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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marikay234 01/10/2011

Do any of you have any tricks that you use that can get you back into NSR? I have tried plunging my face into ice water and it didn't help, but sometimes drinking a glass of ice water in big gulps will do it. Doesn't seem to work very often now though :(

deleted_user 01/10/2011

Interesting. I was wondering why I kept craving ice cold water! Ha ha.. I've been doing weekly accupuncture for about a month, and 2 15 minute cardo sessions daily. Haven't noticed a bit of afib. Although I do find my endurance is not what it used to be.

Your posts are interesting and I welcome you to the group. You are bringing up some good points, and thoughts for discussion.

jodelleknits 01/13/2011

The medics always had me take a deep breath and hold it while bearing down (like you do in childbirth) while on the way to the ER, which happened to me several times because my heart rate was 180-200 bpm. This never worked for me. I do think there are some contraindications to doing this anyway.

svenska 01/14/2011

I too was told about the "bearing down" method. This worked for me only one time. Later I was told about the "coughing" method. I was told to cough repeatedly and vigorously and to take a deep breath before each cough. The cough should be deep and prolonged. Apparently the coughing movement "squeezes" pressure on the heart and supposedly helps it regain normal rhythm. Haven't had the opportunity to try it yet, but thought I'd pass it along!

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