So last night I went for an Indian meal and had alchohol free wine. I came back and settle down and about 12pm my heart started going up between late 90 and 110. I got it down with breathwork and various other stuff. I had a korma which I’ve never had any issues with in the past.
I’ve started going on long walks and I want to go today but I’m worried if I do my heart may be like last night and also I’ve had some sleep but not as much as I should. What’s your thoughts please
AF may be in your life but don't let it rule your life.
Alcohol free deosn't mean it is OK as it still contains the things that really cause the problems. like sulfides.
110 is only just outside normal range of 60 to100. How did you feel?
I had a bit of temperature. Just felt panicky because and my legs were a bit shaky and my stumuch was gurgling a bit. I’m proud of myself for getting my heart down myself, I’m getting stronger with the diagnosis I hope. It was regular heart beat again. I always find your reply’s so helpful. I have my dad with AFiB but my mums quite poorly and I don’t like to burden him.
My HR goes up and down like a yo-yo, up to 120 I don’t even notice it, I only know because of my watch! I’m thinking a touch of food poisoning maybe?
It could well be, since I’ve had my gallbladder I seem to be so sensitive to allot of stuff. I’ve paid for some private tests which may give me some answer about sensitivities to food
Anxiety, it wins every time. Next time you do this you will start to worry your heart rate will go up and sure and day goes into night, it will!! This is one thing you have to try and train your brain otherwise you will end up in a vicious circle
hi Wishcld,
Sometimes it’s a bit of trial and error, in what affects us and what doesn’t. Did you eat the curry quite late in the end perhaps? Did you leave at least three hours before sleeping? That can be a golden rule too, if you have AF. It’s quite common I think for heart rate episodes to happen at night, which is never a good time is it? You did well in controlling it and keeping your HR down.
I read some of your other posts and your bio…are you likely to see anyone soon about your episodes and have you thought anymore about ablation? At your young age, it might be an idea to try and nip this in the bud the sooner the better. I had AF for nearly 17 years before it was diagnosed. Fortunately it hadn’t progressed and was still fairly infrequent, but it still affected my life and I had an ablation, later than many people do. I notice you are on quite a high dose of bisoprolol too, which must affect you? It must lower your HR a lot when you are in sinus rhythm?
to be honest. I’ve had to change to another hospital I feel, I’ve really be let down with the system to be honest. Mainly being advised by A&E rather than cardiology. The hospital is linked up with glenfield, who operated on my father and I pray the ablation is discussed only problem is, I have some health issues that I guess they will want to sort for first as I don’t think the ablation will be succesful
Don't wait for them to mention ablation, actively chase an appointment with an EP who can decide yes/no. Don't let a normal doctor or cardiologist make that decision
Agree 💯
I assume you’re talking about Glenfield hospital in Leicester. I and a few others on here, have had an ablation at Glenfield. Dr Sandilands did mine and he’s done ovef 2000 ablations, he told me, so they are very experienced there. If you get offered an ablation, you should take it, I’m sure you won’t regret it. I got reassurance from the people on here, as well.
My thoughts entirely 👍
Why do you think the ablation will not be successful? I had mine at Glenfield and was treated very well. It's an excellent hospital with some of the best consultants in the Country
Ah, I see - it can be complicated. It’s a shame you’ve just been seen by A&E only since diagnosis, as they are generalist Drs and will just prescribe bisoprolol to everyone. You should be referred to a cardiologist and it’s your right to have that, at least initially? You said your heart was structurally sound and if that’s the case, they can prescribe an anti arrythmic possibly and at least review your meds. Only a cardiologist can do that. Is it your GP who keeps raising your bisoprolol?
GP has increased it once and a&e did it the rest of the time.
oh Wishcld,
Unfortunately neither A&E or your GP will know enough about AF, so all they’re doing is to keep raising your bisoprolol and quite frankly it’s the easiest option for them. You must feel dreadful, as that is quite a high dose.
You really need to see a cardiologist or an EP to review what’s going on, especially with your medication. Even if you can’t or not able to go down the ablation route. Please can I urge you to push for a referral? You deserve that and to be treated like this since your diagnosis isn’t good enough. You need to let your GP know how this is affecting your life. Don’t accept what they’re doing for you as the best solution.
A lot of us seek out private appointments, I have done in the past. You can refer yourself and just do a search on Google to find out EPs or cardiologist at the hospital and their secretaries should appear. You call or Email them and then sort out an appointment, usually within a couple of weeks. They can transfer you to NHS straight after - and quicker than a GP could get for you. ( it’s usually around £200-250) for a twenty minute, or even half hour consultation….make notes of all your concerns 😊
Is 7.5 mg of Bisoprolol s high dose ? I am on the same, but was on 15mg for over a year......AF is such a variable beast . Does anyone know what the percentages are of people diagnosed with paroxysmal vs persistent ?
Hi OldTown and Wishcld,
I don’t want to alarm either of you and everyone is different. Bisoprolol is quite powerful and even at a low dose on 1.25 can affect a lot of people, from posts i’ve read on here. I am now on 3.75 myself over a day, up from 1.25 and can certainly feel the difference, especially with my HR. It can cause a lot of fatigue and other symptoms, for a lot of people, the higher you go. It’s what is dished out to everyone.
The higher the dose can affect you a lot but if you are both feeling fine, then that’s fine. You are both well within the limits still. It seems to affect women more from what I’ve read too on here, but that’s just my perception of the posts I’ve read. If you search bisoprolol within the posts, you will find a lot of people who have issues with it unfortunately.
If you are in persistent AF as opposed to paroxysmal it also of course makes a difference, as you need additional help in getting your HR down to an acceptable level, so a higher dose may be needed. It’s when you’re paroxysmal that it can affect you more, especially when in SR.
Intrigued by your comment about greater need of a beta blocker if your AF is permanent. Because I am asthmatic I was never prescribed a beta blocker for paroxysmal AF.When my paroxysmal AF had turned into permanent though asymptomatic AF I needed to have my appendix out.After my heart rate rising to over 190 bpm during the operation under general anaesthetic, a well-meaning doctor put me on 2.5mg of Bisoprolol. It had no apparent effect, though I don't indulge myself with Apple watches and the like. I felt no different taking it than I did in the years of not taking it. After 7 weeks I started with painful intermittent rashes, later diagnosed as urticaria, also known as hives. I was weaned off Bisoprolol, during which time I had a very sudden exacerbation of asthma requiring ambulance admission to hospital.
My local medical centre is one of several such run by a large partnership of GPs. They have their own treatment centre. They researched Bisoprolol and decided it was not for me, and neither was any other beta blocker.
My only medication for AF is my trusted friend, Warfarin. ( I am aged 79, also having foot drop of my right foot, asthma, lymphoedema of my lower legs, and BPH. The foot drop restricts how far I can walk to about a mile maximum, although my foot can become painful long before that.)
Hi Thomas,
As I have said, yes, we are all very different. I’m sure you have seen yourself on here, how many are affected by bisoprolol, but not everyone, as I’ve said. Everyone has a different story and there are always exceptions . Betablockers of any type are not for everyone as you have found out. I’m glad you’re ok without them. I hope you would agree though, that they do help a lot of people remain in a lower HR when they need them? As do many other medications.
I myself am quite fond of bisoprolol, but I’m not it’s no 1 fan, but it has helped me, I don’t doubt that, but I stand corrected,
I have edited my previous reply and said that bisoprolol may be needed to keep a higher HR lower if in persistent/permanent.
It’s not always the answer, I know that. There are also many other medications that help a lot of people.
I’ve thought about seeing York cardiologist. Friday I have my cardiology appointment and hopefully may be just what I’ve needed. We will see I guess cant take no more 😩
York Cardiologist is of course very good, but you would be better off ( in my opinion) sticking to a cardiologist in your own area, who can access your records and history etc.
It’s so good you have a cardiology appointment on Friday. Make sure you tell them how you feel/ how your life is affected and how you feel on your medication.
Make easy notes so you can refer to them, as you won’t get long.
Do let us know how you get on.
Write your personal history out, short bullet pointsWrite your questions out, 1being the most important
Take two copies
Hand one to cardiologist
And ask for referrals to ep. Don't wait for them to offer
Go to Glenfield, Sixtychick had her ablation there under Dr Sandilands and I had mine under Professor Ng, a great team with a wealth of experience and using the latest technology
Do you have something that lets you know your HR? Like an applewatch? Fitbit?
Try and hold off from going to A&E if you have another episode If you can? Ideally, only go, if you have chest pains, can’t breathe, have trouble breathing or feel very faint, very unwell, or if your HR is very high. If it goes on for many hours, also consider going. Most of us wait them out at home. My HR has gone to 160-180 in the past.
I went to A&E only when mine lasted 36 hrs last year as it was very unusual for me and I felt unwell.
I know it’s scary being in AF, but try and stay calm. I fear if you go into A&E anymore, they will just keep raising your bisoprolol even more 😳
I had an awful experience in a&e so I’m trying now to battle it out myself. Exactly, that’s all they do is increase that and now they’ve increased my citalapram my heart rate seems to have gone up as a whole 😩
When you see your cardiologist, do mention you are taking citalopram and ask for his opinion as well. I’m not au fait with it, but perhaps do some googling on it about side effects? I always make sure information on line are from reputable sites and usually NHS etc. I don’t rely on doctors anymore, as have been let down so many times and they don’t always check interactions etc properly.
My EP wanted me off Citalopram, it's not a good combination with AF and can increase your heart rate. I am just going to try Mirtaziapine which is supposed to be a safer option
Excersise became an AF trigger for me and yet i usef to be a top competirive cyclist. All the best Colin
I’m not sure if walking more has increased my heart rate more overall or if it’s my new dose of antidepressant.
Could you ask to be taken off bisopropol, there are alternatives. I thought that was the devil's drug. Fatigue, no motivation, brain fog, bradycardia, absolutely awful. Symptoms all gone as soon as it was stopped. I'm just wondering if it's the bisopropol causing your depression. Btws if it's anxiety caused by the AFib my GP told me that anti depressants won't help, he prescribed Valium/diazepam. That did help. Only taken when needed. 30 lasted 18 months
See my other reply. Citalopram doesn't bode well with AF
Richness ,(korma is creamy) and overeating are worse for me . Maybe next time choose a less creamy curry. Carry on as normal imo, but take it slowly. I still eat and drink what I like but much more in moderation and learn from my reactions.
Good luck
My AFib has always been affected by over eating. Maybe cut down on the amount you eat and stick to water. Boring I know!
happened to me too... after a meal out some desert and alcohol free wine. I think its a combo of additives in wine and then extra sugar in that wine to make it taste better plus desert. I got ectopics constant for about 5 days went to the doctor on day 1 and he said its not AF.
I took it easy for 24 hours then went back to walking 5kms every day. You did well with the breathing but just be a bit more mindful with what you eat and drink.
I still try a mouthful of my wife's wine which has less sugar the the alcohol free wine and nothing happens to me. I make sure i have a mouthful or 2 of water straight after trying the wine
hi, I think if you are able to access Glenfield hospital you will be in safe hands. I’ve been with them now for almost 20 years since my TIA and AF were an issue and I asked my GP to get a second opinion with Glenfield as I wasn’t happy being locally treated. They are still watching over me and I’m completely confident in their excellent care.
A&E is a nightmare these days for anyone, you need the expertise of a team of cardiologists and the tests and guidance they can offer.
Good kuck
On the topic of alcohol, I pretty much gave it up when I realised AF wasn’t going to go away. White wine is the worst, but I find the occasional maragarita suits me very well! As long as I have it around 6pm and don’t eat anything.. Some things are worth a small sacrifice.
I’ll have to try that, thanks.
Hi
In addition to all the other great comments:
Try and eat at a time so that it is at least 3 hours after eating before you go to bed. Come back home and stay sitting upright on the sofa and watch some Netflix etc
Alcohol free wine is full of sulfides and absolutely loaded with sugar. I gave up alcohol completely 2 years ago and I miss a full bodied glass of red and a glass of port but I now stick to 0-0 lagers and spirits. The Gordon’s gin zero is excellent and also the range of spirits by the Clean company.
Make sure you drink 2 to 2.5 litres of water per day every day - I track mine in an app. Skimmed milk, decaf coffee and decaf teas such as fruit teas also count (if you are avoiding caffeine).
I have found walking to be excellent for my arrhythmia (SVT) and I crack in 3-4 power walking of 9-10K each walk. I find raising my HR feels good after having it down at a normal resting heart rate of low 40’s.
Well done on the breathing. I also practice meditation every day and that has been transformational for me. Loads of apps like Calm and Headspace and also free resources on YouTube.
Best wishes
Jezza
I’ll take that advice on board, I have acid due to having a sliding hernia/hiatal hernia.
Walk. Enjoy your day. I've often had chicken passanda in the Indian with a naan, no rice, and it's been fine. I wonder were you just too full physically, as the Indian restaurants definitely seem to be generous in their portions. I can never fit starter or dessert in an Indian restaurant.
Glad you got your symptoms under control with breath work , and sorry I didn't see this yesterday.
For future reference, it's not the heart rate figures that mean so much below 150bpm during an episode but how different they are to your normal heart rate when you haven't got active symptoms.
Someone like me , for example, with a Tachycardia Syndrome has a normal managed heart rate between 90-120 at rest , whereas someone with AFib alone may have a resting heart rate between 50-80 BPM.
It's having a more rapid increase of 30 beats or more above your usual and feeling symptoms that counts.
Personally , my guideline for reducing symptoms from food if you have digestive triggers , or another digestive health condition as well as AFib, is to use moderation in everything.
Don't drink alcohol , or alcohol like drinks with spicy or heavier meals , even if you loved to do that before , the acidic nature of the drinks is the additional problem and causes more stomach acid , not the alcohol itself. Drink water or a light version of a dairy or dairy free drink instead of alcohol, 0% drinks , fizzy drinks or juice with food.
If you eat spices, go for milder options with less chilli , but also eat smaller portions and take care on what you choose to eat with the spicy dish.
Often it's not just the spicy dish itself but it's the size of the meal and the side dishes which often contain a lot of carbs , sugars and fat that cause the problem altogether.
This is known as " Food Stacking".
So if you go for a curry , choose options of sides that are not deep fried or contain a lot of fats.
Choose a small amount of boiled rice or a small piece of chapati or naan, some grilled meat like tikka pieces and some salad or a vegetable dish, instead of whole naans , poppadoms, bhajis and rice dishes that have added fat or spices.
Don't eat until you are stuffed , eat until you feel you are satisfied but could eat a little more.
Drink water as you eat .
If you get indigestion , try natural live yoghurt to help settle the stomach and drink water.
Keep your head and shoulders comfortably elevated through the night to prevent stomach acid rising up and causing GERD.
Use breathing exercises and sips of cool water to get control of indigestion , temperature issues and mild cardiac symptoms to help reduce the risk of triggering AFib or having a prolonged episode.
If you usually exercise each day , it's better not to do that exercise in the morning after indigestion or digestive discomfort because it will aggravate the stomach and acid before it's properly had chance to recover.
Choose to eat very light that day.
Sip water through the day.
Avoid bending down below waist level or too much cardio activity until after lunch and you stomach symptoms have properly subsided.
If you feel heat in the stomach or discomfort when you try them stop straight away because that's a warning that your stomach hasn't settled enough yet and the indigestion will be triggered again causing a knock on effect of cardiac symptoms.
Have a more restful day in general the day after digestives problems then you will recover quicker and be more able to get back to normal activities the day after that.
If you usually walk for exercise it may actually help but it's all about balance and timing.
Don't go for your walk until later in the afternoon when all stomach symptoms have subsided and choose a slow pace , a shorter distance and a flat surface and drink as you walk.
Walking can help digestion but over exertion will trigger a return of stomach acid symptoms, which is also why you should give yourself at least half an hour after a meal before setting off on a walk.
The key to managing most health conditions, including Afib and Cardiac Conditions is all about Balance , Pacing your Day and Moderation, in each part of your lifestyle , including Diet and Exercise.
Hope you feel better , Bee
That’s helpful, thanks. I have a hernia so all that have said makes sense. I believe acid and stumuch issus don’t help my heart issue
The doctor don’t seem to think there is a link. Totally wrong.
Your doctors don't appear to have done their research then ( not unusual!!).Knowledgeable doctors know their is a strong link between digestives disorders and cardiac triggers.
It's because the Stress poor digestion causes physical tension and pain which triggers your " fight or flight " responses and they have a knock on effect via increases in adrenaline and cortisol release on your heart rate and cardiac responses.
Cardiac problems, particularly things like Arrhythmias and AFib , aren't just affected by the health of your cardiovascular system but they are affected by your autonomic nervous system activity as well.
It's why pacing yourself, balancing exertion and rest , and controlling Stress , both physical and mental from any activity that's either Positive or Negative is key to reducing risks whilst managing a cardiac health condition.
Some doctors do, just not all. Good points you’ve made
A walk will lift your spirits as long as you feel ok. Plenty of hydration, take your phone, cut it short.if needby. Enjoy!
Thats that I do have my watch/phone and water at hand- thanks
Just been out on my bike,which has calmed my ectopics nicely. I feel much better. But it's very windy so wrap up. Enjoy!
Hi
Indian Korma - I'm great with.
I wonder if it was the alcohol combo? Or the alcohol.
I sprinkle some herbs - cumin, curry, tumeric and seeds on my eggs and I enjoy it in soups. It helps any inflammation.
I did have problems with a peanut reaction at a hotel meal I was working there. The reaction was ulcers along both sides of my tongue.
cheri JOY. (NZ)
I think it’s also could of been too much on my stumuch.
I have not had an alcoholic drink since January last year. I have been too scared to even try non alcoholic as well. However I have jumped in now with a little encouragement from my hubbie and have found noughty which is sold in supermarkets and some wine bars. Vegan, gluten free, less than 150 mg per litre of sulphites and low sugar so only 14 calories per glass. No reaction for me at all which was wonderful. So much nicer than drinking water. I also tried frizzantea which is made from fermented Darjeeling tea sold in m and a. VEgan friendly and no sulphites. Again no reaction. I have a big family wedding this year so am going to make sure I take some so that I can celebrate with this. It is all trial and error as we are all different. I hope you feel better soon.
Eating a meal such as this at night. My heart rate always increases after an evening meal
Guess it’s too late now to advise! Hope you made the crazy long walk ok though! I had a walk in the sunshine yesterday though the wind shortened it!
Anyone else tapering off bisoprolol or any other anti-arrhythmic/beta blocker? 
I'm in Afib again
Me again....another ablation question
Chiropractors, can they help with AF?
Kardic 1lead machine 
