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.
Over the past few months, it seems that my AFIB has increased based on my subjective assessment, and the readings off my implanted Reveal LINQ monitor. Like all of us, I'd like to control this short of rhythm control drugs and/or another ablation (who wants a charcoal briquette for a heart?). My first ablation two years ago, while helpful, never completely eliminated my AFIB. I keep searching for triggers to eliminate and adjustments to make to my life to control this, so far, without success.
Recently I ran across two items that I'm going to actively pursue. They have to do with the positive impact of weight loss on AFIB. Now, I never considered myself OBESE but according to the charts I am (230 is the cutoff for my height). Even with my 10-12 hours on relatively intense exercise, all my life. I'm 6' 2.5" and for the last two years between 230-235 libs. I've been as high as 265 about 5-10 years ago (when I had those stressful jobs). According to the charts, I should be 199 lbs. (skinny, blow away in a strong wind, a mugging victim waiting to happen -g-, my inner city roots are showing)!
In the following study, 45% of obese patients who lost 10% of their body weight and another 22% of obese patient who lost between 3% & 9% of their body weight, eliminated their AFIB. Wish I could do that!
http://blog.heart.org/losing-weight-substantially-reduces-atrial-fibrillation/
The next piece (a video, sorry a bit technical) the OBESITY model of ABIF causation (one of several causal factors) is explored with SHEEP, beginning at minute 6:25 ending 13:00. Here a group of SHEEP are brought from a lean to and OBESE state with overfeeding. It is observed that many of the underlying "cellular" issues associated with AFIB increase (in particular fibrosis and fat in the pericardium). Then by slowly dieting the sheep back to a lean state, these issues are eliminated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmt7_nW6Ub0
Given this information, I have started a diet (I'm now about 225) with a goal of reaching 220 lbs. by the end of Q1, 215 at Q2, and 210 at the end of Q3, and 205 by the end of the year. I hope with this course of action I can avoid more surgery. I plan on visiting the Arrhythmia Clinic each quarter for a reading of my AFIB burden. Lets see how this works!
Recently I ran across two items that I'm going to actively pursue. They have to do with the positive impact of weight loss on AFIB. Now, I never considered myself OBESE but according to the charts I am (230 is the cutoff for my height). Even with my 10-12 hours on relatively intense exercise, all my life. I'm 6' 2.5" and for the last two years between 230-235 libs. I've been as high as 265 about 5-10 years ago (when I had those stressful jobs). According to the charts, I should be 199 lbs. (skinny, blow away in a strong wind, a mugging victim waiting to happen -g-, my inner city roots are showing)!
In the following study, 45% of obese patients who lost 10% of their body weight and another 22% of obese patient who lost between 3% & 9% of their body weight, eliminated their AFIB. Wish I could do that!
http://blog.heart.org/losing-weight-substantially-reduces-atrial-fibrillation/
The next piece (a video, sorry a bit technical) the OBESITY model of ABIF causation (one of several causal factors) is explored with SHEEP, beginning at minute 6:25 ending 13:00. Here a group of SHEEP are brought from a lean to and OBESE state with overfeeding. It is observed that many of the underlying "cellular" issues associated with AFIB increase (in particular fibrosis and fat in the pericardium). Then by slowly dieting the sheep back to a lean state, these issues are eliminated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmt7_nW6Ub0
Given this information, I have started a diet (I'm now about 225) with a goal of reaching 220 lbs. by the end of Q1, 215 at Q2, and 210 at the end of Q3, and 205 by the end of the year. I hope with this course of action I can avoid more surgery. I plan on visiting the Arrhythmia Clinic each quarter for a reading of my AFIB burden. Lets see how this works!
Sorry that I don't remember your story, but ... have they ruled out obstructive sleep apnea in your case ?
One thought: I'm kind of a quant -- a data-driven geek. If it were me, I'd definitely be keeping an Excel spreadsheet that logged my daily/weekly/regular interval weight and the results of my LINQ monitor.
While you could only ever be a sample of 1, it would be really interesting to see how closely correlated your weight is to your incidence of afib.
Good luck !
Best of luck on the weight loss...as I mentioned in an earlier post, the exercise thing is NOT working for me...doubled my exercise levels from pre retirement (one hour per day to 2 to 3 hours per day), but GAINED weight. I need to get back to at least part time work, I believe...cuz ;at age 60 with a heart issue, I do not believe being 30 pounds overweight is such a good idea....why does food taste so darn good? Actually, I read that in a recent article in the POST..one of the side effects of the extra exercise is how AWESOME food tastes after. I am sure you have more willpower than I do, so go get em, my brother!
Pudgy in Maryland
My doctor has been real strict on wt. Too much or too little. My exercise is walking, He likes mile a day. No arm exercises. He is primary care doctor. . As he is no longer in the office and advised to get a doctor in this little town, So I have, Wait see what this doctor says. Sounds like senseable plan you have.
Now 51, an ablation at the Cleveland Clinic(September 2014) and I have been afib free since. I am now 211 lbs but training 6 days a week with high intensity weight training. My body composition is 19 - 20% body fat. When I started this program I was 26%. Muscle has increased, HDL (used to be low) is greatly improved and life has greatly improved. Many studies are beginning to show you can get the cardio benefits from high intensity weight training as well as the change in body chemistry(I am no longer skinny fat).
Just my experience. Good luck.
PB
http://www.healthline.com/health-news/heart-weight-loss-helps-atrial-fibrillation-111913#1
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ACC/50514
After reading about beneficial results of life-style modification, I got tested and diagnosed with sleep apnea, which I now treat with a CPAP machine. I began a diet and dropped 75 pounds in 7 months and began walking 3-5 miles a day. I stopped all medications, except for Eliquis, in January and so far I have remained attack free. I am convinced the attacks would not have stopped without these changes, especially the weight loss.
I'm going to a pulminologist next week to treat my sleep apnea. I've begun swimming laps again.. And now I have to address the weight issue. Your story certainly is an inspiration.
Apple shaped Bill
Good luck with your quest, you can do it!