Difficulty swallowing (cool liquid) =afib symptom?

[Efka]

Ad-hoc when drinking cool liquids it’s like they get stuck above the collar bone before after a while finally progressing down. Is this an afib symptom?

No issues swallowing foods or hot drinks.

I’m thinking this is possibly a vagus nerve issue? Does anyone else have swallowing issues and if so is it due to afib?

Background is husband had a dual lead ICD implanted February this year and afterwards have had a whole host of random, and debilitating, symptoms and we are still trying to sort out what is afib related and what is not.

I apologies in advance as I will separate out the weird symptoms and post each on it’s own.

Many thanks for any help and experiences

Eva

[CDreamer]

Yes to both questions. I always avoid all drinks with ice and very chilled drinks. We have got as bad as US for assuming every drink should be chilled. I now ask for warm water with my meal.

That is an AF thing for some people and I think you are right, it’s ANS connected ie: vagus nerve.

Interestingly though anything that causes can cure so the divers response ie: plunging your face into cold water can often help convert to NSR. Cold showers are a good way of improving vagal tone as are breathing exercises, humming, singing, exercises such as Tai Chi and Yoga which teach breathing techniques.

As a matter of interest why was an ICD implanted and why only dual lead?

[Efka in reply to CDreamer]

Ahh ok you’re a superstar so this one might be afib related through the ANS and vagus nerve.

He’s been doing some vagus nerve exercises/training, I might have to structure it a bit more…

The ICD was only a “you had a heart attack 2 decades ago and has HFrEF this might put you at a heightened risk for a future cardiac arrest but we don’t know…”. My understanding is the two lead was used as if needed in the future it has some pacing capability. Currently only pacing at bottom bpm which is set at 40. A three lead was never discussed,

Just very sad as prior to the ICD implant he had no noticeable symptoms of any heart issues and post he’s really struggling hence why I’m so keen to sort out what is what and which symptoms we can try to improve and how. Thank goodness I love medical research just cardiac stuff beyond HF is relatively new to me.

Thanks again for your help and advice. Will definitely do more nervous system work. Here’s to good lives!

[Ppiman]

The oesophagus in some people sits tightly against the atrium, I gather (mine included). Drinking sets of peristalsis (waves of muscular contractions), and a cold drink will have a stronger effect. It sounds like this is something possible in your husband's case. I'm not sure this is vagal at all, but that is one of the nerves responsible for the oesophagus, it seems. It sounds likely to be a physical effect on the heart wall, via the oesophagus, which is known to be able to set off ectopic beats and, from there, AF might result. Irritation of the vagus is very unusual, I have been told, and would tend to lead to bradycardia, not AF or ectopic beats.

Steve

[Efka in reply to Ppiman]

Ah, super, you’ve just given me more questions to ask at our next appointment. I didn’t realise the atrium could impact so.

He has been bradycardic for many many years, I admit I lately once I started looking put it down to consequences of long term heart meds. Maybe I was too hasty and the vagus nerve has been impacted for a long time.

I shall do more research, thanks again Steve,

Eva

[108cat]

yes I think this is vagal, AF related, I have experienced this. It's helpful that you brought it up. As someone already said - with the vagus nerve the irritant can sometimes also be a 'cure' in that it can return you to NSR. Drinking a glass of chilled water or splashing the face with cold water etc.

I hope things improve quickly ..

[Efka in reply to 108cat]

Great to have your confirmation also thank you. One symptom I can then put down as afib related and we can work more on the vagal tone ourselves. And thank you for your best wishes x