Underlying heart condition (coarctation of aorta) with AF

[mrhappydays]

Hi

I wonder if there is a link here? I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter (don't think they know) about 2 years ago. I also have an underlying heart condition where the aorta was narrowed (coarctation), and corrected via open heart surgery when I was 11 (I'm now 63). However heart consultant has kept an eye on me for years, particularly as I have a bicuspid aortic valve (most people have a tri cuspid one), and this can wear out in older age ( slightly leak for years).

The condition is genetic, and 2 of my nephews (both much younger than me) have a similar heart issue (without the AF). I'm trying to see if there might be a link between coarctation of the aorta and risk of developing AF (the nephews look to me as the 'bell weather' of the future for them).

Might be barking up the wrong tree here but thought I'd ask - Does anybody have similar circumstances in their health?

Thanks in advance.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think you are. One is a mechanical (plumbing) problem whilst the AF is electrical and in a completely different part of your heart.

[mrhappydays in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I was thinking as aorta is congenital, is there a link with the abnormal tissue inside the heart causing AF ? My daughter has a much more severe heart issue ( hypoplastic left heart syndrome) where the left side didn’t form . As it’s genetic related ( my side of family), I was exploring whether my conditions were caused by different heart abnormalities.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Mrhappydays.I can't answer your question - simply because I don't know. I can answer this though. With your user name and postive outlook you will do well. You won't fail. Good on you.

All best.

Paul

[mrhappydays in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul . I see a silver lining in everything ( even my current condition has got its benefits …. Mandy helps me cut the lawn! 😃)

[Ppiman]

Going only from what I have read, the connection could be that if the mechanical issues you have increase the pressure in the left aorta, stressing it more than normal, this might create the conditions for the cells in it to stretch and become arrhythmogenic. This cellular change seems to be what happens when AF occurs. I was quite surprised to read also that once heart cells change in this way, they cannot repair or replace themselves.

Steve

[mrhappydays in reply to Ppiman]

Very interesting, Steve

[mav7]

Hi Happy

I have moderate aortic stenosis and also have interest in the subject. Below are studies.

More are available if you google "aortics stenosis afib".

Aortic stenosis has not affected my quality of life, thus far (75). But it seems to be a contributing factor to afib though my cardiologist does not emphasize that point.

ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[mrhappydays in reply to mav7]

Thank you mav7

[etheral]

Certainly makes it more probable because of eventual effects on the left atrium..