BACK INTO SINUS RHYTHM WITH A METRONOME

[mirtilla]

I have had paroximal atrial fibrillation for seven years, probably once a month, with HR around 150 for many hours. Over the years I have experimented all possible methods for stopping AF, including electrical tragus stimulation, slow breathing, alternate nostril breathing, swallowing big mouthfuls, vibrating my vocal cords by loud talking . All of them sometimes work, sometimes don’t. But to my great surprise I got today back into SR using a piano metronome. I had read in this forum about “entraining” your heart listening to other people’s hearts.

I wanted to check the method. I used an electronic metronome, because I wanted also a big sound. I think I had bought the metronome years ago around 15 euros. Since by experience I know that when I go back to sinus rhythm I go from about HR 150 to HR 70-80, I set it at 75.

I put it in front of me at maximum volume and with a visual oscillating needle

marking the time (practically all of them have one). I had been for 9 hours in

fibrillation. To my astonishment in half a minute I was back into SR. Not only; since I was connected to a cheap ECG machine (Contec PM10), I noticed that every beat on the metronome corresponded to a peak R on the ECG! Please would a willing colleague repeat the experiment?

[BobD Volunteer]

Sorry mine is Victorian and analogue.

[Hidden]

That's really fascinating! It's absolutely non-invasive and non-dangerous so well worth giving it a try!

[jeanjeannie50]

Thank you for sharing that information. It will be interesting to see if the metronome works every time for you.

Jean

[Jalia]

Wow....interesting! Next time when/if I go into AF or even prolonged tachy then I have a Metronome which I will put to the test and report back!

[marcyh]

Fascinating. I have heard of heartbeats matching drumbeats when music is loud. How did you decide where to set the speed?

[mirtilla in reply to marcyh]

as an average ofmy normal resting rates

[Singwell]

Clever!! I'm going to try it next time. And well done for calculating your average BPM as a guide. Off to buy a metronome. We usually use an App.

[Melchet]

Thanks! I’ll go and sit close to my grandfather clock if AF comes back.When I had WPW some 30 yrs ago, my HR would exactly double going into an episode, then halve when coming out again. I had a diagnosis of WPW for about 10 yrs, then I was diagnosed as having AF. My EP said there was no trace of WPW.

[jeanjeannie50]

I can get Metronome sound on mobile phone. Just did a search for it.

[stoneyrosed]

Just downloaded soundbrenner metronome app on to iphone. Works a treat 👍

[Snowgirl65]

Wow -- I am truly amazed. So glad this worked for you and I'll keep this in mind for any possible, future, let's-hope-not, a-fib episode.

[malaekahana]

Thanks for posting this. It will be in my hip pocket for next time ...

[foxglove1 in reply to malaekahana]

mine too, just downloaded SpeakBeat!

[Herbie_uk]

I recently started AF again 14 months after an ablation. I’ll definitely try this next time I have an episode. I hope it continues to work for you too. Thanks for sharing.

[Threecats]

That’s really interesting, thanks. Will be giving it a go if needed

[nodehopper]

Very interesting... as a musician I have always found that playing my guitar with a strong steady rhythm helps when I feel SVT's. I have also had multiple bouts of paroximal AFib but never tried playing music to shift out, but have always wondered about it. What has worked for me is a steady jog trying to simulate my usual 65 BPM heartrate, but because occasionally my P-AFib can hit 180 to 200 BPM sometimes running isn't safe because at that heart rate I have passed out and usually end up going to the ER. I think the running has a similar effect as the metronome with your body feeling the correct beat and the heart syncing up with it. I am wondering if your experiment would show some additional benefit by hitting a drum along with and in time with the metronome? The combination of auditory, visual and physicality of hitting the drum might be really strong. I haven't had a P-AFib in a couple years (knock wood) but will definitely try this out before heading to the ER.

[Dr-Gohan]

There has been research at UCLA over a decade or two ago that took students with normal hearts through a similar experience.Students/ test subjects listened to a steady beat and their heart rate would automatically follow the machine beat.

Then the rate was moved from the high 70's to 30 BPM.

At 30 bmp, the human heart would return to it's normal bmp.

I don't think this research was looking at Afib patients. However, it is a great idea for a research project. So glad you tried and shared on this forum

Thanks much.

[mirtilla in reply to Dr-Gohan]

Thank you. I am glad it was not a crazy idea. No paper published?

[Dr-Gohan in reply to mirtilla]

I wondered that same question. I read about it twice. This was mentioned in articles found in regular magazines. Not professional or academic publishing.Now I am getting curious to look online. There has to be stuff out there.

[Dr-Gohan in reply to mirtilla]

chegg.com/homework-help/que...

[mirtilla in reply to Dr-Gohan]

Thank you very much.

[Newsjunkie1]

Hi, I’m new here, so I don’t know if I qualify as a “willing colleague” - and I know nothing about most of the things you mention in your post, but I found you all and came on because it had just occurred to me that the reason for my two recent readings of “No A-fib” on my blood pressure monitor could be because for the past two weeks a smoke alarm in my house has been beeping because it needs a new battery.

I don’t know how to replace the battery, and can’t afford to have the handyman come, right at the moment. But it has been oddly peaceful - sounds like the chirps of a bird - I really hardly notice it. Thought maybe that was because I had a pet bird growing up. But maybe it is helping my A-fib!!!

Thanks for being here, and for listening!!!