I've been recently diagnosed with AF and I'm really struggling everyday to accept this as a new part of my life.
I have bouts of some positivity but majority of time I'm really struggling coming to terms with this. Diagnosed in October, changed everything I can, healthy food, no alchohol, non smoker for 2 years luckily, been having problems with weight a lot of years but I lost almost 10kg in last month and a half.
But still, I'm stuck in a vicious mental state of worry, denial and sadness. My episodes of af are kinda short, from few seconds to an hour max and last few days maybe two times a day. I'm waiting for my second check up where ablation is probably gonna be brought up. Medications are not helping 100% so far.
Any comforting thoughts guys?
Written by
NewOne2023
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
56 Replies
•
Hi and welcome. Try not to worry, most of us are where you are now so we understand what you are going through. Although we cannot discuss medication in any detail, it would help us if you could tell us what has been prescribed, where you are in the world and how young you are. Thanks……
Thanks for the reply. I'm 41, from Croatia. Medications are bisopropol 1.25mg and rytmonorm 150mg 2-3 times a day. Vast majority of my episodes happen in bed, either before sleep or even more during waking up. But I get them during day also. And they can go from few seconds to 45min max.
Many thanks for the quick response. Just so that you know, virtually all forum members are not medically trained which is why we don’t recommend treatments or make specific comments about medication. The majority of members are from the UK and Europe with a good few from the USA and Australasia so treatment plans may differ.
The first, and probably most important thing to say at this point to hopefully put your mind at rest is that provided your AF is controlled, it should not reduce your expected life span and most people tend to lead relatively normal lives. Hope that helps to meet your comforting requirements!
You are clearly getting some good advice and making the right lifestyle changes. Extreme sports etc are not good but sensible exercise at a level which you can also carry out a conversation is good. You are quite young, maybe have a young family so you must not let AF prevent you from living a normal life.
You say medication is not helping much so far. You need to bear in mind there are no instant answers. Bisoprolol is the most commonly used beta blocker and currently you are on the lowest dose available. This is generally done intentionally because not only does it reduce your heart rate, it also reduces your blood pressure and the higher the dose, the more likely you are to have side effects. It’s for these reasons the doses are adjusted slowly to reach the optimum level. I’m not familiar with rytmonorm, but I think we may know it as Propafenone and it’s not something I have taken.
It also sounds as though you are getting good medical advice too. Most AF drugs are quite potent and because AF tends to be progressive, the ablation route is well worth considering. Any form of invasive treatment on the ticker must inevitably carry a degree of risk, but within the medical profession, the risk is respected, but it’s generally considered to be low. I was diagnosed in 2014, had two ablations and have largely been AF free since 2016.
My last bit of advice for now is checkout all the AF Association webpages and find out as much as you can about the condition. This will enable you to have meaningful conversations with your medics which will help to ensure you do all the things which will best treat your AF. I hope this helps, others here will cover more ground and never be worried about asking questions…..
PS it’s sometimes overlooked that thyroid function can cause AF. If you haven’t had it checked recently then ask for blood tests.
Thank you for the extensive reply. Regarding medication, yeah I didn't expect or asked for advice on that, I'm well aware forum members are not specialists. My post is more of a reach out for some comforting words. As I said, I really struggle mentally currently. And as started to write this reply I just had a short af, like 10 seconds. Enough to mess me up further in my head. But I do find some comfort in your reply. And by nature I'm kinda overthinker and impatient in solving stuff around me. Honestly, I don't know if that is making more harm or good to my mental healt atm. Thank you.
I’m sure the poster won’t mind, nearly all information is helpful! Certainly in my case the thyroid function was a feature. Prior to being referred to an EP, my Cardiologist at the time said that although I was borderline overactive but probably not sufficient to impact on my AF. I had two ablations and almost a year after the last one I started to have episodes which were quickly stopped with Flecainide PiP. The EP put me on his list for a third but arranged a blood tests which included my thyroid. The levels had got worse and I saw an endocrinologist because the EP wanted the thyroid sorted before proceeding with the ablation. It was recommended that I should have Radioactive Iodine treatment which worked and the 3rd ablation was cancelled. That was back in 2019 and I’m still operating on all cylinders 🤞
what do people do if they have afib but low blood pressure as these medications will reduce blood pressure. Also you mention thyroid can cause AF, if its caused by that generally if you get your thyroid numbers in check does AFIB go away, would it really be AF or thyroid causing mixed reading, I know people here are not doctors but wondering what is usually done
I have grown so used to the idea of having Afib a year on from my diagnosis that it’s easy to forget how terrible I felt in the early days. It can feel like life as you’ve known it is coming to an end until you’ve got a way forward sorted out. I remember needing so much reassurance when I first joined this forum. It’s normal and completely natural to feel anxious because although it won’t kill you it’s your heart and the symptoms can be scary.
In my experience getting to see an EP (electrophysiologist) was crucial to learn what my options were. I payed privately for a consultation because I knew I’d have a lot of questions and that gave me the time to ask them. Finding out as much as I could handle (little bit at a time) about Afib helped a lot. And I started practicing a lot of relaxation, breathing and meditation techniques. This forum has been a godsend. I got on a waiting list for ablation before I was fully decided because it’s a long wait here in the UK. I’m in NSR since my ablation but am no longer terrified of AF returning because I have already made a lot of positive adaptations to my life and many wonderful people on this site have shown me there’s a way through even if my persistent AF returns.
To repeat what FJ said - most of us remember being in that state at diagnosis! Let that sink in.
You learn as you go and adapt but it takes time.
I just wonder if reading through this post might help you see that you are not alone and that a life - a good, long life is still possible and AF is troublesome and unpredictable but we gradually survive, adapt and then thrive. And so will you.
It really took me quite a while to come to terms with it. Initially whenever I went into AFib I got really weepy and sorry for myself. I’m not sure how much is anxiety and how much a physical thing, with the sudden loss of energy.
You’ve got the right attitude with the lifestyle changes, and finding out as much as you can about AFib. In the long run you will likely find the strength to cope with whatever this condition throws at you, but initially it’s such a shock. Ablations are not nearly as scary as they sound. Mine didn’t really work out, but I would have had another if advised.
Hi. I've done ultrasound, holter24h and blood work. Everything came normal. But I made those checkups 15 days after diagnosis while I was on medicines already and at that time I did't have any episodes. And that afib free period lasted for 20 days, untill 5 days ago when it started again. Just to be clear, during period of no afib I was on 150mg of propafenone 4 times a day and one 1.25mg bispropol. And as my episodes stopped for those 20 days we gradually lowered propafenone to 2 times a day.
My biggest issue currently is quality sleep. I can barely get 6 hours of sleep last few days when episodes started again. The majority of my episodes happen in bed, either before sleep or when waking up. That gives me fear and anxiety so I dont sleep really good and wake up too early, 5.30am-6am. And I know I need enough sleep because afib.
Also for the last 2 days I started having new type of episodes. My heart spikes from normal rate to double or tripple and lasts for couple of seconds and comes down by itself. What to hell is that? Could it be svts I'm reading about? Or is it just another form of my afib or even anxiety? It happens on random few times a day. Usually when I rest or get up. 😕
Hello, neighbor! I offer you a hand of friendship, despite of historical problems between our two nations! Despite being old, like most young people nowadays do, I also recognize only good people and bad people, no matter what ethnicity, nationality, skin color etc.
As for your arrhythmia problems, there are two things which may have contributed to your present heart problems.
Being overweight is one, and it is such a good thing that you have lowered your weight lately! I know that it is very hard to get the weight down, but it is the easiest, the least expensive and for the body the best way in the course to reduce the arrhythmia burden.
The other thing is very unpopular and may undergo some sanctions if mentioned - the needle for COV. If you are jabbed, than your onset of the arrhythmia may be connected with it, what so many people complained about (look at Dr John Campbell's videos, in YT).
You are in the right place here - people are friendly, knowledgeable and ready to help!
I too get the worse symptoms while in bed and my nights sound like yours. As I posted last week, I’m awaiting a Pacemaker soon but now worried by my inability to lie down to sleep without the anxiety bringing on near hyperventilation! Vicious circle most nights. I try deep breathing but that makes me very aware of every breath I take. I also have the urge to chase an illusive deep breath ! Anyone else find themselves like this ?
I had something similar... Sometimes, I had the urge to take deep breath, but could not do it deep enough, like my diaphragm was blocked from further movement. Is it similar in your case?
Yeah, trying to breathe deeply while having an episode just makes me more aware and more anxious of my irregular beats and it does nothing for me. I did manage to put myself back into normal rhythm with vagus maneuver, like trying to push the air out with my mouth closed. Strangley it worked.
You are describing what I fight! Sometimes , I feel I don’t want to go to bed, in case I get the awareness of every breath! Then I think it through and know most of it is anxiety, something you can control. The more anxious I get , the worse it is, so I make myself “ not care”. You are not alone. I am 89 and Canada is my country, but AF does not care where you are! Hope this helps!
I was really struggling like you 10 yrs ago, then thanks to medication, supplements and changed lifestyle I have to date enjoyed good quality of life with just two v short episodes in that time.
My advice would be learn as much as possible here, be prepared to keep making many lifestyle changes incl spiritual , full discussion with your trusted cardiologist and, as hard as it may seem now, use AF as a driver to become healthier in mind & body 😁.
Thank you! I'm glad you managed to make a healthy life for yourself. Will do my best to make sure I control everything I can control. Biggest task for me mentaly will be acceptance of things I can't control and accepting uncertainty as a part of life.
Look at the York cardiologist on YouTube.. very reassuring. Speaks in normal easy to understand terms.I had 4 episodes last week alone..one lasted 14 hrs! You have to be very proactive I've found..I've been discharged from the hospital as things were under control but back under normal gp this week.... not had any follow ups..or even seen the cardiologist! Sad state of affairs. But watch the videos as I said it will reassure you
I did watch few of his videos and it is comforting in a way due to his calm and positive personality on the videos. Sorry to hear about the waitting for the check up.
Hi ...please don't get too anxious. My husband has had AF most of his life. (I believe it is very common). Obviously he is checked regularly and ensures he takes his meds. We live in a hilly area and walk most days. He manages the hills better than I do! He will be 80 next year.
Wow. Interesting to hear this. I would have a cup of tea with your husband for sure to hear his outlook on someone who just got diagnosed. Thanks for the reply.
I do feel for you as I can sense your anxiety. Six years ago I was diagnosed with a rare form of Asthma , which is difficult to control. I remember saying to the Consultant 'Never', 'No' , ' it can't be' , 'it isn't in the family!' I was in complete shock as my life changed too...so I understand how you are feeling. I can assure you that after the initial shock( which can be frightening) you will learn to accept and live with AF.
HiCompletely understand your reaction. As others on here say, the psychological side of the diagnosis is so difficult to deal with.
I heard a talk from a Canadian psychologist who was referring to diagnosis of any type of life changing illness, but it struck a chord with me regarding our journeys. She said that doctors refer to the patient "accepting" the diagnosis, but for us patients, that can mean giving up hope and lead to some loss of understanding between doctor and patient. She suggests that we patients should use expressions like "managing the illness" or "coping"; this will more likely help us move forward. This is not an instant cure to how we feel, but it has helped me in those difficult times.
And although so easier said than done, we have to be careful how we worry about worrying. If I can't sleep after tossing and turning for a while, for me it is better to get up, make a drink and read or listen to a podcast or for me do some colouring for 20 or 30 minutes then go back and try again. If I don't get a full night's sleep I find the worst thing I can do is worry about it.
Sorry to waffle on. Just one more thing: as said above we are patients, not doctors, so here the best content here is patient experience.
Easy to say not to worry, but hearing of the experience of people here ought to really reassure you.
I had my first really serious episode of AF in 1995 and got admitted to hospital for around ten days (mainly as it was Easter and no specialists were available.). Worse, some dimwit temporary doctor told me 'You have had a heart attack', which of course I hadn't! Like you once I got home and the AF continued particularly at night (the idiots kept changing my medication and I would have done better to stay with the Sotalol they originally gave me) I was massively anxious, couldn't get back to work and it was only when I went on a holiday a few months later that I got back to an even keel.
After that, I got my life back with relatively few noticeable episodes of AF or ones that stopped me functioning. I was not only ok for 15 years even while holding down a busy job as a teacher and spending every other hour of the day working as a councillor. I then retired early and spent another 10 years renovating several houses and a smallholding in France.
I was then in my mid 70s but nobody had ever thought to prescribe me with any anticoagulant other than aspirin. The inevitable happened three years ago. But even so I have recovered a lot of my vigour and joy for life even though I am in my 77th year.
I am sure there are plenty here who can give you similar stories. AF may mean you making a few adjustments to your life style but mainly for the better for your general health. Unless you are unlucky you can just get back to normal and just make sure you are well advised by your medical team. Groups like this will keep you advised of what is possible.
Good luck and a rapid recovery to both physical health and an alleviation of your anxiety and depression.
Welcome to the Forum, and I can see you have already received some comforting messages from from the other members of the Forum. It can be an anxious time when you learn of a new health condition, but please give yourself time to absorb and adapt by finding out as much as possible about the condition and how you can help yourself along with the support of your medical team. Our Patient Services Team are here for advice and support, if you have any questions, please contact the team: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
the short episodes you are getting you say some for 15 seconds could be ectopic beats which nearly everyone gets at some time and by then selves are benign. You should request a Holter monitor to wear for a couple of days to see if they capture these.
Like you i am newly diagnosed and so have nothing helpful to add as I'm still very much in the dark and still learning but just wanted to say i completely understand how you are feeling, it is frightening at first for sure. It's strange as i seem to be more anxious about this condition then i was when diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago! Which makes no sense really as that was potentially more life threatening (although low grade so very lucky) I think it is because it is our heart that is affected and we only have one of those and it is of course crucial to life so it freaks us out. Hope you find ways to ease your anxiety but know that you are definitely not alone 🤗
Welcome to this forum which I've found very helpful and informative. I hope you will find it equally supportive. It's always a shock and a blow to find out that you have any medical problem and like you, I was distressed to learn I had AFib just over two and a half years ago. My first month was pretty challenging as I was in persistent AFib, starting off initially with heart failure. The medics tried various medications but it took quite a while before a good concoction was found. Once the right balance was in place, things improved immeasurably but it just took a bit of time. I've never smoked and I'm fit and slightly underweight so my lifestyle changes were to remove caffeine and alcohol from my life which turned out to be quite easy. For me the big fear was having a stroke but I'm assured that if I'm religious about taking blood thinners (apixiban twice daily), the risk is reduced radically. Once I trusted that, the anxiety reduced, and most importantly my sleep improved. In March this year I had my first ablation and although it hasn't eradicated the AFib, I was three months free of it but now, my episodes are much shorter and not as intense. I'm off all medication apart from the blood thinners. My lifestyle and activities are not impacted at all and apart from the occasional short episode (maybe once every three weeks), I'm enjoying life to the full. I think we are fortunate that the medical era that we are in is constantly making advances and AFib is so much more manageable than 20 years ago and with many people actually AFib-free. So be patient - it's a process but I'm sure you'll get to a place with the help of your medics where you can worry less and start to have good nights' sleep again. Keep up with the lifestyle changes - that will really contribute to getting this under control.
Thank you so much for your story/reply. Hopefully I will be in a more peacfull period soon. I must say that I'm feeling a bit calmer last 24 hours since I joined this community. Made me realise there are a lot of people dealing with the same thing and majority eventually got use to it and continued with their lives as much as they can.
I know how you feel. My Afib started when I had a nasty virus in 2014. I’ve had 9 episodes of it since then. I found quite often, I got it at night and I read if you lie on your left hand side, it can cause AFib to start, something to do with the Vagus nerve, which you can look up about. I stopped lying on my left side.
AFib made me very anxious, you just don’t know when it’s going to start. Once diagnosed, I found out as much as I could about it. This forum is very helpful. I also suffered from SVT, which was diagnosed in my early 30’s, (I’m 72 now. ) I could stop that by lying on my back and putting my feet up on the wall.( not easy to do in the middle of town !! 🤣 )Drugs more or less controlled that.It just made my heart beat very fast at over 200 BPM. AFib is much worse, mine goes very fast and beats very irregularly and my Blood pressure soars and I had instructions to go into A&E so they could try and bring them down and they usually managed to stop the AFib after a few hours. I found that Hypnotherapy helped me with my Anxiety. It doesn’t seem to have been mentioned on here. It’s not what you see on TV, when they hypnotise people and get them to do silly things. You are in charge of it and can stop it at any time. I’ve had several sessions over the years and although, I’m still not sure why it works, I found it did help me no end.
I had an Ablation on September 19th and am now on week 11. Apart from a lot of ectopic beats, which have now calmed down quite a bit, I survived it ok, thanks in part, to the people on here, who re-assured me. I am hoping it’s done the trick and I don’t get the awful AFib back again. I’m hoping they managed to ablate the SVT as well, even though it doesn’t occur very often. Unfortunately, you’ll never know if it’s worked or not,unless it comes back.!! You can only keep your fingers crossed 🤞🤞🤞 and hope for the best and put it to the back of your mind. It took a lot of courage for me to agree to an ablation, but I’m glad I went ahead and if I had to have another one, I would.
Hope you can come to terms with the AFib and perhaps seek out a hypnotherapist to see if it helps your anxiety and maybe have an ablation eventually. Best wishes Cath.
If you are suffering deeply and at length from anxiety, then I think you’ll need to dig deep and pay for a cardiac stress MRI to prove to the specialist that all is truly as well as the echo showed. That is the gold standard of heart scans. This lifted a weight from my own shoulders two years ago.
I dont know why would I need cardioversion at this time. I'm not in a persistent afib. 90 percent of my episodes last less than few minutes. My longest was hour and a half and that was in the begining and the reason I managed to go to er on time for them to pick it up on Ecg and give me a diagnose. Otherwise, my episodes are either stopped with 2 doses of propafenone tablets which starts to work in 30min or so or even by vagal maneuver in which case I usually stop an episode right away. So I don't see the need for cardioversion now. But if in two weeks on my EP check up they offer me to go on ablation cue I will probably take it. Waiting for ablation here is around 3 months.
NewOne, I do not intend to be a nuisance, but here is something I would like to say. You belong to the bunch of young people here (try to read posts and comments from Elli86 and similar), who are intelligent and not willing to accept anything without questioning, what I find to be admirable.
You are entirely right that you do not need an cardioversion since you cardiovert naturally, either from the heart itself or via vagal maneuver.
As for the ablation, please, do not haste with it! Do not be afraid to live for a while with AF, it is the most common and most benign arrhythmia of all. People live long and relatively normal life with it. Personally, I never started taking the medications, even anticoagulants, and never intended to undergo an ablation. And I am 71 yo... Give yourself some time, there may be new procedures developed, like we already have Mini Maze or pulse field ablation etc., which may be more successful and effective.
Absolutely the best way for you would be reduction of the weight. This way, you will reduce the demand put before your heart and your symptoms may reduce significantly. And yes, there is nothing to be afraid of, so try to forget about anxiety...
Strangley, my comment about cardioversion was a reply to someone who in the meantime deleted his/hers post and now my comment stands as a personal comment rather than reply. Furthermore, the person who wrote the comment was kinda throwing some fear at me with statements that he doesnt know why everyone is saying to me that I can't die due to AF because its a real threat due to possible stroke and heart failure and that people are wrong in telling me it's going to be ok because that way I might not do anything to treat my condition. Well that was kinda strong, I already know and am well aware of the potential health complications from afib, heck its the first thing you see when you google it and in no way am I dismissing that. It's the main reason why my anxiety skyrocketed. So that comment was something I don't need it at this point, it just made me more scared. Anyways, the person deleted the comment in the meantime as I can see.
Thank you for another lenghty reply. I will continue with my lifestyle changes for sure.
I remember that post, but have not noticed that it has been deleted... Yes, that person was telling you what you just said... I am telling you the truth, which sometimes is not accepted here because of prejudices people share in UK. For instance, very often used phrase is: "We are all different!". But it is not so! We are all similar, to the extent of 99,99 percent. AF comes to exist in all of us because of the same reason (unknown to medical science until now). The triggers are different, it is the fact, but the triggers only push us over the edge, where we come because of the same reason.
If you read my posts and comments, you will see that my opinion is that all the kinds of cardiac arrhythmias come to exist because of the same reason - poorer regulation of automatic processes in our body. The first sign of impaired regulation is the regulation of eye lenses, what usually happens at the age of about 45, where we get poorer close vision. It is about the time where also the BP regulation gets poorer, so we have increased BP. Unfortunately, medical science has problems with the knowledge about and understanding of the Autonomous Nervous System. It is too complex for them and requires an multidisciplinary approach
I am so sorry that someone focused on the more unlikely worst case scenarios instead of giving you the much more likely good news--that people live normal long lives with afib IF they are receiving treatment, which is exactly what you are doing. Of course, strokes occur & we need to do all we can to avoid them; but broad, over-emphasized threats of stroke are not accurate in the case of individuals, because our risk levels are all different. Low blood pressure, lower weight, family history, being on appropriate meds, your CHA2DS2-VASc score, your diet, whether you exercise/walk, your emotional and sleep state--these all affect stroke risk and are unique to each of us. I consider it irresponsible to make blanket statements such as, "X percentage of people with AF have strokes" when nothing else is known about those people. For all we know, many had high blood pressure, diabetes, or were far overweight, weren't on any meds, and may have been in hospital for other serious problems that contributed to their AF--those are the important stroke "triggers" that might not have been considered in certain studies, and then aren't reflected in those quick and dirty statistics. So, do a lot of reading, weigh up the sources, do all you can to lower your stroke risk, and keep living your life with joy (and as little anxiety as possible!).
I had/have anxiety over my AF diagnosis in April. I had also been experiencing events once every 3-4 months. After my diagnosis and all the life changes as well as drugs mine jumped up to once a month, this last one was two months.
I had a lot of anxiety after the diagnosis, than my attitude improved and another AF episode wiped it out. I think after my diagnosis it was about 3 months of anxiety, then things settled down, lots of Yoga, Tai Chi, medical tests and I am here now.
My anxiety has decreased - first 3 months, than 2 weeks after an episode, than 1 week after episode, than 1-2 days. I think I have come to terms with it and maybe it will be just a few hours of anxiety during the AF. I do take a 1/2 tab of xanax with every AF and than the other 1/2 tab when I convert.
I hope it helps to know you are are not alone. Regards
In one of your Replies you mentioned that you had bloods taken and all was OK, but I was wondering if your tests included a serum Vitamin D test. This is vital because a Vitamin D deficiency is a known cause of arrhythmias, and is apparently much more prevalent in the population than previously acknowledged. Even in younger people. So I can definitely suggest you get tested if you don't know your current level, and then if supplementation is required, you will be able to monitor your progress from a known base. UK NICE recommended levels of serum Vitamin D are woefully too low, as all recent research confirms. I don't know the situation re that in Croatia, but it would be worth asking.
A Vitamin D deficiency of 22 nmol/L was discovered simultaneously with my AF diagnosis 18 months ago, since when I have used supplements to raise my level towards a target of 125 nmol/L. And, more importantly, my monthly AF events have lessened to every 110 days at the moment.
No, I take no other supplements. Currently I take one capsule per day containing 4000iu D3 + 100mcg K2. It was impossible for me not to immediately address the Vitamin D deficiency that was discovered simultaneously with my AF diagnosis.
For the 7 AF events in the period before supplements through 6 months after starting supplements (it takes some time to raise blood Vitamin D levels), they occurred at an average interval of 30.6 days with an average duration of 8.8 hours. Since raising my level nearer to 100-125 nmol/L (or 40-50 ng/mL in USA units), in these last 13 months I have suffered 4 AF events at an average interval of 107 days for an average duration of 8.8 hours.
So while my Vitamin D supplementation is not a cure-all, for me, I can see directly how it has improved my situation, and I always suggest others get tested for serum Vitamin D so they know where they stand with this vital hormone, and can then act accordingly.
But don't just listen to my experience, please check out the Tel Aviv Doctor's recommendations (along with the respected Dr Campbell ... check his YouTube channel) ...
And, if you are more adventurous, although it applies really to lone AF sufferers (AF with no comorbidities), please check out Steven Carr's remarkable diet and Vitamin D journey to reduce his AF ...
Vitamin D really is a cheap and essential hormone for multiple health conditions, and it's importance has been sadly and badly neglected by GPs in UK since forever.
I hope you find your individual answers to lessen your AF burden, and for your family's burdens as well.
hi newone, try not to worry too much, easy said than done I know.? When I was first diagnosed years ago I was 44 and thought life was over.! I went into a big depression and the anxiety took over big time for a couple of years. Iv always suffered with anxiety anyway since childhood especially health anxiety unfortunately so this is all I needed.? But looking back I can honestly say the early days are the worst. Things will get better in the future including the fear and dread of it all. Life is definitely not over like I thought at the beginning.
In the future you will look back and realise things weren’t as bad as you had first imagined .! But it’s going to take time for you to realise that for yourself no matter what anyone says to you.?
Hi, It sounds as if anxiety could end up being one of your main triggers, and mental stress is well-known to be a major trigger of atrial fib episodes. Also, your vagus nerve is involved in all this. So getting an anxiety-reduction plan is a good idea: quiet walk every day after luncheon or dinner, a little time of meditation each day, listening to slow therapeutic music (esp. harp), eating slowly & small meals, avoiding stress-provoking people, movies, and places... Also, you probably need to go longer with the meds, if only since Oct., to see how they play out in 6 months. You can always adjust if needed. Wishing you all good heart health! Diane
Thank you! I just did my first yoga-meditation session and it was quite good. The only part I feared was laying on my back at the end because that was my trigger couple of times at home in bed, but luckily everything was ok.
That's excellent! I also used to trigger than lying down but that has gradually improved (tho I still start out sleeping sitting up in a comfortable position). Yoga is wonderful for afib--I am trying to get back into yoga myself. You're encouraging me!! keep it up! Diane
Hi New One. I’m happy you found this site as it was very helpful to me and I wish I had found it earlier. I started having AF about 4 years ago and was freaked out as I live alone and it almost always triggered at night when I would role over on my left side. It later was triggered when sleeping on right side and almost always woke me up from a sound sleep. I eventually slept propped up. I was helped with yoga, breathing exercises, ice on my neck, cooler air temp at night. I was also having GI reflux under my sternum that stimulated my AF and felt like I was having a heart attack. Dr Gupta’s (York Cardiologist) helped me relax and provided info my doctor never mentioned. My AFib continued to progress (I’m 71) despite meds. Five months ago I had an ablation which has stopped the AF for now. Good luck!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Ablation Fear, to ablate or medicacte
Newly diagnosed AF and fear of the medications 
Any suggestions about low heart rate
