AF, dehydration and pee

[mirtilla]

Can a member with some knowledge of physiology illuminate me on something on which my doctor cannot give a reasonable answer?

I have PAF and every time I have an episode, lasting several hours, I need to pee a lot. I always hear that one has to drink a lot of water because dehydration is a trigger for AF. First problem: what is the rationale behind the water elimination during AF which is exactly the condition that triggers AF? Second problem: during an AF episode, should I drink water in order to re-hydrate, while my body does the opposite?

I am puzzled. Hope a fellow sufferer will tell me the right behaviour to adopt.

[BobD Volunteer]

This is a normal function of the body well know to anybody who understands AF.

The distressed heart secretes an enzyme which tells the body to shed salt. It does this via the kidneys hence the increased micturation . ( you pee a lot. ) Simples as Alexandre would say.

[sassy59]

Keep hydrated mirtilla. I have a friend with AF who pees more when having an episode. She continues to drink water though. Everyone is different though so others may have other ideas.

[Threecats]

Hi mirtilla , CDREAMER put up an excellent post explaining this a little while ago. Here’s the link healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Ppiman]

Having spent too long working in marketing, I can't but feel sceptical of the modern mantra regarding "dehydration" given the centrality of the body's ability to maintain homeostasis, but there we are. Advertising, advertorials and "experts" tell us we need to do, so who am I to argue? I've just read this on one of many similar authoritative seeming websites. "Electrolyte levels plummet when you're dehydrated. This can lead to abnormal heart rhythm." Well, who am I to argue?

It has been shown that the need to urinate frequently can be a result of the heart wanting to rid the body of excess water, but I suspect the cause is also sometimes more straightforward and linked to excessive hydration or similar. I suffer with this at times, and certainly not always when my heart is playing up. I do notice it links with increased feeling of "anxiety" and the heart link to this might be obscure but real. I just don't know.

Steve

[RoyMacDonald]

It's called Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).

When blood sodium levels and pressure are increased, ANP is secreted from the heart. It binds to its receptor in the kidney and blood vessels, and promotes salt excretion, lowers blood volume and relaxes the vessel.

It's a bloody nuisance when it happens. Just had to get my GP to confirm it wasn't my prostate to satisfy my wife! I've noticed that taking 500 mg of my sports drink stops it.

All the best.

Roy

[Janey1955]

HiYes I get this during the first hour of the attack. Then it’s ok even if still in afib. It’s very inconvenient but it’s the body protecting itself

I’ve been told to replace lost fluids with an electrolyte drink

Regards

Jane

[N400033]

Hi mirtillaThis whole AFIB thing can be very confusing. I go into an episode when I am dehydrated. I have not noticed any excessive peeing. To stop the episode t start drinking tons of water. That will stop it for me when the water has volume to rehydrate.

Another trigger that I have discovered is an association of carbonated drinks and AFIB. I drink almost no soda and it has allowed me to reduce my medication by 1/2. I'll see the true effect when I have a device check next week.

I'm convinced that diet plays a huge role in AFIB onset but dont know yet exactly what mine should be. But easy to evaluate by just dropping the suspected food for several weeks and see what happens.

Everyone is different wrt triggers.

Good luck!!

PS. I am wondering if the carbonation in the soda causes the AFIB because it introduces CO2 which is another electrolyte??

[planetiowa]

That happens to me every time I have an AFIB episode, usually within about 15 min. It apparently is due to ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) and though I am not a doctor, from what I have read it is part of your body's response to try to reduce blood pressure by causing you to excrete sodium. I think I read somewhere, and it could just be a theory, but the atrial stretching that occurs when you are in AFIB is similar to what would occur with high blood pressure so your body attempts to reduce blood pressure by releasing ANP.

[Kingfisher44]

My AF always starts at night and for the first couple of hours I can't quite believe how much fluid the body gets rid of. There have been times when I just get back into bed and another trip to the bathroom is needed. I am aware that it is a stress response I assume a bit like the 'nervous wee' that's needed before a performance when the adrenalin kicks in . I find that as the other symptoms of AF with RVR really get going - short of breath, light headed, sweats, heart really pounding etc the need to keep visiting the toilet stops, thank goodness, as it is a job to move anywhere! I just keep drinking regular sips of water throughout the episode until I can face other things.

[Gillybean123]

Hi there, every time I have a bout of AF I am always doing the other. I sometimes wonder where it all comes from. I think it is something to do with your system and muscles. I dare say someone will give us a answer.