The Cause(s) of AFib (Atrial Fibrillation)

You could stand in Gas Street and do a survey:-)

Mine was caused by having my aortic valve replaced. The heart does not like being handle. A second Cardioversion put me back in sinus rhythm and I thought that was it.

Fifteen months later I had a colonoscopy and the probe stimulated my vagus nerve and put me back into AF. I had another cardioversion im March and am back in sinus rhythm. Now I am left wondering  what could next cause it.

I am 78 years old and since joining this forum I have noticed the many varying causes members have described relating to AF. My own personal experience and view is related to stomach acids. I have no positive links or firm evidence that this  could be a contributing factor across the board, although other members have voiced the same opinion. My first AF experience was in September last year and fortunately I have not had a serious repeat that was long-lasting. My medication comprises 5mg Bisoporal, varying doses of Warfarin and 40 mg Simvastatin. I have always had stomach acid problems but these have eased since I gave up drinking alchohol three months ago although I have a little wine with my meals. I have recently started taking charcoal capsules after meals also drinking plenty milk and water. I have not had a recurring AF episode since early January although I do get the odd palpitation every now and again. Although I am on a waiting list for an Ablation my condition seems to have stabilised and my stomach acids are no longer a problem. Could I be right? Derek (Joiner)

Why yes Joiner, you could well be right.  I have some experience that overlaps with this concept of stomach acids as an originating cause. I am now 68 with contant, but not very serious afib. It began around age 50, when I was in good health, day-hiking on weekends, but I had a nasty cough which was due to GERD, stonmach acid reflux, repeatedly diagnosed as this and in a sense confirmed because antacid medications such as omeprazole indeed stopped the cough. But the afib always remained and slowly became non-stop and worsened to its present state, which is very mild. I think you are on to something, this is pbly an investigation worth pursuing.

My pottasium was low, so the Dr prescribed K pills. My BP meter indicated that about half the time I did NOT have a-fib. There was a very clear cause and effect relationship..

George

I wonder if somewhere there a big checklist of all the known causes of atrial fibrillation?

Hiya Reg,

I'm new on here, just joined this forum, hence I'm only just commenting on your post. Firstly, I have led a healthy life with very few ailments and have only been operated on once in nearly 70 years - and that was for a torn right knee cartilidge which was removed.

The cause of my paroxysmal AF and later triggers are (were) two different things. Firstly cause - can't scientifically/medically prove it but I am sure it was electrosensitivity. I carried my cell phone in my shirt pocket, roughly over my heart for about two and half years until I heard on the radio about the dangers of this. In this time I developed massive, just massive palpitations then came AF.

Do suggest you 'Google' electrosensitivity - makes interesting reading.

Secondly, triggers - after six months I began to relate the onset of an AF event to digestive issues - and ( to cut a long story short) consulted a nutrionist who advised me of the wisdom of going Gluten Free and also following a diet known as FODMAPS (again) suggest you 'Google' these.

Although I get the occasional palpitation and a very rare but unsettling AF event I am now generally AF free.

Then there is another factor - genetics ! One side of my family seems to have a predisposition to strokes and some even have AF, including my 32 year old daughter.

So there we go Reg ..... thats my contribuition to the exercise - I would like to take this further with you if you are interested - and with anyone else too.

Carneuny

Cornwall, UK

 

I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and see a cardiologist next week . 

I have been a coca - cola drinker for years - a bit of an addict really - so perhaps you are correct . I ceased drinking it and any sugar beverages a month ago . 

There are so many factors that seem to cause or exacerbate AFIB - it's hard to take it all in and is scary to say the least .i just want my normal beat back again !!