Top tip for a steady heart following ... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

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Top tip for a steady heart following ablation

Rainfern profile image
19 Replies

This has been my go-to practice since my ablation 10 weeks ago.

I have found it to still ectopic beats and chase anxiety away.

We have the US navy seals to thank for popularising this particular breath control technique. I think of it as a strategic manoeuvre to keep the peace with my AF and maintain NSR.

Box Breathing, you probably know it but this article explains it well:

onedeepbreath.io/patterns/b...

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Rainfern profile image
Rainfern
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19 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Same priciple to the slow deep breath we promote. Also used by carrier crew to aid sleep during operations.

mjames1 profile image
mjames1 in reply toBobD

Please don't take this the wrong way, but who is the "we" you often talk about. This is a forum of non professionals with various opinions. Sometimes members agree and sometimes they don't. To my knowledge, forum management does not "promote" or endorse anything, nor do any members speak for the forum in general.

Jim

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply tomjames1

I think by his 'we' Bob refers to many members of this forum who advise deep breathing to help reduce AF attacks. You too have given us the same deep breathing exercise so you are one of the 'we'.

I often repeat to new people what I have heard widely recommended on this site. Such as how people who had problems with their beta blockers switched to Nebivolol and found they had more energy. At the same time I often say I asked my cardiologist about that drug and he said it wasn't for me (really wish I'd asked why).

Jean

mjames1 profile image
mjames1 in reply tojeanjeannie50

No one is going to dispute that breathing exercises are at least something useful to try. However, I've seen same member use "we" on other topics where there is no consensus. In these cases, a statement like "we believe" or "we suggest" confers some sort of consensus or authority that just isn't there. That's what I believe :)

Jim

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply tomjames1

This forum is set up by the AF Association. If I’ve got this right Bob is a volunteer who attends AF conferences and who along with other members contributed to the AF Association info sheets on ablation which so many of us have found invaluable. On this forum Bob’s presence is like a rock partly because of that long time connection and work with the AF Association to which the “we” refers. I have no problem with this.

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves

It’s a good technique for relaxation, stress management etc but as for controlling ectopics, I did not find that it did anything for frequent ectopics when I’ve had them. If they work for you, that’s great, but many people who suffer with a constantly high ectopic burden grow a bit weary of the suggestion that they can be controlled and managed with breathing exercises. I don’t mean this as a put down or dismissal of the technique nor am I dismissing the value it has for you personally. Controlled breathing exercises, whatever method suits the individual, are a very good way to rest the body/mind regardless of whether or not it can directly influence any particular symptom, whether ectopics or anything else.

mjames1 profile image
mjames1 in reply toAutumn_Leaves

Well said! Something great to try, but a few members only guarantee results with breathing exercises which is just a set up for failure.

Jim

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply tomjames1

I think all any of us do here is say what works, or doesn’t, for us. It’s a shame if people take a comment to mean they’re a failure if they don’t find the same thing works for them.

mjames1 profile image
mjames1 in reply toRainfern

No issue whatsoever with what you posted :) You just stated what worked for you. I was referring to several posts by others, where statements were made to the effect that all you have to do to get rid of ectopics is to follow the deep breathing exercises. Unfortunately, that frequently doesn't work. Sorry you got caught up in that.

Jim

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply toAutumn_Leaves

I am lucky to have had comparatively mild ectopics with or without breathing exercises. I understand how annoying it can be when people feel they have the answer for everyone else, like enthusing about positive psychology to someone with depression!

mjames1 profile image
mjames1

"We have the US navy seals to thank for popularising this particular breath control technique."

------------

First, thanks for the link. Nice graphics! But thanks really go to the yogis, thousands of years before the seals.

yogajournal.com/practice/yo...

Jim

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply tomjames1

I know! That’s why I said the seals had popularised it 😊

secondtry profile image
secondtry

Thanks, I use it and it does help.

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern

It reminds me to breathe which is useful as I’m not great with exercise!

Afibflipper profile image
Afibflipper

only just saw your post, that’s excellent that it works for you - I knew about box breathing & have given the concept to many but never knew where it originated from or that there was an app for it. Hope it continues to serve you well x

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply toAfibflipper

Thank you and hope you’re ok. I coloured my peppery hair today with a blonde henna base. I always remember the help you gave me when my hair was thinning so badly due to the meds. I don’t give it quite all the care you suggested but got a better brush! Anyhow, I seem to have kept my hair on! Take care xx

Afibflipper profile image
Afibflipper in reply toRainfern

I’ve never heard of a henna in any other hair colour but dark browns! I presume you get an auburn with a blonde?! My hair is much better lately . I had an extremely bad AF day yesterday so I did the box breathing - had 4 hours of 163 bpm and cold sweats, it was possibly/probably because I was late taking meds as I’d had a lie in but it’s not the first time 🤷‍♀️ I’m at cardiology tomorrow night but today I’m absolutely fine. Take care xx

Rainfern profile image
Rainfern in reply toAfibflipper

itspure.co.uk/collections/1...

I use gold blonde - there’s a lot of different herbs and it’s permanent.

I hope I’m forgiven for advertising a product here, but have no personal connection with the company!

Good luck at cardiology and stay well!

Afibflipper profile image
Afibflipper in reply toRainfern

😂 other makes & brands are available! Does it work on stubborn grey/white? Thanks again x

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