anxious

[Sarwags]

I had my first attack in nov 2016 and went into total panic as no one really explained what afib was and I was convinced I was about to die ..I had maybe a few episodes a year after until last year when my husband was murdered and during the trial I had a big episode that didn’t stop with flecanide so went into hospital where after second dose it stopped ..since then I’ve had one a month not as intense and it goes back to rhythm after flecanide ..so I feel really anxious about then happening and I wondered if losing weight and eating a better diet had helped anyone have less episodes ?

[Cavalierrubie]

Hi, The same happened to me when l had my first attack. I had never even heard of AF and also thought my life was over. Thankfully, that’s not the case, and it’s not life threatening and is treatable. I take it you are on an anticoagulant? That’s very important if you need to be. For me, personally, a change of lifestyle has help lessen my episodes. I have found vitamin B and magnesium supplements helpful. I also stopped sugar. We are all different and it takes time to find out what helps you with this rogue condition. Make sure your electrolytes are all in sync. as this can make a difference. Your GP can do a blood test to check this. I think the key is everything in moderation. I am sorry to hear what has happened in your life and the stress, of what you have been through, would undoubtedly have taken its toll. For lots of us anxiety and stress is a trigger. I think you are wise to look at your lifestyle, and diet and to find out what helps you personally.

[Sarwags in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you I have been trying to change my lifestyle by doing more exercises watching what foods I eat cutting out caffeine and only drinking when I go out …yes I am taking edoxiban and flecanide when I have an episode x

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Sarwags]

Yes, it takes time, but only you know your own body and how you feel. It took me 3 years to get into a routine and relax. If you can keep calm when you have an attack and not worry, it makes a huge difference to the duration of the attack. It does to me.

[trevs7]

All the evidence I have read online points to a healthy lifestyle (weight loss, good diet & exercise) reduces the AF burden; and it certainly did for me.

[Sarwags in reply to trevs7]

Thank you

[secondtry]

Based largely on my personal experience, I believe in a hybrid cure for AF...that is a drug to stop them and Lifestyle changes to keep it at bay. Use that normal anxiety to drive changes.

[CDreamer]

Good advice already. Lifestyle changes can lessen your AF burden (no and intensity of episodes), can help you to reduce triggers, after ablation can give you maximum chance of maintaining NSR but it will rarely on it’s own eliminate AF.

You have suffered the most enormous trauma and hopefully you have had emotional and psychological support to deal with that so you that will also be a factor in your anxiety. Finding ways of managing your anxiety is probably, more than anything, the most helpful thing you can do as anxiety is the biggest antagonist for AF.

I would also suggest that you look at ablation, sooner rather than later as AF does have a tendency to be progressive.

Lifestyle is far more than losing weight (if you need to) and eating a nutritious and varied diet, although important. Take moderate exercise - brisk 10-15 min walk twice a day, quality sleep, breathing well through your nose (we have a tendency to breath short and shallow and through the mouth when we are anxious when we should breath through our nose with Long, Slow and Deep).

More than anything - do not allow AF to stop you doing the things you want to do and try find some joy in your life - what do you enjoy? Joy releases endorphins which counter the very corrosive hormones of stress - cortisol, adrenaline and noroadrenaline.

Hope that helps.

[iris1205 in reply to CDreamer]

If I could give 5 stars for this response I would. Sarwags, take good care, you’re on the right track, be kind to yourself!

[Sarwags in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you i am beginning to see how much going to the gym and walking appreciating something each day makes such a difference to my anxiety levels and accepting that I won’t stay feeling like this forever ..

[Desanthony]

Life style changes to a healthy diet and exercise and losing weight will help you in all ways. Many here have found it lessens their Af burden and makes you feel much better in many ways. Good Luck!

[Danny44]

good morning sorry too hear about your episodes. I think anyone in your position with AF probably would have had an attack with those incredibly stressful times.My AF also started around 2016 and I do find fatty foods diet and being overweight is a contributing factor.Basically low fat low carb diet but just need to find recipes that are delicious aswell as being heart healthy.Loads of recipes out there and weekly meal planners.Try swimming very gently a length at a time it makes you feel better not only physically but also mentally you feel better.Could really help with the anxiety and general feeling of wellbeing.Alchohol is the biggest AF trigger in my opinion that and too much blue cheese or Parmesan 😂

[Janith]

The exact same thing happened to me. I was alone in this huge house … my husband in Europe. I had zero idea what was wrong with me. I drove to the emergency room … told them … something is wrong with my heart. I was terrified. When they saw me in emergency, the doc said … oh, you’re just in afib as though it was nothing. I thought … what in the hell is afib? Well, l was admitted and stayed three days. Eventually, they stopped it. Now l have a few events yearly. I did have a cardio version which was great and prevented episodes for a long period of time. They offered me an ablation; however, l refused one and continue to refuse. YES, diet is super important, magnesium taurate, lots of vitamins, zero alcohol, l’m skinny but if you are over-weight, lose weight, eat small meals, have your dinner early … take probiotics and prebiotics. I do lots of exercise six days per week. Speed walking and gym. It’s a scary condition, and the surprise element is bothersome. I take sotalol along with a few other meds … seems to work for me. Best, Jan