Tens machine and AF

[Sandyc2705]

I have been AF free for nearly 2 yesrs but I’ve just had a 3 hour episode following using a tens machine on the back of my neck and shoulders for rebound headaches following using daily painkillers for a gum abscess

are Tens machines a no no or is it just because I put the pads on the back of my neck and shoulders

only used it for 15 minutes but I knew immediately when I went into AF - I took 2 1.25 of bisoprolol my PIPs and the rate was 75-87

I tried to rest and it lasted only 3 hours - the shortest time ever for me

I’ve had AF since June 2016 and thus is my 13th episode so I can’t complain

Bisoprolol as PIP and Apixaban are my only meds - just disappointed as naively I thought I wasn’t going to have anymore episodes

Thank for reading

Sandy

[Jalia]

AF has a nasty habit of turning up when you least expect it. You've done well to last so long.

I've used Tens machine on lower back for Sciatica. It's been very effective and did not provoke AF for me.

I really don't know about using the device on your neck etc but if it has caused this problem for you I would hold fire. Maybe someone on the forum will come forward with an answer.

As a matter of interest, I did find that using the Revitive device , although very promising, sped my heart rate up too much to continue with.

[108cat in reply to Jalia]

I haven't used Tens however I think it works by stimulating the nerves through a mild electrical current?

It occurs to me that the vagus nerve that regulates the pulse in the heart runs through the neck. Could it be that the Tens electrical impulse triggered AF by stimulating the vagus nerve in an unusual way?

This is only a guess, it may not be that at all. Good to hear it settled fairly quickly.

Cat

[Sandyc2705 in reply to Jalia]

Thanks for your reply - I think I will only use it on my lower back from now on

[Cavalierrubie]

Sorry to hear of your dilemma. Tens machines are not suitable for cardiac patients and l am surprised it didn’t inform you on the instructions. The stimulation on the chest can cause heart arrhythmia. There are so many restrictions when you have heart problems and it makes things very difficult. Apart from that, Tens machines are very good as my daughter uses one for back pain.

[Bagrat]

I use a TENS for lower back pain and have never had an issue. Whether it caused your episode or it was coincidence, sods law means if you use TENS in same place you will get AF episode ( self fulfilling prophecy syndrome!!)

[CDreamer]

I thin tens is fine most people, most of the time, there are always exceptions and I’ve never seen a warning against using ones. I was advised to avoid certain trigger points around vagus nerve by chiropractors so download a diagram for back so you are aware. . I would also limit time - maybe 2 mins, working up to 5 minutes? I use LIV machine & massage bed and never had any problems and I have a pacemaker.

I think finding a way of using tens is far preferable to drugs. Have you tried acupuncture? I’ve had great pain relief from both acupuncture & acupressure seeds.

[Sandyc2705 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for your reply - I have tried acupuncture in the past but I think I will give it another go

[opal11uk]

I have said many times on this forum that electrical 'gadgets' should not be used on A/F patients - this came from my cardiologist over 20 years ago and having attended a couple of clinics for physio they wouldn't use anything on me either.

[Bingofox007]

I have edoxaban for PAF and have used a TENS mid/lower back with no problems. Just purchased new pads for it but the darn thing seems to have packed up! Hope you feel better. Take care 🦊x

[OzJames]

Sandy a lot of us think like that…. I’ve gone 5-7 years without an episode then get lazy have too many wines and bang its back. I’m now really motivated to slow down the frequency and since it came back in 2022 after many years free I’ve had 3 episodes and 3 cardioversions as drugs seem not to convert me. I can same the same Ive been lucky since 1993 around 8 episodes. I put it down to knowing my triggers and maintaining a healthy food and exercise regime which has always been my ‘normal’ living

[Sandyc2705]

thank you all for replying - this is a brilliant forum

[DiyChas]

I have been using a10s Unit for about 20 years.Works well anywhere I use it.

Usually for lower and mid back.

But also for legs and shoulders.

I have CAD and very mild (not noticeable) AFib and am on Eliquis and Bisoprolol 2.5.

Heart rate is regularly in the 70-80 range.

I would suggest not doing it again on your neck, without consulting heart specialist.

[Sandyc2705 in reply to DiyChas]

Good advice - I don’t think I would risk it again

[37Polly]

we never know what will set it off. I had major afib after recent massage. Who knew?

[Eastwick]

I was told that I couldn’t use a tens machine as I am permanently paced and it could affect the pacemaker