Do any of those on the IBS Network suffer with Afib also?
I seem to have a direct connection between the buildup of gas and bloating in my gut and episodes of Afib. Watching what I eat (celiac disease) and trying to avoid constipation and insufficient elimination of stomach gas is a daily exercise for me. The Afib still shows up about every two weeks.
What has been your experience with gut - heart interaction? How have you dealt with it?
Thanks,
Fibnum
I can get extra or slightly stronger heart beats when I feel gas exploding in my upper stomach. Since this hasn't caused me any other issues, I haven't sought assistance for it. Plus I've recently had an ultrasound of my heart for something else and this came back fine. It is probably related to the amount of fibre I eat to manage my IBS-C, but I'd rather stick to the diet since it helps a lot with the C and I put up with the strange feeling that I get now and then.
Here is the research I did into this:
The oesophagus (or food pipe) which links the stomach with the throat is in close proximity to the heart. The vagus nerve also serves sensory functions for both the digestive system and the heart. Build up of gas in the gastrointestinal system, bloating or a full stomach can lead to elevation of the diaphragm and subsequently displacement of the heart. This affects the ability of the heart to fill with blood and increases the force with which the heart pumps in order to maintain an equilibrium. Hiatal hernia (a small part of the stomach that gets pulled up through the diaphragm) can press on the heart which can cause chest pains and palpitations. The vagus nerve can be compressed by a bloated stomach, making the heart rate go down; the autonomous nervous system can react by increasing blood pressure and heart rate resulting in abnormal heart beats.
The combination of gastric and abnormal heart beat issues is known as Gastric Cardia or Roemheld Syndrome (RS). Symptoms can be heart palpitations, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), nausea, tachycardia (a rapid heartbeat), dizziness, shortness of breath or a tight chest in the presence of indigestion, acid reflux or bloating. It can be misdiagnosed as anxiety, panic attacks or depression. Symptoms can be worse when lying on the right hand side rather than the left due to the compression of the part of the body nearest to the vagus nerve.
If you are concerned about related symptoms, it is best to speak with a medical professional so they can rule out any heart issues and for management if the symptoms are bothersome and related to gastric cardia.
Refs:
drsanjayguptacardiologist.c...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roemh...
Thank you for the carefully crafted reply and article. I had seen it and feel that it offers some support for my belief that gastric distress is a precursor and trigger for my Afib episodes.
The difference is that the Afib arrhythmia can last from 12-24 hours or more. (40 is my record)
EPs don't seem to give any credence to the gut/heart connection in treating Afib. None ever suggested that I try diet changes or see a GI.
Thanks again!
Hi fibnum,
Have you been diagnosed at all, with afib or some heart condition?
I haven't. But I often (and have for a few years now) get an irregular heartbeat which seems connected to my IBS playing up.
My normal resting heart rate is fantastic. Between 60 and 70 bpm (usually about 65) and it's a strong normal heartbeat. But when I am 1) sleep deprived....2) my gut is having a bad day)...or 3) I have had a more sensitive reaction than usual to my morning coffee.... I get those blips in my heartbeat.
It also might be related somewhat to Covid I had early 2020.
Basically my heart beats normally, then suddenly it stops for a couple of seconds and I feel a "whoosh" sensation in me, like going down on a rollercoster. Then it beats normally again, then the same thing etc.
I was concerned about it so a couple of times got checked by my doctor, who on both occasions said my heart sounded "beautiful" and there were no worrying sounds
I mean....(??!!)
Now either that's UK NHS GP's for you, or it's true. I'm betting on the latter and just get on with my life.
One thing I have found out is IBS attacks, even just wind moving about, and trying to come out etc, can cause a strange effect on the vagus nerve, and can sometimes cause "vagal attacks" where you do feel might weird for a short time, including strange heart rhythm, slight nausea, a horrible scared feeling, faint-ish sensations, and like you're just about to spill your guts. I got one like that the other day. As soon as I passed wind and went for a #2 I was perfectly fine again!
IBS can really torture us.
Hi Luisa,
Yes, I was diagnosed with Afib about 4 years ago and have recurrent 12-15 hr (average) episodes every two weeks or so. My heart is otherwise healthy. I was wondering whether people with IBS or other chronic gas and bloating problems show a higher incidence of Afib than non-sufferers of gastric conditions. I don't know whether it has been reported.
Your very brief heart fluctuations don't sound like Afib.
Thanks for replying.
How does anyone work with this condition? I am finding that I can't!!
I am not at all surprised you can't work, pjamerson. Fortunately my IBS only really set in well after I was retired. There have been many times I couldn't even get out to a dentist's appointment and had to re-schedule, or planned to drive to the shop and had to put that on hold too. Never mind go to work and hold down a job. I feel for you, very much indeed. That aspect is awful for you.
Yes, I was diagnosed with afib a couple years ago - although I think I may have had it for some time as my heart has skipped beats for most of my adult life. I was just diagnosed with it b/c I got a smart watch and it showed up on that. Mine was paroxysmal afib and would last from hours to two or three days. I have also had IBS for many years - just learned to live with it, kinda, although I so frequently think I wonder what it is to really feel good! I had diverticulitis and ended up with a colon resection three years ago. Now I get some on and off pain on the right side and I think the worst. I definitely have health anxiety, in fact right now I have what I’m pretty sure are stress hives on my neck. With every new pain, I think the worst. Had an ablation for the afib two months ago and that seems to have really helped - have had no more afib episodes, although I still feel my heart bounce around some. My afib was not a high heart rate but a very irregular one. I am 80 years old and thankful to still be able to get up and walk, etc. I’ve pretty much decided that IBS is not going anywhere - mine is constipation most of the time, then some diarrhea - an ongoing cycle so hard to treat b/c each symptom requires something different! I feel good until food gets into my colon, then I start with the gas and loose crampy feeling.
I know you have tried everything, so it is dumb of me to mention things that helped me.
So, being dumb:
For constipation, I was advised by someone on the Afib forum to use a daily 10 oz glass of prune juice with a tablespoon of chia and flax seeds combined. It has helped me. I have celiac disease and have to try to fight off gas and bloating to avoid Afib. I lose the battle about every two weeks, lately.
Strangely enough, over a year ago I had, on two separate occasions, to take Amoxicillin for infections. A few days after starting them, my gassy, constipated gut calmed and functioned beautifully during the period of taking them and for a month longer!
I asked several doctors why, and they admitted they had no clue. Strange!
I am no help, but I hope you can find some relief. I'll be 80 in a month, but I still work out for an hour each night with walking, squats and weight lifting. If I have Afib, I just walk slower and less during it and do a lighter workout for a day or two after NSR returns.
Colonic irrigation - has it helped you ? 
Gut & Mental Health
Gut Dysbiosis 
Research: Challenges in Nutrition - Role of the gut microbiome in chronic diseases: a narrative review
Zoe gut health
