AF back after 4years

[Nick1957]

I had been busy yesterday - probably ate too much bread and pastries. I committed a sin and lay down after eating and bang. Palpations in my chest resulting in Arrythmia. Bearable but persisting from 1630 yesterday to still now . Trying to ride it out thinking when my stomach feels better it will correct itself to NSR. Going to A&E later if it persists!! Thoughts please

[Nick1957]

Just reverted to NSR on its own. Vagus nerve reacted to upset stomach. My cardio showed possible atrial Fibrillation? Pulse rare showed 157 bpm. Now back to 60bpm

[Cliff_G in reply to Nick1957]

My AF has always responded to vagal stimuli by going into fib - after food, at night, etc. I used to find doing a little light exercise, something which normally calls for a rise in heart rate, such as climbing stairs or going for a brisk walk, would often terminate my episodes. Seems counter-intuitive, but it worked for me countless times. If an episode threatened, the same would ward it off.

I learned (the hard way) that vagal AF isn't as simple as vagal stimulation starts AF. It's the balance of vagal and adrenergic that counts, and that can be a little harder to pin down.

A funny thing: years ago I worked during the week in Rome, flying back on a Friday. Once, I was out of rhythm all afternoon and in the airport, waiting airside. Once the flight was called, we walked out to the plane and up the steps. I had a front row seat on the left with a stewardess sitting in the take-off seat opposite. I noticed just after the doors closed and she was sat down that my fib had probably stopped. I would check by feeling my carotid artery, which this time was followed by a smile to myself - the stair climb had converted me. This freaked the stewardess out, as I'm sure she was imagining "heart-attack case!", and asked if I was ok. I reassured her. 😂

[Nick1957 in reply to Cliff_G]

Think this is how my Afib first started - upset stomach followed by Afib. It usually reverts back next day but eventually it became more persistent prior to my ablation at St barts. Ablation sorted it out for 4 years. I became a blaise with it but it's a reminder to treat it with respect. I'll try exercises after a meal but won't overdo it! Thanks for you reply.

[Nick1957 in reply to Cliff_G]

I think a little exercise helps food thru to the digestive system where it can start its digestive process and not be stuck in higher regions of the stomach. Trying to make sense of it all but there's no right or wrong answer. If it works then great!! Thanks again.

[secondtry]

In early AF days when I adopted belt & braces throw everything at it, I reduced sugar & gluten (bread & pastries) by around 80%, which along with the lifestyle changes & 200mgs Flecainide worked very well. In fact a lot of AF driven action has helped me greatly in other ways.