May 22, 2012

Does Stress Cause Atrial Fibrillation?

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Atrial fibrillation is so sneaky. So is afib really stress in disguise? Afib seems to sneak up on you when you least expect it and you wonder “where did that come from?” It’s hard to pin down an atrial fibrillation cause or trigger when it’s different every time.

For some, it’s triggered by alcohol or caffeine. For others, by certain types of foods or food additives. For some, it may come on during exercise or from something as simple as bending over. For still others, eating late or sleeping on the left side triggers it. It varies all across the board.

In medical information you rarely see mention of stress causing afib, but I think that stress is a huge contributor. Of the patients I’ve interviewed, about 3/4 said that stress was a huge component in bringing on their afib episodes.

Stress certainly could be a factor that leads us to indulge in alcohol, caffeine, or certain foods. But is the food the cause, or is the stress the actual root cause?

Here’s a short video clip of what triggered my afib:
Mellanie True Hills talks about what triggered her atrial fibrillation

We know that the numbers of folks having afib is growing exponentially, which is generally chalked up to Baby Boomers hitting their 60s. But I also see so many younger folks struggling with afib and wonder if the stress epidemic that’s due to our 24/7 lifestyles is causing an afib epidemic, too.

What do you think? Does stress trigger afib for you?

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Kate101 5 pts

Hi,

About a week ago I had a very rapid heart beat and was feeling faint.  I had this feeling before but it had only lasted for a few seconds tops when it did happen (I'm only really remembering about 3 times).  We moved about a year ago to a new home.  We have had a lot of problems with it as new homes go, but a day before my big AF attack we had a water pipe break in the wall and water was pouring into our closet and soaking the carpet upstairs.  This is what woke us up at about 5:30 am.  We had five industrial fans running in the house and two large dehumidifiers in the house as well.  That happened on Sunday.  On Monday morning I had just had breakfast and my heart started to race.  I waited for it to go away, but it seemed to get worse.  I felt faint so I got up and went outside to get out of the noisy house and see if I just needed some fresh air.  I was feeling the same way outside and the pounding in my chest wouldn't subside.  I started to wonder if it was a heart attack, but didn't feel any pain besides the uncomfortable pounding in my chest and faint feeling.  

It would get a little better for a short period of time - half minute to a minute- so I figured I would go to the ER urgent care close to the house.  While driving there I started to feel like I was going to pass out.  I stopped at a fire station and asked for their help.  They put me in the ambulance and put me on a meter and saw that my heart was bouncing between 180-240 / min. but blood pressure was actually pretty good.

They took me to the ER and I was put on an IV and meds.  Dx with AF and was eventually admitted overnight.  From start to finish it was about 13-14 hours before I returned to NSR.  They kept me overnight and observed me and discharged me the next day.  

Everyone seemed to act like it wasn't that big of a deal, with no restrictions on anything.  The Dr. only checked off the normal low cholesterol, low sodium, low fat diet between now and my follow up after a month.  I still don't know when I am supposed to see a Dr. or to get help when I have an attack (which hasn't happened again yet).  How fast does my heart have to be going to warrant a call to 911 or a visit to an ER?  

Anyhow, my house was torn up after the leak in the wall and while it didn't seem very stressful, we had to pay for the water damage people to come out and leave equipment for a week that had to be running constantly.  It sounded like an airplane in my house for a week.  I was thinking the possibility of stress + vibration and noise from the equipment might have brought my attack on.  

Tina48 5 pts

Stress I think is a major reason we have so much afib now. Stress is the main reason that triggers mine almost every time. It's funny no one has mention that you an do deep breathing and calm yourself down when you have a afib attack.

I have to agree that stress is a major factor in AF. I had constant stress all my life, 2 bad marriages, stressfull job and a stressfull family/ life. I was just diagnosed 3 days ago after doctors claimed i had a blockage. I underwent a catherization and no blockage was the result, but what i least expected Af was diagnosed. I would venture to say i had this for at least 10 years or more and nobody knew. I had passed out a couple of times in the last few years and asked my doctor why i felt like i was shaking at different times, but nobody had an answer until now. I was extremely upset about the catherization procedure and a few days before surgury i felt my heart pounding excessively. It pounded right up to the day i went into the operating room and then was classified as AF. I was put on meds and blood thinners. I do not know what to expect in the future with this heart problem. I feel like my life has turned upside down and I must be constantly monitored, which i am not happy about.

karenpugh 5 pts

Hi Veronica:

I feel the same way as you do.  I starting having A-Fib in 2004, after my father-in-law died in Feb. 2004, my Mom died in April 2004, (she lived we me and we were very close)  then I had gallbladder surgery in July 2004 and went into A-Fib in the hospital,  and then my ("baby") daughter went off to college 6 1/2 hours away in August 2004.  It was the worse year of my life.  I was also working full time, driving alot and under stress there also.  So I would say stress is a major cause.  I also find if I get too overtired, or do to much in one day, or in a series of days, I go into A-fib.  My episodes usually happen at night when I am trying to sleep or it wakes me up in the middle of the night.  It does control ones life.  I am fearful to travel to far, etc. because I might not be near a hospital.  I always have to make sure I have my meds. with me, etc.  Not a fun way to live.

Not only does stress activate episodes of Atrial Fibrillation, I believe it is a major cause of Atral Fibrillation. I have no other health issues except hypo throidism, which is controlled by medication. However, I have experienced tremendous stress for years relating to a bad marriage, deaths of two husbands and serious problems with children, and have had episodes of Atrial Fibrillation for about a year. Medication does not help. I am proceding at this point on another track which includes stress-reduction medications and activities, such as yoga, daily exercise, and avoiding negative people and situations. If it works, I will write a book.

SSD 5 pts

Joyce -- Reading your story, it sounds very similar to mine. While I've only had one marriage that ended, I have had serious issues with siblings and lost my mother years ago.

 

I have found that any time I am surrounded by negative energy, I do not feel well. I've gotten terrible flus and such -- always after being around negative people (some of which are family members). It can take me weeks to recover, depending upon the situation. 

 

I started doing yoga years ago, I eat healthy but have been hypothyroid, which is the opposite of what usually goes along with A-Fib. I am convinced that the stress from a difficult life has caused this condition.

 

In fact, my first A-Fib attack came after a stressful visit to a sister who I've had a life-long terrible relationship with. Before I left to visit her, she began invalidating me and I immediately caught a terrible flu. I almost didn't go.

 

She never gets sick, however. After visiting her, I wound up in the hospital a week after I returned. The onset of the A-Fib occurred while I was with her, but I didn't know it. Her uncaring attitude toward me during this time has only confirmed what I already knew. While I was hospitalized, she even continued to try to dump her own problems on my lap. It was unbelievable. 

 

In the ER I was asked if I'd ever been treated for anxiety, because other than my thyroid, everything seemed normal. Then I realized that yes, I was anxious. Not treated for it, but being treated unkindly affects me such that I become anxious.

 

I am not interested in taking medication, but am on a cocktail of drugs that scares me. I want to get off of everything. I believe in meditation, not medication. 

 

I'd be interested in hearing about how you're progressing and suggest that rather then seek out other medication, look for alternative ways to correct this situation. One way I am dealing with this is to cut off all ties to people who don't deserve to be in my life.

 

Before I got re-involved with my sister, I was doing quite well. In fact, whenever I don't feel well physically, I can trace it to something directly related to a negative individual. I can go for years without feeling sick at all. 

 

I may have had a chance of this happening, but it just seems odd that first I wound up with a terrible flu after merely interacting with her before I left, and then wound up in the hospital after visiting with her.

KenSturmer 5 pts

 SSD I am in a similar situation to yours.  I take a combination of drugs for afib, which I really would rather not take.  I know my afib is brought on by stress.  I have been fine for three years, just had an echo and my heart was fine as well as my EKG.  Then this past week, I put a deposit on a home I am trying to buy.  Whammo!  I have been having short outbreaks of afib.  Today I made the mistake of trying to work outside in the hot sun ( here in Florida ).  I was fine for awhile then while trying to trim some bushes I felt a thump, then another, then another.  By the time I got in the house, I knew I was experiencing a break out afib episode.  I got some ice and put behind my neck, and sat down and did some deep breathing exercises.  Within a short time it stopped.  I'm sure this is from the stress of worrying over this house!  I'd hate to end up in the hospital, because of acheiving the dream of having my own home.  I like you, wish I could find a way to overcome this naturally.

I have to say if stress doesn't cause it in the first place, it certainly sends my heart rate off the charts, even with taking beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, Coumadin, etc. I literally "cannot stand" some people and situations. There are times when I want to run away. No one "gets it" that my heart is in "race" mode and I don't need anyone pushing my buttons. As you know, we in some cases "can't cure it" but we sure as heck could use a break from stress. I vote "yes" on stress being a major factor.

How do you get a dr to understand you might have a problem. I already have medicine induced SVT but I have bipolar also an during extreme times of overwhelming stress I feel it. But they say its nothing but anxiety or my panic attacks starting. Help anyone

I have had Afib for just over a year, 2 very scary attacks landed me in the hosp, the 2nd time they did the proceedure to check my arteries (name aludes me now) and they said I was clear, no blockage. I used to be in an EXTREMELY verbally abusive marriage, and he was a BIG rage-aholic. When I left him in 2003 I thought everything was fine... until early 2010. When I started to feel the palps, I too thought it was panic attacks. Whenever there is "drama" around me (unneccesary BS), my asthma used to kick in and now the past couple weeks, i can't seem to take stress at all! I think it's also the anticipation when certain situations arise (DRAMA). I've been telling people to change subject but I think the anxiety has already started the Afib up. I'm on meds, have been recently doubled on my Flecanide. I DEFINATELY think you are all correct that stress brings it on. I don't want to become short with folks, but I am developing a 1 minute rule with them! If they start getting on my nerves, I shut down immediately and walk away. Don't care if they get mad at me, they don't feel my condition!! Well, i hope to only feel this way until I can figure out why I am getting set off so easily... God's grace to all of you, and know you're not alone....

Gail,

Your health is your priority. If they don't like it, perhaps they can create less drama.

Mellanie

DISHEARTENED??? Arial Fib. I was born with a non normal heart beat. Once identified, my elecrical system fires almost opposite of others, good my local doctors know this,but I developed artial fib in my early 40s from a very intense case of Graves disease (hyperthyroidism) I had gone through at least 6 weeks of 200+ heart rate and hit what is called a thyroid storm which put me in ICU for 10 days with atrial fib at a heart rate of 225+. Not having the luxury of time to research and come up with a less invasive method of cure, I opted reluctantly to I131 radioactive iodine to shrink my thiroid thus putting me in a hypothyroid state the rest of my life to be supplemeneted with thyroxine.
The adjust ment period took years to get the exact dosage right, as i have always run hot, like a hybrid race car, but have managed for 7 years now. Occasiona bouts of Afib come and go with no bother until the last couple of months, brought on by what i believe is a series of factors, stres, unemployment, a relationship that did not develop, and one thing we all must be aware of, drug interactions. I have found my use of Zithromax over the years Ive been in Afib exascerbates the condition. I shy away from most drugs as it is t keep the variables clear but I needed them. My doctor demonizes tobacco, although I only smoke 2-5 at the m ost a day, and have been weaning off them but never a big smoker, I have been an athelete, and ride 60 miles a week on my bicycle and my yearly exam came back stunning, Perfect values for hdl, ldl,blood pressure, all of it. My pulmonary system is great, I can blow the breath of a 6 foot man, in thier 40s and Im 56 5'9" 138 and very active. I cant stress our suc eptibility to drug interactions and know that love and stress can be disheartening, but there is still no lexicon assembled full enough with drug interactions. I argue with my doctor, its my body, however, Im taking cardizem for now unitl we can either get my body to forget the discord and take up being in sync with itself, or use another drug to keep it in rhythm. Cardezem slows my heart rrate but sthe arhythmya is still present, but like the last time, it all of a sudden weeks away from ZIthromax, resets itself. Just a thought...

Brian,

I'm sorry you have such a complicated situation. Everyone is different, and while I've not had any problem with Zithromax exacerbating afib, I would guess that it's not a totally uncommon situation. On our patient and caregiver resources page (http://www.stopafib.org/resources.cfm) there are several resources on drugs, and you'll find drug interaction checkers there.

Cardizem is a rate control medication--it will control the heart rate, but is not designed to stop the afib. You may want to ask your doctor if you should try a rhythm control medication to get back in rhythm.

Good luck.

Mellanie

Interesting reading everyone's comment about there episodes of AF. In my own case I first had an episode 2yrs ago and was rushed to hospital thinking I was having a heart attack (not having had an attack of AF before). They got my heartnrate down and after 3days it corrected itself and they told me to watch how much alcholol I drink, which I did. Last year I had two further attacks both lasting 3days before correcting themelves. My cardiologist sent me to see a specialist in ablation at Leicester Glenfield hospital who put me on one 2.5mg isoprolol per day. I asked about side effects to which he said none and you can take them all your life. It is now 13mths since my last attack, I train hard 3times a week, lost 2stone and recently cycled from London to Paris (300 miles) at age 53yrs. Good luck everyone.

Hello fellow Afibbers: I've dealt with this for about 6 yrs. now. I did have ablation. that worked for 2 years, then Afib returned but in a lesser severity. Interestingly it is at the end of October when the problem worsens. I'm controlled on propofanone and Pradaxa. This October-end of month, I started to have break thru episodes of increasing severity. I began to wonder if the change in weather has an effect on the A-Fib. I'm in Indiana where the temps are dropping, wind increasing and winter is upon us. Also there is the issue of stress as the holidays approach. I'm back to wearing an event monitor to evaluate the problem. Any insights are helpfu. Theresa

I to have been experiencing afib to the point of 4 times now being cardioverted in the emergency room, the 1st time i converted with cardizem, the other 3 times it was electrocardioversion.

I have never been in the hospital or have even had a check up in almost two decades and now in 6 months I've been hooked to a crash cart 3 times.

After the last time and substantial research, I started taking a couple of PM's before bed at night. I normally get only about 4 hours of sleep a night. Since the last electrocardioversion, I have only had a couple of PVC's and no afib. We need our rest. The PVC's alone have brought on panic attacks as well and now the Dr. has me on Zoloft. I'd rather be on nothing. Anyone else have these experiences?

karenpugh 5 pts

Hi Scott:

I know what you mean.  Every time I have to go to the ER and have a hospital stay, I have awful anxiety.  It is so hard to get back to one's normal life.  I too have a hard time sleeping, so I do take 2 tylenol PM's each nite and a muscle relaxer (which is for my herninated discs in my neck).    What else can we all do?  Pray for healing and for strenghten to get thru all this.

My Paroxysmal AFIB started when I was 37 while I was going through a divorce - one of the most stressful periods of my life. Unfortunately, since then, it goes into AFIB at least once a week. However, while the frequency has increased, the duration has decreased. It used to last 12-20 hours. Now, it lasts 1-3 hours. I used to freak out whenever it happened at the beginning and think the added adrenaline and worrying made it last longer. Now I take 500 mg of Niacin and 100mg Flecenaide whenever I get it to stop it. Niacin and Flecenaide both seem to help. I also made an interesting observation. When I feel my heart going into AFIB mode, I can usually cause it to revert back to sinus simply by standing up and raising my arms as high as possible and walking around. This only seems to work if I do it within less than 10 seconds of going into AFIB. If I wait any longer, it doesn't work.
Some of my triggers:
1) Sleeping on left side
2) Waking up
3) Eating too many carbs
4) Worrying about something that might go wrong
5) Feeling guilty about something I did
6) Grieving the loss of someone
7) Beer (hard liquor not a problem unless I have more than 3 drinks)

My AFIB is very rarely triggered while standing up. Almost always it has been triggered while I am laying down or sitting.

Frank,

One doctor told me the reason laying on your left side does it is that you're constricting or putting pressure on the heart. Thus laying or sitting may be constricting your torso area, whereas standing does not.

Mellanie

SSD 5 pts

This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing your remedies. I believe that my condition is being caused by stress. Every time I get sick for any reason, I can trace it to a negative interaction with someone. Usually, it is someone I thought cared about me. I've never been that thin-skinned, but I find that as I get older, I'm worn out from dealing with nasty, negative and uncaring people.

 

In the ER the doctor asked me if I'd ever been treated for anxiety. I hadn't, but I've had a very stressful life, which has never been acknowledged. In fact, family members have acted like everything was always fine, when it was and is not. I've spent my life acting like a doormat, despite the fact that I appear to be very outgoing and enthusiastic. This is because I have ignored my own feelings for so long, I didn't even really know I had any. I've been taken advantage of, largely because I had allowed it. I thought I had to. Fear of abandonment. But no more. Now I just need to stick to my guns and avoid negative people at all costs. 

I am a 37 yr old male (5'11/175 lbs.) I am a lifelong tennis player and have been weight training consistently for about 10 yrs(doing bodybuilding type workouts, but not powerlifting). I have never been a smoker, drug user, or drinker. I was diagnosed last night at the Arizona Heart Hospital with AF. It started at 8:30 am yesterday and went nonstop until it converted at about 10pm last night while hooked up to oxygen at the hospital. I've had these before throughout my life (never knowing what it was), but they only lasted for a few seconds to a couple of minutes tops. I always thought it was just asthma trying to occur (which I don't have), so I always ignored it until my 14 hr episode yesterday.
Now, they have me on beta blockers. This is weird that I'm on heart medicine at my age, and being so healthy otherwise. Imaging of my heart was A-1 okay.
So, I'm wondering if I can no longer workout like I used to, or If maybe I've crossed a threshold after all these of years of the minor attacks to now where they will be more extended and the days of the brief harmless episodes are over. Can exercising really trigger it? I wasn't doing anything physical at all when the one yesterday happened. Hmm.
I think that Sally's comment at the top is something to be entertained.

MJA,

Rather than exercise, could it have been caused by dehydration from exercise? That may be worth paying special attention to. (And sports drinks are probably not a good choice because of all the stuff in them.)

Mellanie

Hi
I had first palpatations AF when I was late twenties....it only lasted a few hours , and episodes were separated by 6 months or sometimes years...
In my 30s after divorce and all it brings episodes became longer and more frequent.......now 46 , i have had AF constant for 8 months....can you believe Im still waiting to see a cardiologist under the NHS...I was put on beta blockers over a year ago , was sufferring AF episodes lasting a couple of day each week....I had a ministroke with temporary paralisis of my left arm and the left side of my face, it only lasted less than a minute with full recovery....I was told at A & E that it was nothing but a little turn and sometimes these things happened due to stress!!!!!.....I stopped taking the beta blockers immediately....

I truly believe 15 + years of stress have caused my condition....I used to notice attacks a day or two after a major stressful event....now in constant AF, when a major stress happens my heart reacts even more intensely immediately....often to the point i am close to fainting..

without any advice from gp or cardiologist I have recently started excercising again...I feel it has a slightly positive effect on my AF.......The fact that I have been in constant AF for more than 8 months and I my 1st appointment with a cardiologist is in december !...10 months is in itself stressful, worrying , and downright degrading.....a dire advert for the great NHS...In the meantime I take an aspirin a day and keep my fingers crossed.

I console myself with a reminder every now and again....Things could be a lot worse! :-)

David scotland

David,

Your having had a mini stroke is frightening. I am so sorry. Can you see a general family doctor who could decide whether you need something for stroke risk (besides aspirin)? I can sure understand that the stress would be making this worse.

I understand not liking the beta blockers. I hated them, too. But did they help the afib? I can't imagine that they had a role in the mini stroke.

If I had had a mini stroke, I think I'd want to be on blood thinner to avoid another. I don't want to stress you, but please take a moment to read about the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring tool used in the UK for determining whether you need a blood thinner.

New Stroke Risk Factors for Those with Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Female Gender, Heart Disease, and Age

Mellanie

michael you ask if anyone had an accident and after that been told they had afid my car was totaled i was knock into the wall several times by an 18 wheeler almost killed one of the wheel whent up in the air tho of the other wheels was flat on the ground i had never had atrial fibrillation before the accident i know now the tragedy and stress cause my afid

Frustrating - just cardioverted with flecainide and it is the third episode in six years. Happened the day after I biked 20 miles. Any resources to help reduce fib with exercise?

I had a car accident five years ago, within a year I started to suffer from both atrial flutter and fribillation. Has any one else started to suffer from AF following a car accident.

I'm a retired high school teacher/coach. I taught for 38 yrs. and am still coaching. I've had diagnosed Lone A-Fib for eight years and it's slowly getting more frequent. Used to occur one or twice a year now it's maybe two tree times a week. It's been my experience that overeating, later eating, too much alcohol, stimulants of any nature, and quick entry into any exercise have all been triggers of my A-Fib episodes. Flecinide and Cardizem have been good in the past but I feel their potency is waning. My A-Fib symtoms usually are both rapid heartbeat and skipped heartbeats. It's really a pain in the butt because of the dizziness and anxiety created by the symtoms. I am going to move ahead now and pressure my cardiologist to work with me on NOT letting this condition diminish the quality of my life by coming up with a new strategy of treatment. People, Be Proactive and aggressive, don't let this condition OWN you! Do SOMETHING about it !!

It's great Melaine mentions certain food and drinks as possible causes of afib. There's just too much stories about people going to surgery and taking medications for afib. And I'm certain that most of them didn't try diet change before going to a doctor. I guess most of them don't know that they can cure themselves by changing their diet, or they aren't willing to give up certain things in their life (would rather go to surgery instead??).

I've had arrhythmia up until recent but I managed to beat it on my own. You can read my whole story (along with complete medical documentation) here:

http://www.mcarticles.com/a/how-i-cured-my-arrhythmia-a-personal-story

I was just diagnosed with a-fib. I am concerned with the casual nature of my exam. Doctor looked at the ekg, took my blood pressure, listened to my breathing and then prescribed a beta-blocker and asprin. Heart disease runs in my family. I'd like to know if I have clogged arteries or anything else that may contribute to a-fib. I told the doctor this and additional tests were dismissed as un-necessary. Do I have to wait for a crisis to occur? What ever happened to preventative care? Should I push for more tests?

Just found the site and sucks to see so many people have this problem too! I'm a 31 y/o male that has had a-fib now for about 18 months. Started when I was doing an extremely heavy stress day at a fire academy and was hit with heat exhaustion on the fire grounds.

Originally I was unable to lock down the cause and with only having maybe 1 attack per month I wasn't overly concerned. Original tests found nothing, multiple ekg, echo cardiagram with stress test, chest x-rays, the works.

Within the last 7 months it became streadily worse to the point of 2-3 attacks per week lasting for roughly 4 hours per episode. I was checked into a hospital with a pulse of 165, the irregular heart rate, nausea, weakness and shaky jello bowl heart in the chest as I like to refer to it. Tests have concluded nothing apart from a potassium deficiency at the time but that was nothing apparently. I was given Diltiazem and 81mg bayer but no change in affliction. Eventually given Carvedilol and Verapamil (seperate, never together) but neither worked as well. I finished up a summer session at college and poof... no a-fib. I found that over the last 7 months I was under heavy stress by starting a new college choice which has proven to be much harder than my last degree program and it seems once I ended school for a while I was back to normal with no attacks. I'm now less than 2 weeks from starting up again for fall semester and wouldn't you know... I'm having attacks again, only once a week so far but I'm tracking it and trying to eliminate all sources of stress in the mean time. I've also noticed I go into an attack more often when attempting to sleep for the night and lying on my left side. I have a birth defect called sunked chest as well, but the bone constriction is mainly right sided and most likely considered minor or negligible. That aside, I wholeheartedly agree that stress is an underlying cause. No pun intended,... well maybe a little.

Does anyone take Pradaxa yet

SSD 5 pts

Yes, I take Pradaxa. It was prescribed while I was hospitalized 2 months ago, along with a cocktail of drugs that I believe could create even more anxiety for me. I hate drugs. I was a person who so rarely ever took aspirin or tylenol, the bottles would expire almost full. I'm looking for other remedies.

 

Now my cholesterol has shot up too and the doctor wants to put me on a statin. I was so upset at the advent of that -- that I felt sick again that evening. I did not have high cholesterol before I went into the hospital. I don't eat any differently or live any different way than I was living. I asked the doctor if all these meds could cause that. It just doesn't make any sense.

 

I've taken a statin before and it was horrendous for me. I was exhausted all of the time. I decided not to take it and see about finding a different physician. Only trouble is, with no health care here in America for those of us who can't afford it, options are very limited. But I am not going to just be a lemming and take all of these drugs. Each drug has side effects. I'm on so many now, I wouldn't know what is causing what anyway. There just has to be a better way to deal with this situation than all these drugs.

Hello All, thanks for sharing. I had 5 or 6 episodes of Afib (but didn't know what it was at the time) over an 18 month time period, and each one lasted less than 36 hours. I'm 39 now and about a year ago an episode came on and I decided I needed to go to the emergency room to see what was going on. After a 3 day hospital stay and several tests later I was discharged with the doctors saying that all the test they ran came back normal, and "perfect" in some cases, from thyroid tests to stress tests. I was referred to a cardiologist who I am very grateful for. One of the first things he said to me was that the goal was to get me off of medication (beta-blockers right now and an aspirin a day) at some point in the future but I had to do my part by losing weight, quitting smoking, quit drinking, quit caffeine, etc. I've done everything requested other than quit smoking and losing weight (but I'm working my way to those). I went a year without any new episodes, and glad to say that my stress level during that year had diminished considerably due to better circumstances. I truly believe that long term stress brought on my condition, and that stress triggers it now even being on medication. Over the past 6 years I have had 5, what they call, life changing events not to mention a lot of relationship and work related stresses that were way above and beyond any I have ever experienced in my life. Now in the past 2 months I have been under pretty severe stress and anxiety again and the Afib episodes are returning, along with a diagnosis of spinal arthritis and degenerative disc problems. For me, in my own mind, the stress has taken it's toll on my body and caused these problems. Thanks again to everyone who has shared their experiences. Reading through your stories has helped be realize I'm not as alone as I thought. Take care everyone and keep your eyes fixed Above!

Does anyone have a rapid heart rate when they have Afib? In reading the blogs I don't believe I saw it mentioned. Also has anyone had a pacemaker for A Fib?

karenpugh 5 pts

Yes, I always have rapid heart rate when in A-Fib.  Terrible feeling.

Karen

Does both stress and coffee affect the adrenal glands? Coffee without stress definitely gives me irregular heartbeats, especially Robusta, less so Arabica. But when I start having symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which include feeling stressed, even a cup of tea, spoon of honey, or high calorie food and drink, can trigger that nasty bumpy feeling. I take St John's Wort in the winter for SAD, and that seems to protect me from AF very considerably. I try not to take it in the summer, but when we have days of overcast weather, I find AF coming on again, so I now take St John's Wort for those overcast days as it really does protect me. I wonder if one cause of AF is too much Adrenalin? But once when I took a Valerian product to help me sleep at night, my heart missed every 6 or so beats for a whole day! My question is, what hormones, or chemicals in the body affect the electoral impulses in the heart?

In addition she drinks one cup of coffee a day and never drinks alcohol and only takes vitamins and aspirin.

My younger sister, age 32 has had several (and i suspect more) episodes of intermittent afib that seem to be stress related in the last 2 years. The first known episode was at a loud concert and she complained to her then bf who is also a nurse that she didnt feel well and he said her pulse was irregular. The 2nd was with me, and as a cardiac RN, it was obvious she was in afib-this was the night before a job interview. The third episode was with her EMT boyfriend when discussing whether to continue their relationship, though she states she felt very fatigued earlier in the day. She feels palpatations during these episodes. She has also had episodes of SOB prior to discovering her occasional arrythmia that she thought was allergies or sinus drainage but both were ruled out. At this time, she does not have insurance. I make her take 325mg aspirin daily. I dont know what else to do right now until she is able to find a fulltime job with insurance. Any suggestions? I am probably unneccasarily worried about tumors in her aorta or heart chambers. Strong family hx of heart issues, but not afib and not this young. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Had a minor heart attach in 2006 had 1 stynt inserted, no damage done to heart muscle. However, since then in 2009 had 3 more stynts put in when I had initially went into hospital with Atrial Fib, the heart went back into normal rhythm within 24 hrs. In 2010 almost a year later, another admission with Atrial Fib for 29 hours went back into normal rhythm again without medication. Now a couple of wks. ago went into AFib again this time blood thinners and a medication to try and force the heart to go into normal rhythm was administered. It finally did go back into I say almost normal rhythm but it took 44 hrs. this time. Now, all that being said, the last two times I was exercising at the time I went into an attack. Yes, I have high blood pressure, which is supposedly under control, 2006 I started on a beta blocker as well as cholesterol meds. All blood work is good. I work, under what I thought was stress, but guess more than I think. I do exercise 3 days a wk. usually an 1-1.5 hrs. each day. As of last yr. I'd lost 43 lbs., but that didn't keep the ticker from going back into AFib.! So disgusted, because you do everything you're supposed to do, and you still have this to go through. Granted I don't have this as badly as some nor my heart is as in bad a condition as other people. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I've stopped eating salt as much as one can do, we don't eat fast food...I refuse to quit living!
The meds now are making me so tired, I can work a day and then feel exhausted for 2 days, such a treat! I do have a fam. history of heart/strokes/diabetes so I'm aware of all the signs. What can one do? I know that AFIB is electrical in nature, but can it be fixed without all this medication? Why treat it if it can be repaired. I thought doctors were our mechanics? Can't our mechanics fix the AFIB problems without just treating with all these chemicals?! The side effects that I have are the minor ones, but I have to say that they are a little inconvenient!

Carol,

I'm sorry about what you're going through. There are procedures that can be done, usually after you fail at least one medication (sometimes two). There is catheter ablation and there is surgery. I'd encourage you to do some reading here:

Catheter Ablation: http://stopafib.org/catheter.cfm
Mini Maze Surgery: http://stopafib.org/mini-maze.cfm

Then you may wish to spend some time perusing our News page at http://www.stopafib.org/news.cfm for more information, or use our search box to locate more info.

Finally, you're welcome to join us on our discussion forum, where you'll find folks who have had these procedures: http://forum.stopafib.org (Instructions for registering & getting started are here: http://forum.stopafib.org/index.php?showforum=25)

Mellanie

Used to have afib all the time. Then ablation. In last 3 years only three time. One was because my thyroid level was VERY elevated. I am surprised that no one mentioned that high thyroid levels is a major cause of afib. A yr later happened on cruise. I think it was their coffee. Even though it was decaf, it was very strong and I did drink it a lot. That has happened to me before with strong coffee in certain restaurants. Really think that is a trigger. Now, this week had an eposode and I am under stress because I am retiring from a job of 27 yrs that I liked. That is when I began wondering if stress triggers afib. I don't think my dr would say yes but not so sure now. I definitely know that triggers are absolutely caffine, alcohol and high thyroid levels. Going on another cruis next week. Will not dring coffee, not even decalf.

Nancy,

Thanks. We do mention in several places that thyroid issues can lead to afib.

I'm glad you've identified your triggers. Everyone is different, so it's not always easy to get a handle on it.

Mellanie

I am glad to have founbd this site. So glad not to be the only one going through this with afib. it's so scary.
I am 40, had panic attacks after my mothers death in 1993. Since then I had what seemd to me like heart palpitations, occasionally. Mostly with lack of sleep or caffiene. I used to be able to drink a pot of coffee a day in my twenties. I switched to decaf after starting to get the nervous shakes from just one cup by my thirties. I just had my second bout of AFib last month. The first episode corrected itself within a minute but this episode went on for a few hours. They were about to use cardioversion (I believe it's called) however it finally corrected itself. We had recently moved and I had alot of uncontrolled stress going on. I really feel it's stress that brought it on. One of my biggest triggers, however is caffiene because it makes my heart 'jump'. I feel like it's wearing me out!

I have only had episodes of af prior to the resent one -- once after major surgery-- and afterwards at home-- however recently went on cruise-(by the way i am 71 and i think full of life) checking in --and the whole procedure getting on board etc , drinks at night etc. that night had bad af -- my sister who was with me was worried-- didnt happen again till the night i came home getting off again juggling bagsetc-- being picked up and getting home (which was -4 hours drive away) I really hate it-it gives me the creaps-- i really think it is stress related-- i do have a red at night -- only 2-3 but i have been doing that for years. will be very intersted in your comments

i am 23 yrs old and was recently diagnosed with afib.....the situation was really scary for me to deal with.doctors ran many test to determine my heart was normal but the symptoms of afib will come and go out of the blue....it is a stressful condition but eliminating things like smoking,excessive drinking can help your over all health with afib.my main concern is the risk of stroke so i have also changed my diet...i hope i can still live my normal life with afib and watch my children grow and participate in activities with them...

Just discovered this site - thanks, it helps to read about other A-Fib folks. I`ve been getting bouts for 18 months, usually resolving within two hours. I`m 47, a fit cyclist, don`t smoke, rarely drink...but i`m stressed out most of the time. I`m convinced my A-Fibs come from a mix of stress and diet. I`m prone to long and highly acidic bouts of indigestion and bloating so I was delighted to find that getting my stomach acid and bloating under control dramatically reduced my A-Fibs. I was reading that there could be a strong connection between A-Fibs and irritation of one of the large nerves that follows your Esophagus, I think it it is the Venal nerve (same one that triggers hiccups). Taking a good antacid seems to help resolve faster and definitely eating smaller meals but more frequently helps. I never eat before going to bed as that was previously a guaranteed attack. Good luck to all you fellow sufferers. Tom - Ann Arbor, MI.

The kind of stress that brings my At fib on is the kind when someone behind me in a checkout line or at a stopsign is trying to rush me. I am 82 yrs old and this just started even though I had bypass surgery eleven years ago. Would like to get off the meds (beta blocker).

got diagnosed with af after car crash i was in shock but dr said i was predisposed to af, never had any trouble before the crash had a massive panic attack at the time

IM 29 YRS OLD PRETTY HEALTHY I DO SMOKE BUT IN JAN. MY WIFE GOT SICK STARTED HAVEING SEZURES OUT OF THE BLUE SO I HAD TO STAY AT HOME TO TAKE CARE OF HER AND THE KIDS SO HERE COMES THE STRESS ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO I WENT IN TO AFEB I DONT DRINK OR USE DRUGS ANY WAY I WAS LAYIN IN BED WATCHIN A MOVIE MY WIFE WAS FEELIN GOOD SO SHE WENT TO THE STORE I WAS ALONE MY CHEST STARTED TO POUND AND I STARTED TO FEEL WEIRD IT SCARIED ME SO I GO UP AND SET THERE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS FINELY I WALKED TO A FRIENDS HOUSE IT DIDNT STOP AND I COULDNT SIT STILL AND I FELT LIKE IF SOME BODY SAID SOME THING TO ME I WAS GOIN TO TEAR THERE HEAD OFF AND THAT NOT ME STILL DONT KNOW WHY I FELT THAT WAY CAUSE IM A LAID BACK QUIT GUY MOST OF THE TIME AND THE DOCTORS R SAYIN I MUST HAVE HAD A HEART PROBLEM BECAUSE IT NOT COMON FOR SOMEBODY MY AGE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM SO KNOW IM REALLY WORRIED IM NOT GOIN TO BE AROUND FOR MY WIFE A KIDS

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  1. [...] many of us grab some coffee when we’re stressed? Could it be stress, not coffee, that’s the [...]

  2. [...] you’re a Blackberry addict or a stress junkie, which can contribute to atrial fibrillation, you may be interested in this new article in which Mellanie True Hills, founder of StopAfib.org, [...]

  3. [...] Does Stress Cause Atrial Fibrillation? | Atrial Fibrillation BlogWhen I eat profusely, I feel extra sistoles that could lead to afib episodes. Sodas and gas drinks tend to contribute too. I drink no alcohol, so that’s one less. I hope everyone is fine. Cheers from Argentina. [...]