Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

New here

juniebe
juniebe
Haven't been diagnosed yet, still wearing monitor! Taking aspirin at cardio's advice ( I know from reading here this is NG). Love how everyone is so willing to share knowledge and experiences.
Had my first session in March of this year, then nothing more until September, then twice. Keeps up for as much as 8 hrs. Always at night, destroys sleep.

Believe biggest trigger for me is Gerd and digestion issues. I'm at work now on lunch break and got a chance to read some posts and thought I would add mine and hope that eventually when I can find out what this is, I could add some insights too.

Wish me luck on my diagnosis, got another twenty something days on this monitor. The 48 hour Holter didn't show anything so now I'm in for the long haul. Have Echo and Echo stress scheduled, as well as blood labs. Lots to do!
Feel much less scared after reading all these wise and insightful posts.
yogacat
yogacat
Hi juniebe, Nice to have you join us on DS...the more the Merrier!
acrossthepond
acrossthepond
Hi juniebe welcome to the club. Sorry you have to be here. It sounds like you have a good doctor who is checking out all the possibilities thats great! It also sounds like you are getting yourself well informed, too!! Also a good move.

Great group of people here; loving, friendly, informative and even funny!

Wishing you lots of luck on your diagnosis! Keep us in the loop.

Take care,
across the pond (atp)
daisy0808
daisy0808
Hi juneibe! Welcome to the group! You will find lots of great people here with lots if knowledge, Sounds like you doc is doing all the right things, Hope all of your tests come out okay. Have you tried not sleeping on your left side, not eating anything after 6:00 pm or maybe going to the recliner when the afib hits, these are all things that may help you. Good luck!
juniebe
juniebe
Thanks so much for the welcome & I appreciate the advice, Daisy. It does seem that lying down, etc. seems to be a trigger, so I'll try your suggestions. Lying awake all night in terror is such a drag!
daisy0808
daisy0808
The terror is awful and it takes time to learn how to manage it You may want to talk to your doc about something to help with the anxiety until you can grip on this. Deep breathing helps in a couple of ways, focusing on something else and it also slows your heart rate down, Good luck and I hope the suggestions work some for you!
Surfrat
Surfrat
Welcome (unfortunately) to the group. I hope this settle down and prove to be under control. Great forum here on DS. - Tom
duder
duder
Welcome to the club!

Like you, I have GERD, I take omeprazole which thankfully knocks it out.

Regarding your blood labs, make sure they test your thyroid hormones. If the levels are wonky either way it can cause afib.
pianoman1
pianoman1
welcome... Im new too ......just got diagnosed with afib and got on coumidin and a calcium blocker , you are right insomnia is horrible..
I hope you can find relief......
juniebe
juniebe
Hope I can find out what this is and get treatment. So far this week only a few small skips (that I could feel). Not longing for a full blown event! one problem I have is being able to hear my heartbeat in my ear as I have Pulsitile tinnitus. I am taking something for the Gerd, but if I eat more than I should I can get palpitations.
duder
duder
Food can trigger afib too (either certain types of food or how much). It's all about balance. We all try to balance what we know to be our triggers and what level of afib we're willing to put up with.