A-fib and anxiety or panic attacks anyone?
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hey guys, I'm 35 and was diagnosed with Afib at the start of this year. Had minor flutters and pauses for around 18 months with my first 'major' episode whilst on holiday last June. My second was in January this year and had another a couple of weeks ago. Both of those ended with me in A&E and had an appointment with a cardiologist the week before last. They suggested I undergo catheter ablation, which I'm happy to go along with, as it (in the UK, anyway) is supposed to be very successful with people of my age with no other heart issues.
To get to my point/question: has anybody else experienced anxiety attacks or panic attacks whilst suffering with afib? I had a very minor pause and short period of palpatations last night but I began to convince myself that it was happening while I was trying to get to sleep. I eventually ended up in the bathroom, with the outer edges of my vision a little blurry, feeling like my legs and arms were very weak. Got back in to bed and started getting the shakes and feeling a bit panicky. I'm aware these are symptoms of panic attacks and I'm wondering whether anybody else has done this to themselves via worry alone? I had little sleep, as it took me ages to get to sleep. I've had a bad cold since my last episode and I keep catching my breath when trying to fall asleep. I think I'm convincing myself it's the afib because I'm having trouble with breathing through my nose! Any input or thoughts would be greatly appreciated all.
Davros
0 likes, 27 replies
simon56380 davrots81
Posted
Hi Davrots, you said your first major episode happened on holiday, was alcohol involved?
Also, not exactly sure what you mean by "catching your breath whilst falling asleep"?
Could this be sleep apnoea?
I reckon severe sleep apnoea and excessive alcohol are to blame (mostly) for my AF.
And yes, anxiety and certainly don't help either.
Family history and caring extra weight also increase your risk of developing AF as we'll.
Good luck with it all,
Simon
simon56380
Posted
Sorry that should read "carrying extra weight." (Bloody iPads!!!)
davrots81 simon56380
Posted
Hi simon56380, the first episode I can say was directly relatedto alcohol and vomiting due to drinking too much. Second major one about 6 months later came the day after NY day, so I hadn't actually been drinking in over 24 hours. I did wake up with a stomach bug though and was vomiting for a couple of hours before it started again. Most recent was about a month ago and that was the day after alcohol.
So I guess there is a big correlation there. I've not had any alcohol since, and have cut out caffeine almost completely. I've had a few smaller episodes but nothing I had experienced before.
When I say catching my breath, I mean that when I get the irregularity in my heart beat, it feels like you're having to gasp for a breath because it affects your breathing. That's usually when I'm lying down asleep.
Have you totally cut alcohol out? It's basicall the only real vice I have, and I don't drink a lot. I'll have maybe 6-8 drinks once a week, over a weekend. I'm generally pretty healthy get decent exercise. It doesn't half seem unfair that you have to cut out the things you get enjoyment out of!
simon56380 davrots81
Posted
Haven't totally cut it out. Since my ablation last April, My Electrophysiologist is adamant that I need to keep below 3standard drinks per week! In reality, I'm probably consuming around 3-5 drinks most weeks, but I'm trying to consistently keep it below 3. The Electrophysiologist says that his data shows that if I keep below 3 drinks/ week, there's an 85% chance of still being in rhythm at the five year mark. However, if I regularly go Ove this amount, there's less than a 20% chance of being in rhythm at the five year mark!
So it's a bit of a no brainer really. Unfortunately alcohol seems to contribute to AF in a fairly significant way for many AF sufferers.
one things for sure though, the quality of the wine that I drink has increased significantly since cutting back on the booze. Quality, not quantity these days
davrots81
Posted
Since my post, my dad has passed away and I've been feeling really odd for the past 4-5 days. I am hoping it's simply some form of anxiety, due to the afib and the stress of arranging things for my dad's funeral. But having a 'full', or 'swimming' feeling in my head, feeling slightly woozy and slightly blurry vision isn't helping me feel good. Having a bit of a problem physically (and mentally) concentrating or focussing. All indications are that it's all related but it's such a downer for me at the moment.
LuckyPenny1 davrots81
Posted
Very sorry to hear of your dads passing. Yes, what you're feeling is probably all part of the grief process but, your GP is there to help you and will put your mind at rest. Good Luck
deirdre2016 davrots81
Posted
pathat davrots81
Posted
Hi,I realise this conversation is writeut thought I'd attempt to join.
I've had palpitations since 2005. It first started when I had a big night out on the booze, spirits, shots etc. I then only drank beer which helped for a while but eventually it returned. Fast forward to a few years ago, I used to get it even without drinking. I've had ecg and had all the blood tests over the years with no problems related so I've just ploddei on. the start of 2017 i gave up booze and caffeine completely and I had no palpitations at all for 3 months. In March i started to have a skipped beat sensation, not related to anything apart from maybe stress with work and family. I've had further tests and ecg and am now trialling flacainide which doesn't seem to be helping. It's quite comforting to read other people's situations as I'm here writing this at 2am after not being able to sleep due to AFIB, which the specialist said I have. I'm thinking of trying some meds to calm my anxiety, stress levels as this may also be a trigger. Hope allare well and I'm sorry to hear about your dad also. Cheers