,I'm new to this ,male 56 and would like to share AF experience, been diagnosed with proximal AF for years but lately getting bouts every day sometimes lasting up to 9hrs then ending up in A&E ,and some only lasting 1hr ,take double dose of meds as ordered if bout comes on ,cant find trigger but find I'm always bloated and bouts happen after 6pm or during night may ideas ,starting to feel very low at present and feel quality of life has gone ,dont drink alcohol ,cut out all crap foods ,still go to work, Any feedback would be great full, cheers.
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engineer51
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Just from what you have said I would guess that there could be a gastric element so although you say you have cut out ‘crap’ foods there could be something going on as our gut health affects everything else.
Bloating can indicate things like SIBO which is an overgrowth of bacteria which gets into the wrong part of our digestive system. This can be treated with antibiotics or certain supplements so ask your GP for a test. It’s a breath test - it’s not definitive but sometimes can confirm SIBO.
Improving your gut health with specific advice from a Nutritionist can also help.
The other possibility is this from Dr Gupta of York Cardiology:-
There is also a video explaining Gastrocardiac Syndrome on YouTube youtu.be/zt4Cw-VKIlY
If you do a search you will find many threads on this subject although many doctors still seem to dismiss the idea saying that if you have AF you have AF.
My personal experience is that sorting out digestive issues may not ‘cure’ AF but it certainly can help your general QOL and vastly reduces the length and intensity of episodes.
I also found that posture when eating is incredibly important and generally because if we eat whilst slouched all our internal organs will be compressed so all that napping about sitting up straight at table by our parents and grandparents was spot on…….I hate to admit it though!
Agree with CD. I would also search here for Vagus Nerve.
Be prepared to do a lot of homework on lifestyle changes and don't expect too much support from your GP (in most cases) just raised eyebrows when you mention anything but pills.
Look very carefully at what you eat & drink and stress reduction. For example no alcohol is good but also no fizzy drinks especially tonic water with quinine. No gluten and much reduced sugar is good but don't substitute with supermarket gluten free bread full of nasties.
That was me exactly. Diagnosed Paroxysmal AF 2015 stopped all alcholol two yr ago, I hardly eat in fear of starting af or ectopics, hardly socialised and felt like the walls were closing in. I had a ablation done in March and whilst I feel much better without the Af I still feel low mood most days. I think it is something we have to try and live with. Learn positive thinking helps and look for new things to do and achieve.
Hi My A.F comes on with any Exertion! But even in resting time heart beats 120. If you are sweating with energy drained then it is thyroid related.
Out of kilter because of undiagnosed thyroid cancer, then stroke.
Read up on thyroids and A>F very interesting.
I had hoped after thyroid cancer removed A.F would disappear. But not so.
Latest and after struggling with energy loss over 2 years a went to a privateheart specialist and we are trying Calcium Channel Blocker - start dosage low at 120, reduce beta blocker. It is working for me.
Another person was diagnosed with sleep apnea. He wears a mask to bed.
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Hi everyone, early onset AF and changes in condition. Embarrassingly anxious 😟 
Hi I'm Delle...just joined this afternoon!
