Sometimes I find that drinking some cold water or seltzer (or eating a popsicle) helps. Since the esophagus goes right by the atria I imagine that the cold drink is cooling the walls of the esophagus which in turn cools the atria. I have no idea if there is any scientific validity to this ... it just may be my way of talking my heart out of afib. Oh by the way the water is not too cold, just refrigerator temp.

I believe drinking ice water helps me, also taking slow deep breaths.
I've never tried epsom salt bath but have heard it works for some.

Personally, I haven't found any way to ward off an episode other than taking measures to hopefully not have one in the first place.

Interesting that some actually feel that they can engage actions to prevent a full blown attack.

Surf, try some of the things we do and let us know if they work. It couldn't hurt!

Steve and Marikay, I never heard of the cold drink idea. I'll add that to my arsenal, why do you think that works? I know that splashing cold water on your face is "the diving reflex."

I'm not sure why it works. It only works for me if I feel some
pre-a fib. Feels like lots of skipped beats, but not full blown a fib..yet. If I drink ice water it seems like things settle down again. If I am in full blown a fib it doesn't work.

I am no help to you......I am always asleep when mine start.....or in the dentist chair!

Island, it sounds like you are getting a good handle on afib. You are doing great now I think.:-)

Yoga, have you had a sleep study? My doctor said that when afib wakes you up at night, it's very often related to sleep apnea. I'm hoping to have a sleep study this week. I'm just waiting to hear from the insurance company.

The ice water technique works in me the same way Maryikay described how it works for her, i.e. it helps calm things down if I am in preafib, but does nothing if I am in afib.

Deep breaths help me when the PVC's and PAC's come.

I also am usually asleep before going into AF.
To prevent episodes I avoid alcohol and late meals,
I have asymptomatic bradycardia. My HR in AF is under 90.
.My episodes are mild, consisting of just an irregular heart beat, dehydration and a feeling of fatigue.
I just continue on with my normal activities and I self convert.
I sometime experience a a spasm of lightheadedness and I'll cough, then self convert. I don't know if coughing makes a difference but it was suggested and worked in ER to get me into NSR
Annette

Hi Island, I have not had a sleep study. I do know that a huge...50%?..of afib folks have sleep apnea. I just finished a 103 days of NSR...so, I kinda doubt I have it...but, I will ask dr. in my next dr. visit. Thank you for the suggestion.

I believe keeping the plug in the jug is my Best alley for NSR.

Aparently sticking your face in ice cold water shocks you enough to stop ur heart for a second and can stop SVT episodes. That was a suggestion I got back in 2009 when I was having SVT episodes. So cold water can help with afib. Woth my attacks before my ablations I would stop what I am doing and watch tv or play a game and get my mind off of it. After my ablations the afib don't last too long but those blasted atrial tachycardia does.

Well, if "anything" works it's most certainly worth a shot.

My concern/caveat is/would be at what point is it too late to prevent the inevitable.

I know that on many occasions I certainly have attempted to thwart an episode to no avail.

A few trays of ice poured into a large bowl of water sounds intense enough to give it a try.

All the best to all. :)

I just had another episode last night. 3 in the morning... I was DREAMING of afib.. and I woke up.. and yep.. I was in it. But now, I just calmly take deep breaths, do the aromatherapy thing (ylang ylang) and splash water on my face.

My GP thinks since I get afib at night, that it's being triggered by sleep apnea. I'm so discouraged because I got a prescription for a sleep study (which I was supposed to have tonight)-- but Aetna denied it!!! It's going to appeals now. I can't believe it. I've gotten to where I'm now afraid to go to sleep at night.

Interesting how each person combats this. I have had the opposite reaction with drinking cold water. It brings on afib for me. Most of my episodes are at night. Sometimes while resting I will get the sensation that I am on the verge of an episode. If I get up and move around I notice my heart will settle down.