hi all, 8 days ago I had my first episode of Afib in months after a bout of vomiting at bedtime. Lasted 5 hours + according to Fitbit. my head is telling me that is normal for us folks, am I right?
Also had horrible heartburn symptoms on and off since then. ( woke me last night), any ideas on why?
I was diagnosed nearly a year ago and am taking Edoxaban only. Cardio advised no treatment for rate/rhythm cos of other issues. Fitbit thinks I’m really good at exercise as I get mega zone mins for vacuuming 😄.
thanks all, it’s good to be able to ask odd questions
B
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femalegannet
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It’s not surprising that your stomach upset has triggered AF. The oesophagus is very close to the heart and all that disturbance would have upset your whole system. I have stomach issues and it has done the same. As Ben says, the vagus nerve, if disturbed, can trigger AF. It is unfortunate for those of us who have AF., together with stomach problems. I have hiatus hernia and acid reflux. Small meals and often and not to eat three hours before bed is advisable. Eating a large rich, or spicy meal can trigger AF.
This sounds like you have pulled at your diaphragm and it's taking a while to settle. The heart sits pretty much atop this, so the spasms of vomiting could easily have set off mild tachycardia and ectopic beats which can then trigger AF. What this has perhaps shown is that your heart is still prone but all should be well soon.
I would choose a non PPI to manage acidity since you have beenn able to stop using omeprazole - or be sure to use it cautiously and not long term. I am stuck on the same and would wish otherwise. There are a few other options, but simple antacids work well and tend to be overlooked. Rennies or Milk of Magnesia are especially good as they will also boost any deficiency of magnesium at the same time.
Vagal "irritation" causes bradycardia (a slow beat). Interestingly, my specialist assured me that, despite the internet hype and its heavy focus on the vagus nerve, such direct irritation would only very rarely lead to AF. Apparently, "vagal AF" is a very different thing and is simply a description rather than a cause of AF.
I think all your trouble will settle eventually. My flare ups of stomach troubles, often with nausea, can last a long time but always have (so far...) eventually settled.
Or try Gaviscon liquid or tablets. My GP recently put me on Omeprazole. I lasted for four days the first time I tried taking it and only two the second time - the side effects were horrible and lasted for days after stopping. So I’m back to Gaviscon when needed.
I have taken Omeprazole now for over 20 years and never had any issues and I too have a hiatus hernia which occasionally brings on afib. Take your GPs advice as to whats best for you.
vomiting is my afib trigger, if it triggers afib I go immediately into it with rapid heart rate. I am beginning to think altitude also has the potential to trigger it.
My first bout of AF was diagnosed because of vomiting (it was really a matter of time as it is familial) That apart, I had been prescribed an anti-biotic for an infected cut on my leg which after the first tablet caused continuous vomiting until I was bringing up tiny flecks of blood. With that, I phoned my GP, had an ECG, had a HR of 140. I was immediately referred to a cardiologist, but as I was forbidden to drive it took a while to get to the Heart hospital. I was immediately admitted, but by the time I saw him 4 hours later, I was back in NSR. He kept me there for two nights and I stayed in NSR. That was 5 years ago. and I have never vomited since, so I am not sure if vomiting is a trigger in my case !
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