SUHAM

[jessue1634]

Just been diagnosed with AF.

Does anyone else have trouble breathing at night? I wake up and I am gasping for breath

[Desanthony]

Hi

There is an AF forum on here where you may get a better answer to all your queries. Yes shortness of breath especially when laying down can be a problem. Are you on any medication yet for your AF? Some of the medication you may be prescribed can make the breathlessness worse so worth talking to your cardiologist or Electrophysiologist (EP) if you have been referred to one about type of medication and dosage - if your GP has prescribed for you then talk to him and ask for a referral to an Electrophysiologist (EP). Most people get these side effects from beta blockers like Bisoprolol which they have been prescribed and find it better to take it at night before bed rather than in the morning. Some have to change to a different medication and some like me cannot tolerate this medication and just take the anticoagulants they have been prescribed. Always talk to your Doctor or consultant.

It may help if you use an extra pillow under your head at night to help with breathing and I find doing yoga breathing can help too.

Hope this helps and look forward to seeing you on the AF Association forum here on Health Unlocked.

[scentedgardener]

It's going to sound like a barrage of questions here. What position do sleep in? Have you tried using a wedge pillow to prop you up a little? Have you been tested for sleep apnoea? Waking up gasping for breath sounds classic for sleep apnoea, and it 's known for causing/aggravating AF. You need to speak to your GP about a sleep study test. Sleeping on your left side can be a problem for people with AF. Being slightly raised can help.Good luck.

[Deejay62]

Waking up gasping for breath can be anything. I have heart failure and when I’m retaining a lot of fluid I have to sleep on 3 pillows crisscrossing. When I have a cold it’s the same. In all these situations I wake up gasping for breath. Once the fluid or the colds gone I’m fine but I still sleep on 2 pillows to sleep better

I also have permanent Afib but I can’t feel it. Sometimes my breathlessness might be caused by that especially when I’m walking but I can’t tell.

Someone mentioned the group maybe you should join it. They can advise you better.

All the best.

[leg-end-1]

Hi , I have COPD but earlier this year I had an OP for flutter and AF. I have not experienced what you have except very occasionally - - acid relux welling up to block my airways , about 3 sleep apnea episodes. Lay people will probably call it stress. A clinical heart specialist may recommend you getting tested for suitability to wear a mask at night supplying air which would help you feel much better the next day. If your AF kicks off when your asleep like a friend of mine ( AF at about 80 BPM he told me) was and began treatment of beta blocker and had a pacemaker fitted. My AF was after long walks or a meal and went to 168 BPM and maybe down to 32 BPM with missed beats and a weak pulse. I thought it silly that I needed a heart operation when I first got this problem diagnosed but after having it for well over a year and soon needing beta blockers I was very very glad of the operation in the end.

I have had a few recurring episodes since the OP but only from really pushing myself and forgetting my age. You cannot undo scarring of the heart and the electrical short circuiting problem. The Op will scar the heart in new places to put the circuits back (in lay mans terms).

Get yourself on the list as soon as possible. You wont damage the heart too much if only AF problem and not too fast but you will probably become less active - have the OP if blood pressure not to high ETC if offered.