventricular tachycardia on my read outs. They kept me in overnight and I saw their lovely consultant who set arranged a cardioversion as soon as possible but it was another 6 miserable weeks before I had it done.

Recently though I’ve had the trapped wind feeling a couple of times when not in afib and find that a bit disturbing. I was given a different brand of flecainade which sent my reflux symptoms mad until all my pills felt like they were sticking in my throat or sat on this ball of gas and would not go down.

Stopped them and went on my next box of usual flec and it mostly cleared up over a fortnight.

I dread afib coming back and having these symptoms again. On 50 mg of flec twice a day to hopefully prevent it and had one short 4 hour episode recently which thankfully self reverted.

[Buffafly in reply to Visitingcat]

I have the ‘ball’ feeling but it is angina caused by my heart not being able to keep up with demand.

[Visitingcat in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks for your answer Buffafly, my gp always said it sounded like angina and she prescribed isosobide dinitrate which seemed to help a lot. Most of the others I’ve seen said it should show up on my echocardiograms and it doesn’t. It shows severely enlarged left atrium and I also have mild leaking valves

The EP I saw after my successful cardioversion and after stress tests also said not and stopped the isosobide, nothing said to me just a letter to gp and a copy to me. I felt a bit nervous to come off but it didn’t seem to make a difference when not in afib.

I was a bit upset to start getting those symptoms when not in afib as I was sure it was that which caused them. I’ve taken kardia readings and they looked perfect to me.

My gp has arranged another echo is I told her I’m getting out of breath very quickly now when walking anywhere. Couldn’t say when it would be though.Also agreed when I asked to drop my bisoprolol from 7.5 to 5.

[Buffafly in reply to Visitingcat]

Mine is artery spasm so doesn’t show up without a special type of angiogram. When I asked my cardiologist why I get angina although no sign of coronary disease he just said ‘lack of capacity’ which would fit your situation.

[Visitingcat in reply to Buffafly]

Would anything show on a kardia at the time do you think, the readings I took looked fine. What do you think he meant by “lack of capacity”? Sorry if it should be obvious to me.

[Buffafly in reply to Visitingcat]

No I don’t think so, not sure. I took it to mean, as I said before, that my heart couldn’t keep up with demand, maybe general lack of fitness a factor. In ‘real’ angina the arteries are blocked by gunge but in Vasospastic angina they are blocked by spasms. There is also a similar condition called microvascular angina - you can look them up on BHF to see symptoms. On the other hand, you could just have a hiatus hernia or plain old gas ☺️

[Visitingcat in reply to Buffafly]

I definitely qualify for the unfit part but the more breathless I get the less I can walk. I had a quick look at the spasms, that’s rotten that you have to deal with that.

[Hidden in reply to Visitingcat]

Yes I have a feeling like something is welling up, like a large bubble, or ball. If I manage to burp it immediately goes away. I actually had not been associating it with gas for awhile, because it would coincide with PVCs which I feel very prominently (confirmed with my EKG watch). So I just felt it was sort of a tensing of muscles, or a "sinking feeling in my stomach", or something? I have no idea but for almost the entirety of these last 2 years I did not notice that I was having difficulty burping. The simethicone does 2 things in my understanding, it helps prevent the formation of bubbles, but also if there already are bubbles, it breaks the surface tension so that the smaller ones combine and form a larger bubble that is easier to burp up. This has been my experience. I have times when I can burp just fine on my own, but whenever I feel it is getting stuck a bit, after I take some simethicone I am finally able to burp.

[Visitingcat in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I will defo give it a try and will also try the baking soda in water mentioned below (not at the same time though). I don’t know what to think now though wether it is heart related which it seemed to be when in a fib or reflux when I’m not, I’ve taken kardia readings when I had this recently and they looked fine. I wonder what made your doctor change his mind, it sounds like you had it worked out really well. If I could avoid these symptoms by avoiding some foods I definitely would.

[Hidden in reply to Visitingcat]

I found this wonderful roasted garlic olive oil that does not contain fructans but still gives you the garlic flavor. Fructans don't go into oils, only water, so they are able to infuse flavor into the oil without it being present. So at least I can still have that!

[Visitingcat in reply to Hidden]

Oh how great that you have found something you can still enjoy : )

[Singwell in reply to Hidden]

I was going to suggest you roast your garlic if you like it. Makes it more digestible and anyway is delicious. I roast a whole bulb, skin and all and then put the remainder in the freezer ready for further use.

[Singwell in reply to Visitingcat]

Trapped wind in chest is a sign of carbon dioxide released during the digestive process pushing up on the lower oesophageal sphincter and getting through. I had this till I addressed my acid reflux problems with diet. Now it hardly every happens

[Visitingcat in reply to Singwell]

Thank you, diet for reflux is something I definitely need to look into.

[stoneyrosed]

I have been taking Lansaorozole for acid reflux for over 20 yrs, my digestion has suffered ever since. Five years ago I started with the afib, like you I felt I couldn’t burp and when gas was trapped I would get the pvcs ectopics etc.. Drs wouldn’t really say there was a link and eventually I had an ablation early this year. For me, digestion problems are definitely a link to afib so I would stick with your regime, but if offered an ablation take that too.

[Windlepoons]

I have exactly the same symptoms regarding wind. Mine seem to start late afternoon with a loud bubbling noise and a very uncomfortable feeling of trapped wind going round in circles. It's really hard to shift it and I too had wondered about whether I have a hernia. There is usually a bad bout of wind before my AF episodes and/ missed heartbeats. It's not pleasant and I feel sorry for you as I know what effects rogue digestive issues can cause.🤔🙂

[Hidden in reply to Windlepoons]

Yep, mine are always late afternoon or early evening when it starts (usually with PVCs) then later in the night I get full blown afib. Though I've had it hit me while cooking dinner a few times (probably from whatever I ate for lunch) feeling unsteady and had to sit on the kitchen floor with my heart rate going haywire. It is definitely not pleasant, I'm sorry you go through it as well. Did you ever explore whether you had hernia?

[Windlepoons in reply to Hidden]

No I didn't explore the hernia theory. I just try to get by and avoid the NHS at the moment! It's not pleasant dealing with AF but I have found you get used to it after a few years as the terror wears off to a certain degree. I have recently tried Rennie's Deflatine for the wind when it's particularly bad. It seems to calm it down but I try not to take it very often.

Good luck with sorting out your AF symptoms.🤗

[Bluseman]

Hello PhibberLots of detail in your question, but like you I’ve always felt that my AF is caused by stomach issues, I’ve had an Endoscopy, Pancreatic MRI, which all thankfully didn’t show anything untoward, and seen a Gastroenterologist Privately of whom never really got to the bottom of the unpleasant feeling I get just under my Breastbone in my stomach, and continuous Nausea, but the one thing the Gastroenterologist did suggest is a SIBO test, Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth, and this also tests for IMO, Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth, the IMO produces an excess of Methanogen (Gas) in you intestines, not sure if any of this is significant to you but I didn’t even know SIBO existed, I had the test and was Negative for SIBO, but Positive for IMO, and was put on a course of Strong Antibiotics, but like you, when having an AF episode I feel as though I want to Burp but it won’t come out, hope you feel better soon. John.

[Hidden in reply to Bluseman]

Did the antibiotics help? Yeah I mean, I definitely want to get to a gastroenterologist and see what we find. I've never been diagnosed, I've almost avoided it. My mom was diagnosed with IBS and unfortunately it helped facilitate her docs dismissing her symptoms which turned out to be terminal ovarian cancer by the time they listened.

[Buffafly]

Your doctor is wrong! He believes the way to get rid of AF is an expensive and sometimes risky, not always successful procedure. No need to argue, you know what to do. Some lucky people can recognise triggers though it’s not always helpful if it is something you can’t influence much.

[Poochmom]

I have the same thing with some foods. I can’t eat pizza, tomatoes or anything with tomato in it, along with some others. It always causes an episode. I was adviced by my naturopath not to take the acid reflux meds because it eliminates acid which is necessary for digestion. I take half a teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water when I feel the reflux and it helps immensely! Baking soda neutralizes the acid rather than eliminating it. Every time! I always knew that the stomach and heart are connected but watching Dr Guptas video above confirmed it in detail. Best of luck to you!

[Visitingcat in reply to Poochmom]

Thanks for the baking soda tip, next time the reflux flares up I will try that 🙂

[Windlepoons in reply to Poochmom]

Baking soda is known as bicarbonate of soda in the UK, in case anyone thinks it's baking powder which isn't a good thing to take as it's a raising agent!🤔😁 Probably end up with more wind lol. I agree Bicarb is good for settling wind.I'm also trying making my own alkaline water by adding slices of cucumber and lemon to filtered water and a squeeze of lemon juice. I'm noticing I get a lot less wind when I drink that in the afternoon. It tastes nice too.☺️

[Jimmy37]

The vagus nerve is a long nerve from your brain to your belly, damage or interfered with can cause intestinal problems. Your best best bet is to find some method to stimulate the Vegas nerve, breathing exercises are just one of many.PS received a av node ablation for af 4 months ago no more at. Good luck

Jim w

[fibnum]

I have experienced the same connections between stomach gas and afib and watched my doctors roll their eyes when I try to talk about it. I also have celiac disease and am avoiding gluten, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks along with gas inducing cruciferous vegetables. I still get some gas, but if I am successful at keeping the stomach gas from encroaching into my upper chest at night by sitting up in bed, walking, burping, sipping water and taking Gas-X and Pepto Bismol, I have been able to dodge the attacks of afib. If I eat the wrong thing, I sometimes lose the battle. It is baffling that doctors do not listen and seek to help afib patients with these experiences get professional guidance. We have to figure it out for ourselves and make our own plan of prevention!

My only other trigger is lack of good oxygen from sleep apnea or forgetting to breath well during the day while sitting. I have dealt with that by sleeping with my head elevated and turned to the right while sleeping and taking deep breaths when I feel any heart palpitations during the day.

Best of luck with your battles with gas and afib!

[NoSalt4me]

just joined and saw your post about gas x keeping you from episodes. I have had afib on/off for 12 years. I get shocked back into rhythm at times, had 2 ablations. I have also learned there are so many different types of afib depending on what (causes) the onset. It can be electrical or a leaky valve. I had the latter and had an ablation to burn around that valve and then scar tissue forms and helps to seal that valve. I had good success after this and was in sinus rhythm for about 5 years. Then I went back into afib and it was determined that another ablation be done but this time to burn the cells in my upper chamber tgat are sending signals to my heart to beat faster and irregular.., I gues some cells can start to give signals meant for other cells and this causes afib and rapid heart beat. After the second ablation (about 3 months ago I have been to the ER twice and admitted once with congestive heart failure. I think Cardiologist and Drs in general no longer diagnose, they just treat symptoms and throw meds at them (all with their own side effects some of which include liver and kidney functions). Anyway I was told at the hospital that I still had afib bit also had Supra Ventricular Tachycardia… I had never heard of this till then. My thought is I NEVER had that before this second ablation and ended up worse than when I was just in afib. I am better now after a few shocks and med adjustments… yes I am afraid to stop taking the meds prescribed just for fear of going into SVT again. I can’t provide a definitive answer because everyone is different and certain other treatments like taking gas x when you feel an episode coming on but I say if it helps, do it. I really think Drs are as clueless as we are.

[Buzby62 in reply to NoSalt4me]

Hi, NoSalt4me for your info, you have replied to an old post, not a problem usually but when the original poster leaves the forum they display as “Hidden” and won’t be responding to your reply but others might.

Welcome to the forum, here is a link to all the patient resources on the AFA website

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Once in that site you can also navigate from the Menu button at the top.

Best wishes