Vagus nerve stimulation and Atrial Fibrillation

[Abbyroza]

I’m quite sure that the research that is mentioned in a recent paper (2022), with the title ‘Vagus nerve stimulation and Atrial Fibrillation: revealing the paradox’ will lead to the most promising, non-invasive treatment for AF ever.

It’s a must-read for everyone with a heart out of sync. Talk about this paper with your EP’s and cardiologists. They need to know what’s discussed in it!

I am not allowed to post a link to the paper, but if you google the title, you cannot miss it.

Have an exciting read!

[DrBook]

Thank you for this timely reminder. I downloaded this paper some time ago but I forgot about it! All the best.

Brian

[Ppiman]

Thanks for posting that. I had read it before but it was interesting to look again. There are a few other studies looking at this but none reaching better conclusions. It doesn't seem to be turning out to be as promising as the trial suggests it might be, however, judging by the generally mixed results from studies.

I'm drawn to the conclusion fro reading online that the atrial conductivity problems we all suffer from here, such as AF, AFl and ectopic beats, although likely of mixed origin, are, for most people, arising from an inflammatory background linked to an age, made worse in some of us by other long term health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnoea and so on (most of those also being the result of cellular inflammation from either genetics, Diest, lethargy and so on).

Steve

[AKatieD in reply to Ppiman]

And hormones....

[Ppiman in reply to AKatieD]

Yes - indeed. It seems to be amazing from media reports what tablets of those can do to help matters!

Steve

[Cliff_G]

Thanks! As a classic VMAF candidate, I've always looked at vagal stimulation as something to be avoided, so shall have a good read of that.

[108cat]

I think this is really interesting, but sadly the big trials probably won't happen since it's not a pharmaceutical solution and therefore unlikely to attract the funds.

I emailed the link to my cardiologist and he said this:

"I know there's been interest in it for a while, but it hadn't got beyond fairly small scale trials at this stage. I'm not aware of any trials going on in the UK currently, and at the moment I think I would look on it as potentially promising, but a long way from routine acceptance..."

[OzRob]

I tried a TENS machine, read trhis post. healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[108cat in reply to OzRob]

Thanks for the link and info on TENS. I read the posts with interest. I also remember a post from someone whose AF was triggered by using TENS on their neck.

I'm wondering if you still use TENS for AF? Do you find it can return you from PAF to NSR?

I have been using various vagus nerve techniques including deep yogic breathing with long outbreath etc. sometimes this does stop PAF particularly if it's mild and not a fast HR. I would love not to have to use PIP Flecainide, since it does give me side effects although it is effective.

Many thanks again

Cat

[OzRob in reply to 108cat]

No, the TENS unit did nothing. I tried various electrode positions in the ears and lobes, plus various freqencies which I found on the web regarding vagal stimulation. Each time I tried the Tens it was without success. I would then use a traditional valsalva maneuver to stop the AF to prove it could be stopped with a vagal stimulation.

A valsalva maneuver works so well because it is increasing pressure in the thoracic cavity where the heart is positioned.

If you read my posts you will see all the things I have tried.

The first thing you must determine is what type of AF you actually have, Vagal or Adrenergic, I have pure Vagal AF.

[SkyBluePInk47]

I have had success with Vagal Maneuver taking me out of AFib. Saved me a lot of $$ and time and frustration. I think it is worth learning so one can try it and know beforehand what to do. Appreciate your info, will look into that as well!

I am not in constant A-Fib though.

[solarjdo69]

Thanks! I found it OK.