Paroxyzmal SVT, Only when Eating

[Bennera513]

Going on 2.5 years since ablation for Afib and doing great, though a new arrhythmia has surfaced apparently. I get short runs of atrial tachycardia,...more than 3 consecutive PAC's, but fewer than 10 before reverting to Sinus Rhythm. Happens only while actively chewing/swallowing food. Swallowing liquids does not kick it off, but each new swallow of solids kicks off these short SVT's. Does not appear to be fibrillation nor flutter....fairly rhythmic but not entirely regular.

And if I'm not eating, I'm fine,...maybe the odd PAC or two through the day, but not unusual. Consultant has me continuing to monitor, but it occurs with each of the last 4 meals I've eaten. Not aware of any GERD or hiatal hernia or ulcers. Have mild sleep apnea (1.6 AHI on CPAP).

Anyone else experience wonky rhythm disturbance with each and ever meal that resolves soon after the last bite of food?

[MeganMN]

Interesting. I've heard of it, and mine kicks in AFTER eating. But that seems more related to the vagus nerve? Will be curious to hear more responses. Hope it settles down!

[ParisTexas]

Like Megan, I've had a few small irregularities, and one small afib event after eating, not during -- if I get up too quickly after that last bite and start on post-meal kitchen work. Not a consistent thing, and in quickly reverted to sinus, as in yr case (I'm not on any drug currently, not even PIP).

[Cangelo629]

I've had similar runs when drinking water or other liquids very fast or very cold that I avoid now so I've had to be mindful to slow down fortunately doesn't do it all the time. I'm am six months post op from my second ablation it's much better now I'm wondering if it has something to do with the vegus nerve being stimulated.

[needlestone]

yep, that occasionally happens to me. I wear a garmin watch that often gives me a reading of abnormal rhythm while eating. I usually feel nothing but watch shows it. It resolves quickly so I don’t worry about it. I have mentioned to my cardiologist who was not concerned. I assume it’s Vagal, although I do have a hiatal hernia, so who knows. As long as I don’t feel it like I did before ablation I am good.

[Hidden]

It sounds very much like a vagus nerve trigger…the main nerve from brain to all organs supply nerve control to the digestive tract and heart on the same pathway.

I would try vagal tone exercises … humming is good but even better is to use a vibration massager and place it on the bony part of your spine.. then hum.. it remaps vagal tone somehow…worth researching.

[Ppiman]

Fascinating, eh? I have started to get far more of these for some reason, as well as more AF and palpitations. Mine aren’t related to food but my they do look disconcerting when viewed on an Apple Watch.

Steve