TENS machines & AF

[Silky57]

Does anyone here use a TENS machine? A physio has recommended one to me for a different health issue. Pads would be on ankles, not near heart. I’ve lone PAF (no pacemaker). AFib isn’t contraindicated, but sending electrical signals through my body feels counter-intuitive. Thx.

[BenHall1]

I've used both the older sort and the more modern ones, on both knees and upper back, shoulders and lower neck.

No problems. I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF back in 2010 and whilst events have lessened over the years I've never had issues with TENS devices.

John

[Silky57 in reply to BenHall1]

Excellent. Thanks.

[Aegean56 in reply to BenHall1]

Same here

[10gingercats]

You could always ask one of the B Heart Foundation nurses.

[Silky57 in reply to 10gingercats]

Great idea thanks. I’ve emailed them and will update on here in case it’s of use to others.

[etheral]

Used on neck and arm for blown disc surgery. No effect on afib and no help for pain.etheral

[Silky57 in reply to etheral]

Thanks etheral. I think results do look mixed. Hope you found something as an alternative to ease your pain.

[opal11uk]

All I can tell you is that, with a Pacemaker, the physio would not use any electrical equipment on me whatsoever, everything done manually. Also, 20 odd years ago when I was diagnosed my GP advised me against using massage electrical devices etc., with P/A/F

[Silky57 in reply to opal11uk]

Thank you. Yes I knew pacemakers were contraindicated but interesting what your GP said originally.

[DawnTX in reply to opal11uk]

I have had the same advice to me

[Leechg]

Yes I have used for low back area. No problems. Hope you get some pain relief.

[Byke]

hi, I have had PAF for six years now, I have used TENS on my back for some while now with no problems. I have told my doctor I am using one and he was ok with it.

[Linkj]

I am a physio using TENs for 30 years, contraindicated with pacemaker but otherwise fine. Do not use on chest wall, or in front of ears on neck, (carotid body is there).

[Silky57 in reply to Linkj]

Ah thank you so much. Very reassuring.

[Desanthony]

I use a TENS machine for back and neck pain and it has caused no problems with my AF - I did ask my Cardio and EP and they didn't envisage a problem.

[Silky57]

Super, thanks. It’s good to hear the professionals were on board! Hope your pain is improved.

[Qualipop]

I've used one for years; never any problems. I was told not to use it on my sine at heart level

[1Golf]

Do by all means use your tens for pain relief. I’ve had a few AFIB issues for 2 years. Just had my 2nd Ablation and feeling good. I don’t hesitate to use my tens when my back bothers me after golf. I’m a retired health care provider and have used tens for years even before AFIB. Hope that gives you some insight.

[Silky57 in reply to 1Golf]

Excellent news thank you.

[Buffy-1]

Used it just last week on my knee area, no problem.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I use it for bladder at bottom of leg and another postion lower back.

No problems and I'm in AF persistently.

Have fun with it. 2 leads, Fire Alarm battery and I put the setting on. as high orlow as I want. Physiotherapyt hospital gave it and it was recommended after TVT Johnson & J horrid mesh and sling removed last Feb 22.

Have fun with it.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Gulmarrad]

My physio uses one after my treatments. I think they are meant to bring blood back to the area that was treated.

[SonjaGeorge]

I use TENS specifically for my AF. I have lone vagal AF. I use the TENS on my tragus (ears) and it really seems to be helping. I'm 45 days now w/o any AF -- down from almost daily. There are a few studies on this method. - see below. So, while I thought it might be a crazy idea at first, I decided to give it a try. I've been doing it for about 3 months now. Let me know if you'd like to hear more about it/how I do it.

From AFIB Journal June-July 2020, Vol 13, Issue 1:

In the randomized clinical trial “Transcutaneous Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Suppress Atrial Fibrillation (TREAT AF)”, investigators demonstrated that sympatho-vagal modification by low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the tragus nerve, an auricular branch of the vagus nerve, in patients with paroxysmal AF, significantly reduced AF burden at 6 months without complications similar to previous low-level vagus nerve stimulation studies.

Studies referenced:

-Stavrakis S, Stoner JA, Humphrey MB, Morris L, Filiberti A, Reynolds JC, et al. TREAT AF (Transcutaneous Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Suppress Atrial Fibrillation). A Randomized Clinical Trial. 2020:1056.

-Sheng X, Scherlag BJ, Yu L, Li S, Ali R, Zhang Y, et al. Prevention and reversal of atrial fibrillation inducibility and autonomic remodeling by low-level vagosympathetic nerve stimulation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;57(5):563-71.

-Stavrakis S, Humphrey MB, Scherlag B, Iftikhar O, Parwani P, Abbas M, et al. Low-Level Vagus Nerve Stimulation Suppresses Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation and Inflammation: A Randomized Study. JACC Clinical electrophysiology. 2017;3(9):929-38.

Cheers,

Sonja

[Silky57 in reply to SonjaGeorge]

Gosh never heard this before. I’ll read up. Thanks

[guy6543 in reply to SonjaGeorge]

what unit do you use or recommend

[Silky57]

Well, well. I’d posed my question to the BHF and here is their reply. Although they haven’t acknowledged the fact I said the electrodes would be placed on the ankle. That’s set the cat amongst the pigeons!

“Thank you for contacting the British Heart Foundation.

Unfortunately, as far as I am aware the use of TENS machine is not recommended in anyone with a history of arrhythmia including atrial fibrillation. I suspect it is thought it could trigger or exacerbate the AF.

TensCare who supply TENS machines provide this quote:

We do not recommend the use of TENS if you have a heart condition for the following reasons:

1) If electrodes are placed on the front of the neck they can stimulate the nerve which controls your heart rate. Your heart could try to beat at 100 times a second instead of 100 times a minute. If you have an unstable heart condition this could be extremely dangerous.

2) If you place the electrodes across the chest, the maximum output is much lower than the theoretical level that could cause an additional heartbeat. However, in very exceptional circumstances an unstable heart condition might be aggravated.

Before purchasing and using any TENS device, we recommend that you seek advice from your medical practitioner. “