Acic relux and AFib

[Phyllishamlett]

I have acid reflux but recently for the first time had severe painful indigestion. Almost as soon as it started, afib kicked off. It seems that there is a question of a relationship between acid reflux and AFib which is being looked into. Any thoughts on this?

[CDreamer]

May I suggest that you look at York Cardio - Dr Sanjay Gupta on gastro and AF who has posted a series of videos on this subject. There is most definitely a link between acid reflux and AF.

The vagus nerve runs through the stomach which is very close to the heart so any irritation may trigger AF in some sensitive people.

I used to have a lot of problems and would not take PPI’s and found the following protocols helped - raising the head of my bed at night; taking small meals and avoiding large meal at night; avoiding all white foods especially break, cake, breakfast cereals were especially troublesome, processed foods of any sort as I noticed I would feel ‘stuffed’ and reflux would begin. Sip warm to hot water frequently when you have pain - I found liquid Gaviscon extra strength worked well.

youtu.be/bwgDFHOkR20(Not working as expected?)

[Singwell]

I think there's definitely a link. I'm an acid reflux warrior due to a digestive problem and abdominal surgery decades ago. Find the British Voice Association website and look.for their free resources. There are two on acid reflux GERD and LPR. Suggest you get them both as they're excellent. Happy to share my strategies with you if you'd like. It's manageable.

[BobD Volunteer]

No question there is a link. The Vagus nerve, a neural superhighway, connects the brain with the heart , stomach and other organs so what affects one will, ergo , affect others.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Phyllis

Try avoiding eating anything fatty or containing vinegar (hidden in mayonnaise, salad cream and baked beans). Buy yourself some whole almonds, chewing them really well before swallowing will be soothing.

As CDreamer has suggested, raise the head of your bed. I used to put old books, or blocks of wood under the legs. A course of mastic gum capsules will also help (expensive but worth it). I bought mine from a health shop, they may have to order them, or you could order online. I've been cured of reflux for a long time now.

Just a thought, avoid yogurts too as they can trigger the reflux and don't wear anything tight around your body e.g. waistband or bra.

This is advice is what I found personally helped cure mine.

Jean

[secondtry]

Don't be surprised if your medics haven't heard of a sensitive Vagus Nerve brought on by mental or gut stress causing AF; most operate in very narrow silos.

If memory serves, in my early Lone PAF days when I was hunting around for causes my cardiologist said 'I can tell you one thing the head or stomach doesn't cause episodes 🤔. Subsequently, I have started episodes by just gulping a cold fizzy drink and visiting a place where I had a bad episode previously.

[Peacefulneedshelp]

My personal opinion is we all need a digestive enzyme as we age and even younger because some of us just can’t digest well. I have been prescribed a digestive enzyme for years now which helps digest the food in the stomach, obviously.

As CDreamer mentioned already certain foods cause problems and could very well be the gluten in those foods. I listened to a podcast where the Dr. said that 90% of the people have non celiac gluten sensitivity. I for one have that which caused all kinds of inflammation in my body. Which can cause inflammation in the heart as well we just don’t realize that.

I think a lot of us afibber have hiatal hernia also which doesn’t help. As was mentioned try not to over eat. I had to get really firm with my husband on this matter because he is always pushing me to finish the last little bit of food. I know when enough is enough for me.