Any tips on how to manage AF, which only happens when lying down please. Thanks.

[Persevere99]

My wife has been experiencing erratic and/or fast heart rate, only when lying down. She doesn’t have it when upright.

She’s tried raising the head of the bed and using wedges.

Any tips very much appreciated.

Thanks

Persevere

[Doggiemomma]

I have problems if I lie down on my left side and sometimes if I’m on my back. I’m going to follow this topic to see other replies!

[CDreamer]

Changes in BP can cause that and dehydration or electrolyte imbalance can be a factor. It is something you should see your doctor about as it can be caused by an underlying condition. I’m the opposite to your wife in that happens often when I change position from lying down to standing which is a symptom of POTS.

[Persevere99 in reply to CDreamer]

Trust you too will find an answer CDreamer

[Cavalierrubie]

Does your wife have any gastric issues. I have a hiatus hernia which often causes me problems when lying down. Never eat for at least 3 hours before bed and never have large meals.

I find lying on my left side can make things worse. It increases lung pressure and you can feel your heart beat on the chest wall. Apparently it puts strain on the heart. I have had an increase in HR when lying on my left side, which has made me flip into AF. It has not happened very often thankfully.

Chris.

[Persevere99 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thanks Chris, some helpful tips there

And trust you will find what helps for yourself

Persevere

[Redactrice]

Lying on my left side is a trigger for me too.

[Persevere99 in reply to Redactrice]

Thanks for the tip Redactrice

[mav7]

Would be best to have a doctor's evaluation.

[Persevere99 in reply to mav7]

She’s seen the GP, no answers mav7

Now waiting for cardio

Thanks

Persevere

[mav7]

Glad she has been referred. Cardio may have her wear a holter monitor.

Best to you and family.

[secondtry]

If she keeps busy before bed try winding down a bit slower before bed.

[JaneFinn]

I’m sure she’s doing this already, but I find I need to ease myself into a lying position very gradually. If I do the move too quickly, it can end in an erratic heartbeat not just in that moment but also for the next 30 mins or so. I also have to breathe out when I’m in the process of lying down, and take care not to breathe in too deeply until I’m settled or whenever I turn over in bed -and certainly not sniff in quickly through my nose at any time.

I know everyone’s positional triggers are different, but just mentioning those in case they might help

[Persevere99 in reply to JaneFinn]

Thanks I’ll pass on your tips Jane

[Afdrummer]

Hi, I had a similar pattern of events in December and January. I was already talking 150mg flecanide prescribed by cardiology 100mg in morning and 50mg in evening plus 240mg Diltiazam each day. But I began to trigger into a fast heart rate in the early mornings around 6am after lying down asleep, and it was quite a shock to wake up to the fast heart and cold sweats on my upper body. I spent most nights in January propped up on cushions. My wife bought me a massive bed cushion thing which was helping but I started to get sore legs and bum from pressure of sitting up and it was not great sleep.

It seems the evening 50mg flecanide was not covering me through the night. It's been increased to 100mg and so far so good. I hope you find a way to manage things. Best wishes

[Persevere99 in reply to Afdrummer]

Thanks Afdrummer

Yes my wife is on flecanide as well which helps.

She’s also tried wedges and raising the head of the bed.

Sleeps in all sorts of positions to be comfortable.

Trust you too find a solution.

Thanks

Persevere