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?
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….
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
Gail,
Your health is your priority. If they don’t like it, perhaps they can create less drama.
Mellanie
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.