Apnea and a fibs?????

[peachtreepiggy]

For the lat four or five times, I have awoken with a fibs , as high as 130, lastting from a half hour to two hours, off and on. What could cause this? I am now afraid to sleep!

[BobD Volunteer]

Sleep apnoea is a well know cause of AF .Have you been tested ?

[Desanthony]

Have you actually been diagnosed with Sleep apnoea? If not see your GP and arrange to be tested. Sleep apnoea is a well known cause of AF and you probably need some form of treatment for the Sleep Apnoea which may also help with the AF. These can go hand in hand so good to have treatment for both. Are you on any medication for AF?

[peachtreepiggy in reply to Desanthony]

I have not been officially diagnosed with apnea but that is my suspicion. I'm currently on metoprolol a beta blocker and eliquis and anticoagulant. I'm also pondering ablation.

[Desanthony in reply to peachtreepiggy]

Good idea to rule out sleep apnea as a cause - though of course it may not be a cause.

Good Luck

[Teresa156]

Afib can often happen at night, for a lot of us and it might not necessarily be apnoea, but because the body is resting. Mine has happened while asleep and I don’t have apnoea. Do you have suspicions, because of your breathing?

[peachtreepiggy in reply to Teresa156]

I have no idea, I just know that apnea can be a problem with a fibs, and I automatically assumed that could be the case. I am going to see a sleep doctor, just to rule out that added worry!

[Teresa156]

Yes, it’s definitely worth ruling it out, but afib can and often does, happen during sleep for some, regardless of sleep apnoea. It helps if you always leave at least 3 hours after eating before sleeping too, as often digestion can kick it off too during sleep.

I have an applewatch that shows my respiratory rate whilst sleeping, which can tell you if you are consistently within a ‘normal’ range which can help identify if there is possible problem or not, although not 100 % accurate I know, but they do help.

[Ajays425]

my af episodes usually start at night or when drifting off to sleep. I think if yr heart rate drops down on resting/sleeping yr af then has a chance to jump in and kick off unfortunately - I feel yr pain but don’t be afraid to sleep as stress can also be a trigger which it is for me too. Have u seen yr gp or cardiologist or do you have arrhythmia nurse you can contact to talk it through?

[secondtry]

Stress may be a factor contributing to sleep apnoea. Stress levels creep up without you noticing, so suggest periodically you take proactive action to reduce on all fronts. I hope to be able to report something positive to this Forum on this area soon.

[sunlovah]

Same thing with me, be interested in replies.6 episodes since diagnosis 14 months ago, five woke up in AF (the 6th the initial one). Waiting for a sleep study, GP now expediting it, like you, I am getting worried about sleeping. Lasted 3 months last time. I think that it's flipping out around 5.00- 6.00 am ish.

Hope you get some answers.

[Vonnegut]

My episodes of AF used to occur at night mostly and woke me up and originally I would take Flecainide as a PIP which would end episodes in a few hours. No episodes for well over a year since I have taken it twice daily (100mg) but we are all different and hope you find what works for you.