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Atrial fibrillation, yawning!

Posted , 15 users are following.

Gerrard66
Gerrard66

Hey all

Recently being diagnosed with paroxysmal fast atrial fibrillation. My heart goes irregular and fast for a few hours (180bpm) then reverts back to normal sinus rhythm. I'm only 29, so it's kind of hard to accept as I always perceived this to be an older persons condition. Especially since I do fitness and sports 5 days a week!

Can I just check I'm not going mad... My atrial fibrillation is triggered when I yawn. The doctors almost laughed at me when I told them, but when I yawn apparently I stimulate a vagus nerve which is putting me into AFib. Apparently I will require an ablation to fix my 'over excitable heart'.

Does anyone else have yawning as a trigger?

Thanks guys

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • reginald86759
    reginald86759 Gerrard66

    Edited

    Perhaps better to find a way of satisfying the vagus nerve rather than going for an invasive treatment I would say.
  • sarah88339
    sarah88339 Gerrard66

    Posted

    The vagus nerve stimulates digestion and heart beat and sometimes the messages get mixed up. My triggers are indigestion when my stomach feels bloated and stress or if I get overtired.
    • reginald86759
      reginald86759 sarah88339

      Posted

      Likewise Sarah. I have been taking probiotics since January and So far so good, no Afib attacks which were regular. Monthly or so.
    • reginald86759
      reginald86759 sarah88339

      Posted

      I'm on amlopodine for hypertension.

      My attacks have almost always come at night while asleep. Typically they last 7 or 8 hours. As well as the probiotics I take a Magnesium supplement.

      The probiotics seems to have sorted out my digestive problems and coincidently no afib perhaps because vagus nerve ok?

      There's quite of online regarding vagus nerve triggering afib.

    • jennifer_45307
      jennifer_45307 reginald86759

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for all the info here. I too was diagnosed with afib a couple of years ago and I’m trying to put my finger on what starts it off. I’m pretty co Gide this that when I get an IBS attack, it seems to encourage afib. I’m now looking again at the vagus nerve, which I’d heard about before, I think from my acupuncturist a few years ago. It’s very interesting that there may be a link here. Do many doctors recognise this I wonder?  I’d like to understand more. What probiotics do you take please?  Many thanks again for sharing this.
    • jennifer_45307
      jennifer_45307 sarah88339

      Posted

      Thanks Sarah. Just read your email and that you too mention the vagus nerve. I’m sure there is a connection here between IBS and afib. I’m searching the web.  I also notice that stress is my worst enemy as this too can trigger afib. Thank you again for your experience x
    • reginald86759
      reginald86759 jennifer_45307

      Posted

      Hi Jennifer,

      I think you just need to work out which pro biotics you need by figuring it out what triggers an afib attack or by experimenting. I am using one that contains lipase.

    • MasterA
      MasterA reginald86759

      Posted

      Hi Reginald i know its a few years since this post, but am in a similar position. My afib generally comes on in my sleep (4-7am) but will come on by yawning too. Did you get any more information on this type of vagal afib? Not many take me seriously when i mention it. i have gone into afib from yawning, stretching or coughing.

      its not a fast pace but still that irregular rhythm.

    • deb41747
      deb41747 MasterA

      Posted

      Hi,

      I hope you are still on here.

      I have the exact same symptoms i.e. yawning, stretching, coughing, etc. that triggers my afib.

      Have you had any luck figuring out how to stop the afib from being triggered by this?

  • eric90313
    eric90313 Gerrard66

    Posted

    I have the vagal-type of AFIB and I have gone into AFIB by taking a deep breath (so similar to yawning), burping, drinking water too quickly, of as the result of heartburn/acid reflux.
  • MasterA
    MasterA Gerrard66

    Posted

    Hi Gerald, How is your afib now?

    i know its a few years since this post, but am in a similar position. I am relatively fit and still exercise but have this vagal afib.

    Most of my afib attacks comes on in my sleep (4-7am) but i also get several from yawning too. Sometimes stretching or coughing has done it too. Did you discover any tips, im trying to link digestion and this vagal afib but cant pinpoint it yet. My attacks are not a fast pace but still that irregular rhythm.

  • buddah
    buddah Gerrard66

    Posted

    Studies have demonstrated that athletes who engage in endurance sports such as runners, cyclists and skiers are more prone to AF than other athletes. Seek out a very good EP...look for a very experienced person. Too many people opt for treatment from inexperienced operators low volume hospitals. Advice here is from lay persons, you need good honest medical advice.

  • Gerrard66
    Gerrard66

    Posted

    Hello all,

    i hate it when people dont conclude their journey, i hope this helps...

    I ended up having a cryoablation procedure, and have been OK since bar a few hiccups, but Im great, and I can yawn. My advice in anyone in a situation similarly would be to get an ablation!

    All the best.

  • linda70821
    linda70821 Gerrard66

    Posted

    I too have been diagnosed with paroxysmal AF and my episodes average around three to four hours. Mine is not triggered by yawning, but once it starts, i yawn excessively. My breathing changes and occasionally i almost feel like i could hyperventilate. i thought maybe there was a correlation between the two.

    My AF is triggered when I'm resting, (always in the evening) and usually right after dinner)

    • npgirl64
      npgirl64 linda70821

      Posted

      I have the same issue of excessive yawning after a heart " episode". I've been to Cardiologist twice, & wore a holter monitor for 48 hrs but didn't catch what I know is episodic A-Fib. I'm a retired APRN & my mother had CHF & A Fib. My problem is my doctor won't believe me and order an echo or any further testing despite my begging him. Im thinking about buying a Cardiomobile to capture this nonexistant A-Fib. I also have IBS too. I also have had a few episodes of sleep apnea and sleep paralysis.

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