Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and associated digestive problems?
Posted , 47 users are following.
I have been diagnosed recently with Paroxysmal A/F. Episodes are usually infrequent- around 1 every 4-6 weeks. Onset is invariably at night and when lying down to sleep or actually asleep. The time spent out of rhythm varies from 30 minutes to as much as 8 hours, usually going back into normal sinus rhythm when the bloating has abated. ECG and Echo tests normal.
But have been prescribed a blood-thinner of course (not warfarin), which I have to start soon it seems.
Two things concern me:
ONE that neither the specialist or my GP seemed to accept that there was any connection between A/F and bloating/IBS yet the internet is crowded with people with the same symptoms as me. Only two (eminent) USA sites mention this as a reality.
TWO I do wish my GP would take seriously a need to review and change my medication routine (I have been on 25mg Atenolol for ectopic beats for 9 years now), especially since I have read in several notable cardiological sites that atenolol can not only contribute to A/F but also that in any event, 25mg is too low a dose.
Would others with A/F AND these IBS-type symptoms please share their experiences/outcomes/view please?
Many thanks!!
1 like, 90 replies
stephen53148 edward1943
Posted
Hi Edward, not sure is you will get this or to any of the people who have replied. You have all written the exact same symptoms I have and almost exactly to the times. I went to one doctor who actually said I needed to see a shrink as I had nothing wrong with me at all. It would be interesting to see what kind of foods/drink you have left out to stop the A/F and the bloating. I am currently trying bananas and Magnesium tablets to see if this helps. Any advice from you guys would be great.
Best regards
diane16596 stephen53148
Posted
Hi Stephen,
How is the magnesium tablets and bananas working out?
diane16596 edward1943
Posted
Hello there
After wearing an event monitor, I have recently been diagnosed with Paroxysmal A-Fib although I suspect that I have had this condition for some years now. I have episodes that last on and off for around 4 days that can last throughout the day before tapering off. This occurs about twice monthly. I also have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Gerd. My Gerd symptoms appear to worsen around this period of time. An endoscopy taken in 2021 showed that I had a small hernia, however, I no longer respond (entirely) to proton pump inhibitors. I have lost weight unintentionally (went from 74 kg and am now 62 kg), drastically altered my diet and lifestyle but this has not improved symptoms. When I have A-Fib events they are often combined with belching and bloating. The Cardiologist has recommended the blood thinner rivaroxaban and a betablocker, Sotalol. Having taken Atenolol on a few occassions, this was quite a few years ago, even a very small dose made me feel that I was going to pass out. Needless to say, I'm concerned about taking these medications. My GP's response was take them or don't the decision is yours. When I mention the correlation between heightened Gerd symptoms and A-Fib he will not comment. 14 years ago the same situation occurred, and it was only until I was eventually diagnosed with Gerd and received treatment that the arrhythmia finally stopped. I hope your symptoms improve it must be very scary to have these episodes occur at night.