AF and reaching up.

[Cavalierrubie]

I don’t know if this really is a daft question, but has anyone had a trigger for AF when reaching up? Today l had to change a light bulb. I don’t like going too high on the steps in case l fall, so had to strain to get the bulb in , which took several minutes as it decided it didn’t want to go. It immediately seemed to trigger AF and it’s still going after 3 hrs. Never had this before when reaching up. There is no limits to this is there?

[Jalia]

I certainly know of one lady I met in AF clinic who found her episodes often started when reaching up to a particularly high cupboard

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Jalia]

Ok. Thanks Jalia. Will not make a habit of it then.

[Buffafly]

It’s one of my triggers though sometimes the AF doesn’t start until the next day. I found that remembering to breathe normally helps to prevent it because I realised that I hold my breath while making the effort!

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Buffafly]

Yes, l hold my breath Buff. I have a bad habit of that, especially when l am anxious. I was straining my neck as well in the process. Oh well, another episode bites the dust. We live and learn.

[Nezzera]

Is it possible that being fearful or anxious while performing the task is the culprit?

It can be for me but not always.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Nezzera]

That’s a good point. I was fearful of the electric as the bulb was awkward and l hadn’t switched off at the mains. Thanks.

[CDreamer]

I’ve been triggered by bending down but not reaching up and I do a lot of reaching exercises in my yoga and Tai Chi exercises. It seems anything and everything can and does affect us.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to CDreamer]

Who knows the absolute reason why? For all we know, it could be a combination of things. AF has no boundaries has it? Thank you CD.

[lovetogarden in reply to CDreamer]

Same here, bending over often triggers my tachycardia.

[NewOne2023]

It seems that there are so much potential triggers that if you try to avoid them all you wouldn't lead a normal life. I gave up tracking majority of triggers. I am careful about my big one and thats sleeping or laying on left side and trying to keep my stress as low as possible, but that's about it. I just can't allow this thing taking over all of my day so with time I got used to not think about the minor triggers anymore. Not worth my QOL.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to NewOne2023]

You are absolutely correct. Thanks.

[Leechg]

Hi, yes on reaching up and bending down. Straight away. It seems like the heart is being moved or squashed in some way. Tight clothes set me off too. All good fun.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Leechg]

Thanks for reply. Reassuring to know l am not unique LOL. The mystery of this thing never ceases to remind us it’s not going away.

[Ppiman]

Yes, and leaning forwards or bobbing down say, in the garden to weed. These actions are able to start off ectopic beats by stretching the heart muscle directly, I have read. Studies have been done to confirm just this and, indeed, point logically to many other so-called triggers being, in truth, a physical stretching of the heart rather than an effect from any chemicals, additives or ingredients in food and drink.

Steve

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Ppiman]

I have replied below to you. Hit the wrong button.

[Cavalierrubie]

l have come to the conclusion that the heart is the most difficult and sensitive organ in the body and yet the most wonderful and intricate. Being protected by the ribcage means it must be vulnerable and delicate, yet at the same time, it is the strongest organ. It is feasible, what you say, as we sometimes forget it is a muscle and susceptible to being stretched. I suppose it doesn’t help getting older, when our muscles become weaker. As always Steve, you have interesting and explanatory information to pass on. Thank you.

[Ppiman in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Also, being hidden so well behind bones make it hard to observe but it seems that the MRI scanner, even within the NHS, is now much more often used which is really good news as it is without tradition risks and apparently produces wonderful images of the heart.

And can I add that your replies are always warm-hearted and kind, as well as very informative! Thank you.

Steve

[Auriculaire]

Nope. I triggered an episode by leaning out of the window and breathing in colder air! I had been sunbathing on our south facing balcony late october. I opened the north facing dining room window and leant out to see if there was any sign of my husband coming back from the shops and the air was much colder. Afib started immediately.

[Cavalierrubie]

That is the strangest one yet! It most definitely has a mind of its own. The king of all beasts!

[108cat]

Your post reminded me that last autumn stretching up repeatedly to prune the vine in greenhouse, put me into PAF that night. I agree, putting a lot of effort into the movement, straining, holding the breath, added to the problem. I'm having to train myself not to put that extra oomph into things - it's not easy!

Thanks to you and Steve for your comments on the heart, yes it is extraordinarily powerful, sensitive and delicate, so many years taking it for granted, now AF is making me see it differently.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to 108cat]

Yes, this is a unique experience. You have probably hit the nail on the head when you say “not to put that extra oomph into things”. I think that is excellent advice. I definitely need to slow down and relax more. Anxiety is always lurking in the background which causes tension in the whole body. Breathing properly is so essential in maintaining control. So often l find myself holding my breath and it’s not good. I always say that anxiety is one of the symptoms of AF. Such a difficult thing to conquer. Thank you.

[108cat]

You've reminded me that my acupuncturist suggested (when this whole AF thing began) to practice deep belly breathing every day and I did this. Slow breath in through the nose (say to the count of four or six, then a longer slow breath out through the mouth to the count of eight or even ten) starting off lying down, now I can do it anywhere.

It meant that when I had an episode (PAF) I was ready, and could immediately go into the breathing and it sometimes puts me back into normal rhythm, sometimes not and then I reach for PIP Flec after about 20 minutes.

Over time, it has improved my breathing generally, probably good for me, good for the vagus nerve, helps to relax when tense etc.

It's such a tough journey .. all the best x

[jeanjeannie50]

I remember a lady writing on this forum years ago who would put her hand gently over her heart area and talk to it soothingly, telling it everything was ok and to be calm. She said it worked and to be honest I'd try anything that has helped others calm their heart rate. Trouble is trying to remember these healing aids in the midst of a horrid AF attack!

Jean

[Cavalierrubie in reply to jeanjeannie50]

That made me smile Jean, because l always say to an AF attack “l hate you, so go away.” Unfortunately it doesn’t work (can’t think why!) but at least l let off steam. It is difficult to remember different strategies when you are having an attack. It’s like AF and a mini panic attack, all in one, for me. I have over the years managed to relax more and breathe properly which has helped shorten the episodes. Not a lot more we can do with it. 🥰

[sillguy]

What Ppiman said. Stretching/reaching, bending down--all can trigger, and have for me countless times.

[bassets]

I had a strong attack when I reached forward when I was sitting on the sofa. I was trying to pick up a ball for our grandson. I won't do that again!

[Visitingcat]

A bit of a late reply but I had the worst ever afib I’ve ever had after spending all day reaching up painting my kitchen ceiling, white tongue and groove wood and white beams. Up and down a small step ladder all day and loads of coats. Luckily a small kitchen.

Sitting down relaxing in the evening and it felt like a lurch and then took off like a runaway horse.

I wasn’t on flecainade then and waited months for a cardioversion, worst symptoms ever like a ball of gas in my chest that I could not get rid of, awful pressure, brought about by the slightest exertion. Half an hour stood washing up I was done for the day. I’ve never felt worse even after the stroke I had when I first was diagnosed with afib, ( didn’t get put on warfarin fast enough).

I am very wary of reaching up now and have my washing lines ridiculously low and use props.

My ceilings are all staying exactly as they are from now on.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Visitingcat]

Thanks for your reply. How awful for you. That’s exactly how my AF starts, with a lurch, and it makes me feel really sick and l can’t do a thing. As explained to me here, the heart is a muscle and when we reach up it can be stretched. I pegged washing out this morning and felt the tightness in my chest and throat, just reaching up to the washing line. I am having to be very careful right now, but we have to do certain things. I am 76 so expect my muscles have weakened with age. No more decorating for you! Thanks for your input. It is a great reminder and help to everyone. 🥰

[Visitingcat]

Definitely no more painting ceilings!! We do have to keep doing stuff, my husband’s always asking what are you doing now you’re puffing again? ( Leaky valves, I always puff) it’s just stuff, I can easily spend a hour pottering about putting things away, wiping surfaces down, stuff just needs doing.

I have a Robbie the robot hoover, he’s great but when I get the real one out I really notice the difference in how tired I get cos I’m not used to it, not sure how good an idea he really is.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Visitingcat]

At least we don’t give in to this monster. It can be very cruel. Take care and thanks.

[Visitingcat]

Thank you, do take care too. All best wishes to you. 🥰

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Visitingcat]

I meet some lovely people on here. Thank you. Keep well. Xxx