Help again….. : So last night I went... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Help again…..

Wishcld profile image
122 Replies

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

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Wishcld profile image
Wishcld
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122 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

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?

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toBobD

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.

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply toWishcld

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?

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toBuffafly

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

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toWishcld

Gallbladder out, korma is loaded in cream and I'd assume ghee, so the digestion of the fat in the food may have been a problem

Wilkie1 profile image
Wilkie1 in reply toBuffafly

I find that my watch has my heart rate jumping over the place yet I don't feel it in my chest. So when out walking I wore both a chest monitor and the watch. As you can see the watch reading on the left has a bpm 191 whilst the chest monitor has a bpm of 94. I have no doubt that the chest monitor is the more accurate.

Chest heart monitor and watch heart monitor
Wilkie1 profile image
Wilkie1 in reply toWilkie1

Should have added that these are reading at the same time.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toWilkie1

I feel my watch jumps about when I’m in a car.

Wilkie1 profile image
Wilkie1 in reply toWishcld

Yes, mine is fine when it's a resting heart rate but when I'm moving or doing anything it's all over the place

Hugheart profile image
Hugheart in reply toBuffafly

Butterfly

You describe my experience as a physician with AF. Asymptomatic recurring AF . Question is do you self monitor with your watch to determine frequency of AF on a daily basis? In my opinion most AF individuals don’t record their EKGs to know what’s going on, no different than a diabetic monitoring blood glucose. If AF is recurring frequently based on the number of days per month, your AF burden will lead to more inflammation in your heart that can be concerning because it can adversely change anatomy of the heart. Talk to your primary about adding Mg along with need to stay hydrated , need for potassium and eating foods fortified in Mg and potassium.

Hugheart

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toHugheart

Do you have any thoughts on ablation, I’m thinking about it, so many people say they have more heart problems after 🙈

Hugheart profile image
Hugheart in reply toWishcld

I can only tell u my story avoiding it by implementing my protocol described in my bio.

Healthheart

Shopgal67 profile image
Shopgal67 in reply toHugheart

Just read your bio and it’s super interesting. I’ve been taking magnesium glycinate for a few years now and recently been trying to up my potassium through food rather than supplements,this is not always easy .

I’ve also recently read that too much magnesium can cause arrhythmia and that you need to avoid potassium on some afib medication!

This is so confusing for us normal folk !

I’ve continued taking magnesium glycinate because I find it calming and helps me sleep. I’d be happy for you to msg me with your book information.

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply toHugheart

Hi Huggy, my watch doesn’t detect AF, only rate. It has a table showing ’exercise’ based on my HR every 24 hours, which shows that I do about 30 mins of aerobic exercise daily - which of course I don’t 😂 I do keep track of my AF events, which nowadays are usually quite slow, by recording them on my Kardia. A monitor I had some years ago showed ‘frequent AF’ and that was asymptomatic but as my HR is averaging 73 bpm I think I’m ok. I’m working on my diet ☺️

Hugheart profile image
Hugheart in reply toBuffafly

I know this may sound crazy but I would encourage you to do Kardia even at that rate at least a few times a day as you may have asymptomatic AF.

Hugheart

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toWishcld

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

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65 in reply toKarendeena

Well said!

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toSnowgirl65

true

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toBobD

I’m going for a walk. Your right, I can’t let it take over my life 💃

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156

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?

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld

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

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toWishcld

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

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toMaryCa

Agree 💯

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply toWishcld

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 over 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.

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toSixtychick

My thoughts entirely 👍

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toWishcld

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

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156

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?

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld

GP has increased it once and a&e did it the rest of the time.

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156

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 😊

OldTown profile image
OldTown in reply toTeresa156

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 ?

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toOldTown

Not sure to be fair

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toOldTown

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.

Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45 in reply toTeresa156

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.)

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toThomas45

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.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toTeresa156

It did slow me down allot - my body is used to it now tho. I believe but I take Pumkin seeds which help my energy levels - I feel more energetic. I have line Af or Poroxysmol they not sure. My heart is structurally good.

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toWishcld

You can have paroxysmal lone AF 😊 it’s what I have. Paroxysmal means it just comes and goes.

I notice on one if your previous posts you mention that your cardiologist did say you could take fleconaide. That is initially only prescribed by a cardiologist and is only given to those who do have a structurally sound heart like you, That might be an option for you to try as it does seem to help a lot of people? Sadly, it doesn’t really help me much, but again, everyone is different. A lot of people seem to get very few side effects from it. It is usually recommended to take a beta blocker with it though ( again not everyone needs to) but your cardiologist could advise perhaps, when you see them.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toTeresa156

I hear flecanide has allot of side effects.

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toWishcld

I think it always depends, like most things. The packet will always display lots of side effects but you won’t necessarily get them all.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toTeresa156

That’s true I reduce my antidepressants slightly and my heart rate has gone down.

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toWishcld

I think the Citalopram can raise heart rate as another comment has mentioned. I did google it and the NHS state that as well on their site. Definitely mention this anti-depressant to your cardiologist.

Good luck.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toTeresa156

Thanks defo a link with higher heart rate.

Karenjaninaz profile image
Karenjaninaz in reply toWishcld

Flecainide 50mg 2x day worked wonderfully for me. The only side effect I had was gas. At 81 I had a PF ablation last year in April. It was successful and I’m really doing well. The only medication I take now is Eliquis. Twice a day. I add that I am very high risk anesthetic because of scoliotic restrictive lung disease-requiring oxygen 24 seven and asthma. Even then they gave me general anesthesia and I did fine.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toKarenjaninaz

Glad it went well - sorry to hear about your lung disease though.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld

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 😩

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toWishcld

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.

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toWishcld

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

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toWishcld

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

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156

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 😳

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toTeresa156

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 😩

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toWishcld

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.

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toWishcld

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

Alphakiwi profile image
Alphakiwi

Excersise became an AF trigger for me and yet i usef to be a top competirive cyclist. All the best Colin

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toAlphakiwi

Do you know that AFib is more common in top athletes than it is in the rest of the population. Definitely weird, I'd think it should be the opposite, but unfortunately it's not.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld

I’m not sure if walking more has increased my heart rate more overall or if it’s my new dose of antidepressant.

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toWishcld

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

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toMaryCa

Hi

Um, Valium and Diazeoan are anti-depressants.

cheri JOY

Karenjaninaz profile image
Karenjaninaz in reply toJOY2THEWORLD49

No they are not; they are depressants. Current thinking is that these drugs should not be given long-term to anyone . They cuase physical addiction/dependency. Actually the sleep you get from them is not normal. The brain does not get the proper benefits of normal rest of sleep.

If a person‘s been on these drugs for a long time sudden stopping can cause seizures; the drug needs to be tapered over many months.

As a matter of fact sometimes Valium was used to put people to sleep if the person was allergic to other drugs used for anesthetic induction.

(Retired nurse anesthetist here)

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toKarenjaninaz

Hi

Why would anyone get DEPRESSANTS??????

I had a spell 9 months back in 70s. Where I had a bad patch. Baby (adopted), a bach burnt down on opposite corner, high temperatures 104 and then depressed. A rooster crowed 4-5 am every morning. Hospitalised for high temperature, the surgeon punctured my skin, I had to breathe in and he took a sliver of liver. In 1974 there were no hepatitis tests.

I refused daily pills but took night pill.

9 months of 'the black hole'.

However I stayed with parents with baby, then went home to hubby and I got myself out of it.

It was a shock to my system that hubby couldn't father children, 6 mths wait for our baby, then the fire when she was 6 mths old....

Other times I had St John's wort early 2000s but last time I took one during that time not good.

In 2010 I found B12 deficient. 150.

I take B12 and never looked back.

I find with depression always look forward to a holiday away.

Since 1970s I have been tested for immunity Hep A and B. I have self immunity for both. Interesting. Could have been Hep A as it can make one depressed.

cheri jOY

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toKarenjaninaz

That’s interesting to know.

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toJOY2THEWORLD49

Used as relaxants in my case

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toMaryCa

Hi

Relaxants! You mean RELAXING MEDS! I think that is funny. How can you drive?

Well, take them on holiday. But don't forget to unrelax to get out of the sun.

I know that Australians were on valium in a big way in my early days but I am 76 and I hope that they have moved on from them.

Relaxatives different. They are fr pooping!

Watch out fore the addictive POTASSIUM.

I dropped Bisoprolol and my potassium level dropped by .5. down to 4.5 immediately.

Better.

Cheri JOY.

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toJOY2THEWORLD49

Joy, you could give me 40mg and I still wouldn't be asleep or spaced. It just doesn't affect me in the way it affects most people. I'm definitely weird.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toMaryCa

Hi

What about an asydizziac! Spelling wrong... Oysters!

And there are others.

I'm dead to the world by 10pm or my eyes are shutting.

I awake and have my Synthroid (thyroxin)

How about lettuce, walnuts brazil nuts and salmom for tea.

Or a banana.

cheri JOY

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toMaryCa

Actually the Bisoprolol put me to sleep with fatigue. A 1/2 day drive and shop enough.

But since December I have to say just with AF persistent is enough. But a walk will put me in deeper sleep as I have elevation up my road and steep down and somehow with not too many heaviness in my bag over my shoulder definitely exertion to get back.

I try to remember to wear my alarm which will activate from 20 ft from the top walking back.

Even with my Mum they said if she was having trouble even with helping hand, we will get her into her sc Unit on my address. Lovely team.

One time I had my dog stuck in laundry room and I had the fire brigade getting in the window! The sliding door had something behind it.

cheri JOY

Karenjaninaz profile image
Karenjaninaz in reply toMaryCa

One Valium takes 3 days to be fully removed from the body because it has a long half life. If taken daily it will accumulate in the body and can cause depression over time. That actually happened to my mom who also took wine.

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa in reply toKarenjaninaz

I took the occasional half as needed on a bad day. 30 over 450 days isn't going to be a problem. The other thing is, in hospital, pre op, a long time ago, I was given 10mg Valium as well as the other patients. I was wandering around the ward moving the flowers from the bathroom to the room and everyone else was snoring. For some reason it doesn't make me sleepy, but it does relax my muscles and me obviously, because it definitely helped with my AFib anxiety

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toWishcld

See my other reply. Citalopram doesn't bode well with AF

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toKarendeena

No it doesn’t it has increased my heart rate. I had to lower my dose yesterday.

Paddbear profile image
Paddbear

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

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toPaddbear

Thank you, I’ll try that

NooNoo14 profile image
NooNoo14

My AFib has always been affected by over eating. Maybe cut down on the amount you eat and stick to water. Boring I know!

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toNooNoo14

Yep, I’m back on water.

OzJames profile image
OzJames

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

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toOzJames

That’s a good suggestion - it’s not AF I’ve had one AFiB episode rest are pvcs and high heart rate.

Dinamite profile image
Dinamite

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

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toDinamite

City hospital in Nottingham are linked with glenfield - my dad had heart surgery with glenfield and it was exemplary.

Sixtyslidogirl profile image
Sixtyslidogirl

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.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toSixtyslidogirl

I’ll have to try that, thanks.

JezzaJezza profile image
JezzaJezza

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

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toJezzaJezza

I’ll take that advice on board, I have acid due to having a sliding hernia/hiatal hernia.

MaryCa profile image
MaryCa

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.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toMaryCa

It could well of been.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed

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

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toBlearyeyed

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.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply toWishcld

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.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toBlearyeyed

Some doctors do, just not all. Good points you’ve made

Jajarunner profile image
Jajarunner

A walk will lift your spirits as long as you feel ok. Plenty of hydration, take your phone, cut it short.if needby. Enjoy!

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toJajarunner

Thats that I do have my watch/phone and water at hand- thanks

Jajarunner profile image
Jajarunner in reply toWishcld

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!

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

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)

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toJOY2THEWORLD49

I think it’s also could of been too much on my stumuch.

Nantoone profile image
Nantoone

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.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toNantoone

I’ll try that. Where can you buy it from please?

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena

Eating a meal such as this at night. My heart rate always increases after an evening meal

Vonnegut profile image
Vonnegut

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!

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toVonnegut

Yes did one today and yesterday - like Bob says can’t let AFiB rule my life

Vonnegut profile image
Vonnegut in reply toWishcld

It’s the chronic fatigue that sadly rules mine now and prevents me from engaging in most of the activities I used to be involved in. But I have reached 81 and my brain still functions pretty well! Losing that would be far worse!

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65

I'd personally go for that walk -- which you probably did by this point -- but walk slowly. It will help get over the barrier of being afraid.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toSnowgirl65

I did thank you. I can’t let this beat me.

Sounds like an Allergy to me. I have those same issues so I stick with foods that are fairly plain and my heart thanks me. You have no idea what was in that food or what spices may have triggered you. Time for some detective work.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld

I’ve paid for a methylation test - which will also look at nutrition, hopefully shed some light on it.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

It was the heart being irritated by bloating... that's what it was. The heart sits very close to the diaphragm in some of us (me, too); and that meal - or its effects on the stomach and intestines - pushed the stomach northwards to press on the diaphragm, and that onto the heart... to set of PACs which caused either tachy or AF.

It was not the drink, nor was it the meal... nor additives in anything. Realistically, how could it be? It is simply anatomy and atrial sensitivity. Check online for confirmation.

Steve

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toPpiman

I’ve got a hiatal hernia as well

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toWishcld

Same here... the HH will bring the stomach closer to the diaphragm, making it yet more likely to impact the heart (as I have found, decades after having it diagnosed, and that was because I was having ectopic beats with a "clicking" sound from my chest when I lay down).

Steve

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toPpiman

That’s why I’m reluctant to have an ablation

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toWishcld

Me, too. Also, my oesophagus is close to my atrium, maybe also an effect of the HH.

These things are sent to worry us! My AF is not very troublesome, maxing at 120-140bpm without exertion, say, so if I knew for sure it would not eventually weaken my heart (having LBBB, too), I think I would choose to live with it.

Steve

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toPpiman

I see your point.

Hdev profile image
Hdev

There are also various spices in ethnic foods that we don’t eat daily and are not the usual for us,,,,maybe.. ????i know MSG in Asian food can set my heart off racing so I try to minimize it in quantity if not avoid it totally!!, hope you feel better,, !

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toHdev

I can have MSG but, I don’t eat allot of it tbhonest.

Thank you.

Nursingirl profile image
Nursingirl

The only thing I will since I am not a medical professional is that I would do research on the food you eat. Doctors know nothing about nutrition. If you can get Instagram look for iron lady doc all ink e no spaces. She is board certified physician but not follow medical industrial complex rules. She knows lots about food the body and also another thing, get on Glucoferrin. Look it up. All will help you.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toNursingirl

I’m having some test- I’ll definitely have a look thank you.

ALB38 profile image
ALB38

A korma is is a very mild curry and should not normally cause any problems. Sounds to me like you have some other condition. See your doctor as soon as you can.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toALB38

I had my gallbladder out not that along ago and I blue my food tolerance is different now.

PurpleGirl05 profile image
PurpleGirl05

If you're like me, with vagally mediated AF, you're not likely to have the misfiring when you're exerting yourself. Mine only comes when I'm settling down for the night, or after a large meal. So I would think the walking would be a great idea.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld

thank you.

ShGrace profile image
ShGrace

I have found if I don’t get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep I do not feel good at all and I get. If it feels like my heart is beating too fast I use ice packs and it brings it down.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld

I’ll try that

Madscientist16 profile image
Madscientist16

Sounds like an ingredient or too much food condition if you had gurgling stomach issues. Most likely spices, MSG. ginger in the food? 110 HR would not be considered any kind of medical emergency for medical staff. NA wine could also have nitrates. Investigate what you digested to avoid future episodes.

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toMadscientist16

that’s definitely what I am thinking.

Hugheart profile image
Hugheart

it isn’t clear to me whether you have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder. If not the first step is to get evaluated soon with basic studies including a physical exam blood tests and an EKG. I am a physician with AF so I hope u get evaluated soon. Read my bio if interested.

Hugheart

Wishcld profile image
Wishcld in reply toHugheart

I’ve had one episode of atrial fiberlation diagnosed on a ECG at hospital - the other things I experience is I’ve had high heart rate 4 times and pvcs and svt ectopic found in isolation - this AFiB episode occured on my menstrual cycle and while drinking alchohol - but I’ve got a condition with my womb and now I’m an injection where I don’t have a menstrual cycle anymore which has reduced the ectopics - there is a possibility this is related to peri menopause.

Hugheart profile image
Hugheart

Hi again

I’ve become a self educated expert on electrolytes particularly magnesium and why it’s essential to replenish heart cells that are almost always deficient in individuals with AF. If u only had one episode of AF under 7 days you are classified as paroxysmal AF (PAF). Based on my experience as a physician who converted my persistent AF to sinus rhythm with a protocol involving scientific administration of magnesium and other features, I would suggest you consider taliking to your primary to determine if u are a candidate for a similar protocol described in my bio. Prevention is better than intervention with cardiac ablation often recommended now for PAF.

Best

Hugheart

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