Atrial natriuretic peptide

[ChasMartin]

So I went on a bit of an adventure. My last episode, while again still thankfully not as intense as previous episodes, had an interesting twist that I hadn't really noticed before. I had to pee 6 times in the space of an hour. So I went searching on the internet as we do, and I learned about atrial natriuretic peptide, which I had never heard of before. Described as:

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone that regulates salt-water balance and blood pressure by promoting renal sodium and water excretion and stimulating vasodilation. ANP also has an anti-hypertrophic function in the heart, which is independent of its systemic blood pressure-lowering effect.

Under high blood volume and pressure, heart muscle cells release ANP into the circulation. In the kidney, ANP enhances salt and water excretion.

Then I came across this: nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/N...

I found it very intriguing as my dad also had AF quite young. I may do a deep dive into my genetics at some point to try to see if any mutations may be found, would be good to know and possibly something to know for my son.

[CDreamer]

Which is why it is SO important to replace fluids and electrolytes when in AF.

I think there is a post somewhere on here from a very eminent UK EP saying it’s a good idea to carry/eat a salty snack. I know in one hospital in UK AF patients are recommended to mix a sugar/salt/water drink especially if exercising in AF. Saline drip will always be first line treatment for AF in hospital.

The process was explained to me by my GP on diagnosis. The balance of Calcium / Magnesium / Potassium is of particular interest. There are several forum members who have found paying particular attention to Potassium intake helps reduce their AF burden.

There have been many posts about this subject and I am surprised that it is not better known.

[CDreamer]

PS. The article is quite old and advances in the field of Epigenectics have shown that it is not the inheritance of any gene in disease which is important but how it is ‘switched on/off’. That’s where lifestyle factors become very important.

Have you read The Afib Cure -

You may find his blog on causes of AF useful in your quest

drjohnday.com/14-reasons-wh...

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes we do explain this from time to time and is anothe reason why I keep telling people to stay well hydrated.

[MarAF]

I had the same experience every time I went into afib. My rate was very fast and at times up to 180. It even happened when my rate was slower. I read about the ANP also.

[DawnTX]

Thank you for sharing this. It’s interesting because there are times that I wonder why I even leave the bathroom. That being said, I know there’s also got to be a tie between heart rate and urination. When I had my one and only successful cardioversion, I found for the first time since getting a fib I was able to sleep through the night. I enjoyed not having to get up Until I went back into a fib. Now I have my pacemaker and yes I am sleeping through the night unless I have had too much fluid before bedtime. Like a child I have to take it easy but I get very dry and usually drink water during the night . I am still able to sleep until almost 6 AM most nights. And it’s a wonderful feeling. 😊. I can also still tell when things are off in my body. I keep my sports drink with electrolytes handy at all times. It does not take long after drinking it that I feel much better. The same with eating a banana. Somehow my body knows what it needs and when it needs it.

[DKBX]

It would have been wonderful if we had chosen our parents more wisely! 😀

[ozziebob in reply to DKBX]

Thankfully we don't have that choice.

Can you imagine all the disasters that would follow from such a choice because of the everyday human thinking habit of mistaking the single tree for the whole forest. 🤔