These are my triggers, usually a combination of these: STRESS at work, stress at home, anxiety, exercise when stressed and tired, not getting enough sleep, sodium, coffee or alcohol if i haven't taken beta blocker, if I push myself eg working overtime or running errands when I'm already feeling run down.
I'm anxious by nature. I asked my cardiologist if anxiety/stress could bring on an attack as I always get them at the end of the school year when we have an overload of work and beauricratic stuff to get through. He gave me an outright NO! But I'm not convinced. Latest episode happened during a particularly stressful period. Got shingles followed by AFib a week later!
Taking magnesium used to help me a lot. But I stopped taking it for some reason. Wow! I didn't know that being constipated can cause problems if I have afib. That makes sense, sometimes, in my experience.
This man has an absolutely beautiful face! His videos are very educational and he presents them well! Such a jewel. You just know he's a good doctor and a wonderful human being. He represents the medical field well!
Count it a big blessing if your don't have any health issues☺ Always good to be informed by Sunjay. You seem like a very sincere person with a good heart, willing to readily share your wealth of knowledge like a friend. Many jewels in your crown👑
Hi Dr. Sanjay! Thank you so much. Not only are you a good cardiologist. But your voice is amazing. Someone should have called you by now to do something on television. Hope they're not jealous. God bless!
Over the past decade, I have had more than 100 episodes of severe, sustained paroxysmal (episodic) atrial fibrillation. I define "severe" as greater than 140 bpm resting heart rate, and "sustained" as lasting between one and 24 hours. Through acute observation I have learned many of my triggers. I hope this information helps others recognize their triggers. For many years, my atrial fibrillation episodes would typically start around bedtime (around 10 pm to midnight). These days, the episodes are usually in the late afternoon to early evening (3:00 to 6:30 pm). I almost never have them in the morning or early afternoon. They usually happen during times of relaxation (evenings and weekends). Overall, the vast majority of the episodes have occurred during the nine-hour period from 4 pm to 1 am. I have found that my AFibs are much more likely to happen with a combination of triggers (not just one trigger alone). My biggest trigger is laying down or sleeping on my left side, or putting pressure on my chest near my heart. Recently, a trigger has been leaning down to reach or pick something up off the floor. I am more likely to have AFib episodes when I am overweight. Even gaining just 5 pounds more than my normal weight can cause noticeable differences in AFib frequency. Other triggers are lack of sleep (especially poor sleep caused by my obstructive sleep apnea), dehydration, hunger, high stress, exercise, and eating a large or spicy meal. I have also been triggered by caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine. Some of my definite (confirmed) triggers are specific over-the-counter drugs and medications, such as pseudoephedrine (decongestant used in cold medicine), diphenhydramine (antihistamine used in Benadryl and as a sleep aid), Tetrahydrozoline (decongestant used in eye drops like Visine), hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide (used in ear wax removal drops), Valerian root powder (sedative), and bubble baths with calming chemicals (exact triggering ingredient unknown). A frequent trigger for me is having an orgasm (ejaculation). The AFib is not triggered immediately after the orgasm, but rather about 24 to 48 hours afterwards. There are two possible things going on with this trigger. I often sleep very poorly the night after having an orgasm, and often my sleep apnea is triggered. So the Afib after orgasm could in reality be triggered by the resulting poor sleep. The other possibility is that the AFib is somehow chemical-related. Male orgasms release a cocktail of brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide, and hormones like prolactin. There could be a temporary deficiency in one or more of these chemicals that causes AFib, or the heart could be reacting to the body building back up one or more of these chemicals. Sometimes AFibs for me can be triggered by a deficiency of nutrients or vitamins, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, electrolytes, zinc, or B vitamins (especially vitamin B12). Some of my possible triggers (suspected but not yet confirmed) are consuming a lot of sugar, taking a hot bath, and wearing certain colognes and deodorants. I am curious to hear from other people who experience atrial fibrillation if they have any of these same triggers.
I have for 10 years attacks of this kind, very very similar indeed inevery aspects. The only thing is 7 or 8 times out of 10 were after a big meal at late evenings, especially oily and spicy food. Thanks so much for this really good doctor to bring this topic up.
@@gladyshan613 Yes, large meals including spicy food are also one of my triggers. The good news is that a couple months after I wrote this comment, I got a catheter ablation done on my heart, and it seems to have done the trick. The ablation procedure was almost six months ago, and since then I have had a few irregular heartbeats every so often for a few seconds at a time, but my heart has not gone into full AFib mode. To anyone experiencing AFib episodes more than a few times a year, I highly recommend getting an ablation.
My episodes are asymptomatic (I feel the irregular heart beats but I don't pass out or have dizzy spells) and paroxysmal (they don't last more than 24 hours - the most I've had was 21 hours), which is a plus. I know when an episode begins and ends when my heart speeds up, goes into palpitations, then the afib, and it often ends with the heart thumping a couple of times before going into sinus rhythm. My main triggers are stress and sickness, but also vaccines and spicy food (Buffalo chicken, cajun fries, hot Chinese mustard). When I was in the hospital for COVID and cellulitis in my legs in 2021, I had a six hour episode that involved a heart rate of 147, but the intervention was immediate IV metoprolol, IV magnesium, heparin and wearing a monitor for about three days. The nurses were thrilled when I went into sinus rhythm at midnight. As for vaccines: in 2022, I received a COVID booster and had an episode for 16 hours; earlier this year (2024), I got another booster and had another episode lasting about 18 hours. Ironically, the TdAP booster I received a couple of months ago didn't cause any problems. I've been metoprolol since 2021, and it has worked wonders. My doctor had me on the 100mg metoprolol until it made my blood pressure too low (one reading was 96 over 60, but I felt fine); then he switched me to 50mg, which has actually made me a lot less sleepy - I will keep the 100mg tablets for the "day after" an a-fib episode. I'm also taking vitamin D3, niacin and magnesium, which has made me feel a lot better.
Bro, you have accurately defined.. Even I face same issues as you have mentioned... I don't have any structural. Issue.. Will magnesium help Or do I need to increase nitric oxide..
My daughter has just been diagnosed with AF. Shes 26 yrsold. For the past 4 years she's been treated for stress. We both felt that her symptoms were pointing elsewhere. . Just knowing that shes been given a name to her condition means so much. I think that shes amongst the lowest stressed people that I know. Have liked and subscribed. You give clear explanations and are very easy tofollow. Thank You for shari g all your experience with us.x
Fascinating stuff. I’ve had episodes of AF for 18 months, quite rarely until recently. Generally, I’m one of the 15 % who can’t identify specific triggers but maybe stress is involved.
Thank you so much for the plain English definition of this. I was released from Hospital - last week after 5 days - but didn't understand what the senior cardiologist was talking about. I been diagnosed with PAF and am waiting on another specialist and then ablation. He also refused to believe that Mental stress causes or triggers it. This made me quite angry and frustrated. Thanks again.
Yes, strong emotions can do it....even talking too much sometimes, or laughing, or getting upset. You don't have to do the ablation....try meds first.....Did they check your magnesium and potassium ? See other doctors first.
Many thanks, I wondered why I felt so bad when my AF came on, as docs keep telling me most people don’t feel anything. Now I can relax and try to find my trigger. I have learnt more on here with Dr Gupta than my own docs. Brilliant and generous man, thank you.
I've been reading and researching causes, treatment, diets, etc. for more than 4 years now....the doctors don't tell you anything or they don't believe you at all!!!! When I had my first huge a-fib episode and was taken to the hospital (High Point Regional....really horrible, horrible, crazy doctors in the ER) the ER doctor did not believe me and he did not want to admit me in the hospital..... finally a nurse took my pulse and bp ....very high...and they gave me a room. I was in the hospital for 7 days and then in rehabilitation for 6 months. This horrible ER doctor from High Point Regional wrote in my records that I was crazy and I imagined the a-fib, although the paramedics told me in the morning I was in a-fib....the first time when I heard that.... pulse 220....bp over 200. EKG proved that. There are some horrible doctors out there.
Thanks dr Gupta.. I’ve had 3 episodes this year.. all 3 happened between 20:00pm an 20:30pm in the evening whilst watching television.. An all 3 usually last round 15-17 hours.. It’s really a scary experience..
Dr Sanjay, as a new new AF patient (3 events to date) the aircraft engineer in me wants to know as much about this condition as possible so I stalk the internet for information and I find your YT clips the most informative by a long shot. In particular the "trigger" aspect has been foremost in my mind (the first and last event were after a day of heavy gardening pruning large trees, trimming a 12ft high hedge and loading a large trailer to the brim with the "green" rubbish). This clip in particular has identified and bought into focus a range of other possibilities to consider. Thank you for so willingly sharing your knowledge.
Are you a troll? Read my comment carefully, I didn't say gardening caused AFib, I said it triggers AFib events. Since writing the comment above, I've had another 27 events, all around 8 hours after heavy physical activity and each episode lasting for about 8.5 hours. However, I have had none since Aug 23 following a change of medications which raised my resting plus from 43 to 65.
Being tired.... yes, stress, yes.....but during the night I sleep and get up with a-fib.....always during the night when I sleep. I don't eat much and I do not eat anything after 5 p.m....maybe a fruit
Thank you for the video. I can relate to quite a few of those triggers. One of mine is the fumes from oil based gloss paints. I’ve been renovating a house recently and I was getting palpitations quite a lot on the evening when I was back home. From now on I will be using water bases breatheasy paints!
My triggers over the years have varied - overexertion (I have always been a keen adherent of exercise), being the main one, though caffeine, perhaps dark chocolate, a hot bath, a large meal. I take a beta blocker and blood thinners. My philosophy after all this is that moderation in everything plus high dose supplementation of magnesium and potassium is a great help. Also a diet high in foods containing those two minerals makes sense and makes me wonder whether many of us who suffer with A-fib were always suffering with a near deficiency of those minerals which circumstance/age/fate made us arrive at a tipping point.
@@TonyMeyaart Yup, I'm thinking I have a magnesium deficiency. First Afib occured just two weeks ago. Now take a magnesium supplement on a daily bases. Also n9w on beta blocker plus blood thinner. Noticed I was feeling jumpy and was easy to startle for a few days prior and up to my AFib episode. Hmmm?
I am amazed to hear that people with a-fib drink alcohol, coffee, eat chocolate and large meals. I don't do any of that but I still have it. I do believe that it's an imbalance of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, etc. I do eat foods rich in magnesium, potassium, etc. but it's not enough?? Last night I had yet another episode that scared me.....later on in the day a lady gave me a magnesium tablet and it stopped after 2 hours. Now, I don't know if it stopped because of the magnesium or not. Lately I had the a-fib for 14 hours. I decided to call my doctor and I will have a video conversation with her tomorrow. I will ask for a full panel blood test to find out if I am deficient in any of those minerals. The thing is all my blood tests are perfect ...always; except, very rarely my TSH is off.
@@michellen2325 Regarding blood tests, magnesium can be difficult to detect in the blood because most magnesium is held in body tissues. Could be that assumptions are made about you being OK based on potassium levels which show that you are good. As the Doc here suggests, magnesium supplementation is a very good idea. Magnesium is not necessarily a cure but it definitely can help.
Great videos. I just got diagnosed with afib and I find your videos very enlightening. Thank you I hope you make a lot more informative videos. A lot of people don't know this info. Thank you.
Great information and tips. I have this type of afib and it often starts right when I am going to sleep or sometimes when I am sitting on the couch watching TV. Good to know about the red wine as well. I can be feeling fine and suddenly my heart shoots up to 175 or higher bpm's. Very scary.
Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for your insights into AF. They have been very beneficial to me. I am curious to know whether bread or gluten has been associated with AF as a trigger in recent years. I'm also interested in whether very salty food can trigger it. Thanks again and keep up the great work you do.
I have ectopic beats. They started about 20 years ago. At the highest point (about 7 years ago) I was having approximately 8500 per day (10%). I have found that coffee, chocolate and nuts bring mine on. Taking magnesium brings them right down. The only problem is that taking high dosages of magnesium orally will give you a upset stomach. So I purchased magnesium chloride flakes from Amazon melted them in a pan to make an oil. I apply it to my shoulders chest and stomach, maybe once or twice a month. My ectopics are now approximately 50 a day. I usually do it before bed time as it can be a little itchy if you have sensitive skin.
Above all triggers, high stress seems to be most common. Next is lack of sleep, dehydration/electrolyte imbalances, lots of caffeine from any source, high carbohydrate meals. I suspect sleeping on left side, possible apnea and weight gain to also play a part. Sleeping enough and propped up, the Mediterranean diet (no alcohol), and learning to reset my Vagus nerve and breathing properly has been a huge help at preventing and stopping AF.
Mine usually starts around 4 am and within 6 to 12 hrs, it's back in sinus rhythm with a bit of fluttering. Takes me 3 days to feel back to normal. I believe dehydration is one of my triggers along with emotional stress. I'm going to start taking vitamin C as suggested in your other video. Very happy to find you. Thank you!
Thankyou doctor i seem to have afib triggered when i have an appointment of some kind walking across the parking lot. As i was sitting quietly just listenly to your blog i felt fine and calm. Thankyou for the input.
Thank you for this information. I am learning how to take care of myself in terms of avoiding stressful situations. There is a risk of becoming a hermit, so I see life now as making careful choices. I avoid driving on freeways in Atlanta, GA which always made me very anxious even before PAFIB.
I am sure your scribe angel has a thick book. You stay giving good advice to all with no worries about monetary gain. Grateful, simply grateful for you.
I recently had A Fib with RVR. It was so scary. I had to call 911. It took 24 hours and lots of Cardizem for the hospital to get me back into a normal rthymn. Blood work showed I was dehydrated. Too much caffeine and not enough water.
I gave up coffee and chocolate long time ago. Cardizem never did anything for me.... it's useless in my case....metoprolol does the job. Eat foods rich in magnesium and potassium.
I had it for some time after my bypass operation but I didn’t know it, I went for a covid check and the doctor found this Afib and sent me by ambulance to A&E. They were able to fix it after one week I was home, I now know what it is and appreciate channels such as yours Doctor Sanjay, thank you.
My AF symptoms appear to be brought on during a "wind-down" from physical stress, either from over-exertion or over-caffeination (adrenaline and/or caffeine withdrawals), and generally onset in the evening about bedtime. Coffee in the morning seems to "smooth out" or eliminate my AF the next day.
Reassuring to know that I seem to fit in with the majority - AF comes on after 7pm or sometimes wake up after midnight with it. It lasts pretty much between 10 and 12 hours. I have noticed that my Blood Pressure now dives to around 100/65 which makes me feel terrible. Up until 6 months ago BP went really high 180/95 and HR 130 but now it has gone the other way. My triggers seem to be a hard day in the garden, alcohol (wine and spirits) and a big meal - have given up the big meals and rarely drink alcohol but finding it hard to give up the garden!!!
I can totally understand why you would not want to give up what you love. That would be like me trying to give up filmmaking but I don't have palpitations what I'm doing films usually. I have found that if we do things that we enjoy we have less of this problem. So do more of what you love and if you do die, you will die with a smile on your face! 😁
Red wine & liquor are indeed triggers for me - Been suffering random attacks since 8 years now and the first one happened to me whilst working out in the gym. Since 6 years on beta blockers and when attacks come, it`s usually a day after consuming alcohol*. Then i have to take a beta, lie down on my back ( never works through lying on my side) and relax... Wait for about 45-60min until it`s over. I now cut down alcohol and notice a big difference in improvement. ;) * Edit - I believe this has something to do with dehydration & de mineralization after being boozed.
I found out last March .I have Afib . Waiting on ablation I'm always so tired spell dizzy nauseous I'm on two different kinds of Med and a blood thinner thank you so much it's so easy to listen to you talk and explain everything thank you doctor
For me, it seems when my oxygen level drops it can trigger an afib. I wonder if some of these scenarios are related to shallow breathing where oxygen level drops and the heart reacts in order to get it back up to a higher level?
I think it's the other way around.... The heart does not pump enough oxygen because of the afib.... or heart failure. Also, have you tried magnesium, potassium supplements. Check your electrolytes..... I feel much calmer after taking magnesium and sprinkle NU salt on my salads (NU salt is potassium).
I've virtually eliminated my AFIB incidents by taking an electrolyte supplement daily and being much more diligent with keeping myself hydrated. I'm also limiting my caffeinated coffee intake to one cup per day (with my LMNT electrolyte supplement). So far no incidents since adopting this routine.
bit this year on 17I noticed my AF regularly at around 5.45pm daily, and that this was roughly after a gin and tonic. I I got into the G+T relaxing after gardening in the summer. I stopped the G+T habit on the 17 January after reading an article in the Guardian about small doses of alcohol and AF. II have not had an alcoholic drink since, neither have I had an AF, so for me,the alcohol trigger is proved. I do miss the G+T, but the scrifice is worth it, so for me, there is no going back
howard. i agree with this. made a complete break with alcohol almost 5 years ago and no AF since. it was worth it. still drink coffee without ill effect.
❤ Thanks. Much appreciated. I used to get Afib episodes from any eating or drinking (I don’t touch alcohol) activities that were out of a routine. Ablation fixated some of the problems, but anything causing gas or stomach issues will kick back up the oesophagus and cause VES that in turn causes Afib. Episodes usually don’t last more than six hours, but bpm usually above 150 to 185 with pressure drops. I auto convert by taking a pill in the pocket Tambucor, lay down on my back with legs high and focus on my digestion.
Perhaps the A-fib gets triggered when food gets to a certain point in the gut - which would of course differ for most depending on how fast or slow their digestion works. Highly refined wheat may be a trigger too as it is so nutrient-stripped that it forces the body to use way more minerals, vitamins & phytonutrients than it supplies, driving deficiencies, such as Thiamine or other B vitamins, so crucial for nerve function & support. Heart issues can very much be connected to Thiamine deficiency (‘Wet’ Beriberi). The ‘food’ may also trigger temporary electrolyte deficiencies, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, etc, until the body can replenish enough by pulling the minerals out of the bones, teeth & tissues, etc.
@ yes, & ‘hidden’ issues like an occult hiatus hernia - a lot more common than is realised. The stomach encroaching into the pericardium area can cause heaps of issues.
As far as triggers go. The safe and medically proven supplement Creatine used by body builders to help build stronger muscles almost immediately triggers my AFib. Creatine is stored in our body's muscles and the typical protocol is to double the dose the first week to preload the supplement in our muscles before 1/2-ing that dose thereafter. We don't usually think of our heart as a muscle but in fact it is. Apparently storing added creatine in my heart tissue effects the electric conductivity and signals the heart produces to trigger normal heart beat rhythm. Which is a similar definition of an AFib event. How do I know it's the creatine that's causing the AFib? I have never had AFib any more frequently than once every 3 years and often it's 5 years between events. I tried using creatine 3 different times within a single year. By the 2nd or 3rd day of preloading creatine I would reliably go into AFib. This happened three times in one year. I have not tried again because it is unquestionably the creatine that is causing my AFib event to be triggered every 3 months instead of every 3 to 5 years.
Mine can be triggered by too much sugar and/or caffeine. Humidity in the air, lack of sleep or rest, bending down without contracting my abdominal muscles and a large meal. Also changing position in bed while sleeping. I inhale and hold on the air for as long as I can and that seems to stop an episode. Occasionally need to go to the hospital for intervention, but very rarely that happens.
I am at the moment suffering from mild af and on Wednesday next have an appointment at Royal Papworth. Four years ago after a triple bypass the same symptoms of af were corrected by a cardiversion and since then everything has been fine. I will add that I am 80 years old have a blood pressure reading which is constantly around 110 over 60. My pulse is normally about 40 bpm. On 5th Sept last ,year I was attending a classic car rally and had a nasty wasp sting to my hand. Within 12 hours I knew it had triggered af and my pulse was anything from 80 to 140 bpm plus feeling awful and breathless. Since then it has settled to 80 to 100 bpm, so hopeing to get back to normal in a few weeks ! Also a great video and a Happy New Year
My Afib with SVT is brought on by Cold drink, Large meal even if its salad, Bread, Ice Cream, Stress, Excitement, Fast moves from a stand still, If I just sit-down with out slowing down first, after a hard day at work, If I lift something really heavy... I Had a Cardio Ablation done 4 years ago its better but not healed... I still get Afib where my heart flutters in my chest..I have an appointment with Electo Heart Dr again to do another Ablation..They did say when they did my last Ablation that I had A LOT of extra pathways they couldn't reach due to not have a small enough needle if that makes any since...I'm 53 and have been dealing with this since age 15.. They come on when they want, I never know when they are coming... They just come out of no where... Ive had many Cardio SHOCKS! to get me back in rhythm... I'm tired, and I can never go anywhere fun due to I never know when its coming... So I feel trapped.. ANY advise would be WONDERFUL!! I dont drink, smoke, do drugs and healthy besides the AFIB with SVT... I weigh 205 5' 11" and very active daily... If I feel bloated and lay on my left side it makes my heart skip beats and makes me light headed... I am on Beta blockers.. Felcainide 100mg 2 times a day... Metoprolo 25mg 2 times a day.
Had Afib since 2005. weaned off metapropol in 2010, take no meds. triggers are stress, but several foods. foods high in sulfites, nitrites, and now high histamine foods. So I take a histamine blocker before I eat. Also MSG will definitely trigger. Over exertion too. dehydration will also set it off. So I am now an expert in foods with sulfites, nitrites and histamines. I am now 70 years old and feel great except when I get an episode. Doc wants to do an ablation. not happening. I do take liquid magnesium and potassium if needed, but try to get most of it from eating organic foods. Histamine Intolerance is a new found trigger. Also can feel it coming on if I wear my mask too long. I think its about oxygen so I take off the mask and do deep breathing.
I was diagnosed with AFIB while being hospitalized with COVID-19 and it is bad I few days before I have an attack I start going to the bathroom alot. Not to mention while I'm having the episode I go alot, super tired, can't do anything.
My triggers seem to be onions, coffee and cold orange juice. I didn't think orange juice would bother my heart beat until my wife said "you drink too much orange juice!". I put this to the test this morning and...sure enough...half an hour later l had palpitations. I think it's a combination of cold hitting my very warm esophagus and also the citric acid bothering my stomach lining. I had a severe gas attack. My heart beat crazy. I also had onions so l have narrowed the triggers down to two now, onions and very cold orange juice. I now think that onions are the other culprit. I'll keep you informed, I'm be working on these potential gas creating food and drink. God bless and thank you.
My two times before I started to take medication was in the evenings resting in bed like around 8 pm. Beats at 140 a minute , felt lite headed with low bloodpressure , then went to ER for help. Now on low meds now no episodes in 6 months.
Found your video very interesting and helpful. Am having one of my Afib episodes right now. Not sure what triggered it though. Have had irregular heartbeat for a number of years now but this time it struck me twice within 2 weeks which never happened before.
My AFib is triggered by whole grain cereal. If I eat too much cereal at night, then I will get palpitations that last the whole night. I'm not sure if it's the wheat, or the sugar. But I will be avoiding wheat and sugar whenever possible. I also feel mild palpitations after eating a heavy meal. I also notice I get palpitations if I lie down after eating a meal.
After my first Covid 19 vaccine shot I started an irregular heart beat. It continued on and off even after the second shot. Two weeks after the last shot, the irregular heart beat problem seem to reduce. Can Covid 19 cause an irregular heart beat?
I also got Af the day after my first covid vaccine. And months later after I was fully vaccinated caught covid virus. Went into Af in the first couple of days of infection and it lasted a week, longest time I have ever had it. Normally I would revert to normal after a few hours with flecainide. Have had Af more often since.
You did not mention the trigger of visiting a cardiologist...or reading their notes of a previous meeting. Or trying to get a misdiagnosis removed from your record.
69 yrs old male eats very well mild exercise ...triggers : caffeine , high sugar content solid or liquid , fatigue over several days , peanut butter , certain brands of soy sauce , chocolate which I don't know if its the sugar in it or the chocolate
Dehydration puts me into afib. As soon as i feel it happening, I chug a quart of water. Then I pour a full glass of red wine and chug it down. Within a few minutes, my heart is beating normal. I try to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water each day, but every once in a while I screw up and get dehydrated. I've been living with Afib the past four years, and the episodes have not been too frequent. But, several episodes have lasted for eight to ten hours. I would drink a lot of water and try to relax, and eventually my heartbeat would return to normal. Then one day my wife suggested that I drink a little bit of wine to maybe help me relax. I poured about six ounces and drank it down. A few minutes later the afib stopped. Now, it works every time. I don't take any medication for anything.
I can cite a cause that was 100% the reason for my first afibs. I was 48, in 2004, I had gastroenteritis and I was uncontrollably wretching on an empty stomach. It caused chaotic heart rhythms for just a couple of minutes each time. The doctor prescribed an anticonvulsant.
Why red wine trigger? Sulphites. Why triggers from 9:00 p.m. on? Probably sleep apnea. Coffee trigger. Probably in my case. But coffee is my ONLY luxury in life. Perhaps I should minimize its use. As usual, Dr. Gupta’s presentation is concise, useful and lovely in the delivery.
I have decades of "experience" with this problem. Suffered tremendously ! All the tests in the world, all the hospital stays, and all the cardiologists did not help. They gave me heavy duty heart medication to lower my BP and pulse (both are naturally very low already !). The common denominator here is: episodes mainly in the evenings and at night. It means lying (close to ) horizontal. It means (close to ) empty stomach - except for the acid. That is the trigger, in my experience and opinion. Started taking PPIs, and all my problems disappeared after a few months. Of course: no alcohol, no fuzzy drinks, no coffee, no hot spices, no fat, no deep fried stuff !!!!
@@gabrial3377 Proton Pump Inhibitor = medicines that reduce stomach acid production. Not neutralizing acid (like anti-acid tablets), but reducing the actual production of stomach acid.
I have paroxysmal Afib that happens 1 to 2 times a month now that I'm approaching 80. Episodes last up to 18 hours. Something I've never found in any of my research is when I have an Afib episode, my jaw starts aching, I get a very stiff, sore neck, and a pronounced headache (I normally don't have headaches any other time). I've recently connected eating too much or too fast or too spicy will trigger an episode. These episodes seem to subside much quicker... in a few hours (after I take Magnesium, cod liver oil and eat a banana).
I find that when something is going on in my life out of the ordinary, I might start to get symptoms. But if someone were to ask me if I'm stressed, I likely would say "no." I often do NOT feel the stress, and do not recognize it as a problem. I have had this happen twice, once when my tenant left and the house had to be gutted and "rebuilt." It didn't cost me anything, as my son was doing the work. He would inherit the house in time. The second time a couple of years later is when a tenant in this house went on vacation out of the country and got ill and died, never returning. Family came down and cleaned the house out. They were pleasant and unobtrusive. But that was apparently enough, also. I read that taking magnesium often helps, so I started taking it. Within a day the symptoms stopped 95%. Call it a placebo, but it worked for me. Now when I get a flip-flop, I take magnesium and it helps. It also helps me sleep.
I was stung by a bee and i began to have afib symptoms for 3 days. I did not associate a bee sting to trigger it but it was the only thing that changed. Rare but something to keep in mind. - - Several studies have shown an association of histamine with cardiac arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation has been triggered during anaphylaxis from insect stings
Very useful info. I find that when doing moderate exercise my heart is quite normal, in sinus mode. AF is more likely to strike me at night in bed or when I am completely relaxed and my heart rate will jump from 49-53 up to an irregular 100bpm. You would think the situation would be the reverse, i.e. physical stress would bring an attack.
Thx Dr. Very informative as usual. Mine could be alcohol, but also a combination of high-intensity sport and stimulants. In both instances it could also be dehydration that played a big role. Thx again for the video's
Mine are brought on by dehydration, stress and tiredness. Also overeating, drinking cold water too fast, stimulants in my stomach, a tight diaphram (all vagal nerve implications).
absolutely agree. I think those things can cause all sort of heart rhythm issues and not just AF and are best avoided. It'd mean a tonne to me if you'd consider subscribing to the channel. Wishing you a happy new year
I would go so far as to say that I have all of the mentioned triggers . Stress ,physical exercise, lack of sleep, drinking alcohol and coffee ,tea and chocolate..
I've had my DNA analysed. I have 31.2% risk of having coronary heart disease (avg. is 24.4%) and 20.5% of having atrial fibrillation (avg is 15.9%). My maternal gran had angina and one of her sons had a heart attack yesterday, not to mention the two uncles who had strokes (My dad had a surgery to avoid it. He had an aneurysm on the "top of the basilar"). They all have high blood pressure. I've watched many of your videos today and will continue to do so. Thank you for taking the time to make these important videos! In the meantime, I'll keep walking my dogs daily! :)
Mine is always between 13:00pm and when I wake up !!! 12 times in the hospital for the past 9 yrs . Lost 75 lbs , and I still get SVT or AVNRT !!! blood pressure is perfect 👍 . When I get nervous, mad , and really pissed off 😤. Very difficult to control. The worst part is when I don’t eat or drink water at all . I’m always losing work days because of my heart disease, especially these past 2 yrs where I had to use my vacation pay to replace my lost wages !! Frustrating indeed .
I have usually noticed that taking a diuretic causes palpitations. But then should that he considered as AFIB? Also stress seems to trigger an episode for me. Recently I noticed that any stressful situation. Even friction in the family triggers an Afib episode.
I had my first sustained AFib attack on the night of 30th November. Thankfully 2 1/2 months later I haven't yet had a repeat. My heartbeat was completely chaotic for an hour or more before changing to fast regular sinus rhythm. I wish people including doctors would talk about the distinction between chaotic and tachycardia AFib. Anyway I usually used to drink a small glass of wine or beer in the evenings, but that was a night after abstaining! It is also hard to think of anything that I had eaten or drunk that was different. I had slept soundly but woke up and went to the lavatory. It was cold and I sat on it, sniffing hard to try to open my partly blocked nose. Then I felt something strange, checked my pulse and it was totally erratic. In my case I feel sure it was linked to my rhinitis and nose blockage. I don't have sleep apnoea but I do get hypopnoea. I've bought a CPAP machine but I'm not getting on with it yet.
I was Dxed with fast rate A. fib just over a year ago ( EKG done while fibrillating. I realized that I had a few episodes prior to Dx. Heart rate 140 -145 per minute. Was sent to hospital ER. Was given Cardizem to slow heart rate, my antihypertensive med was changed for once that has a side effect of lowering the pulse. So if I get an episode my heart rate goes to mid 80s instead of 140. Much easier to deal with it. Anticoagulants were added to my meds to protect me from a stroke. Since Dx, I have had 2 episodes beginning in the morning, around 08h30 when I wake up after a fairly sleepless night. Seems to be a trigger. I find it distressing. Those palpitations are most uncomfortable and drive me nuts. The longest they have lasted is 2-4 hours. I try to fall asleep so I can rest and not be aware of the palpitations. Thanks for easily understood info in your videos.
@@Jackie1111 Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm problem and is diagnosed with an EKG. The heart rate is used to add to the diagnosis like fast, slow or normal. Another way of finding ingredients out if a person has an arrhythmia is checking pulse and listening to the heart and see if the beats are the same rate. However, that can only point to an arrhythmia. You may also have palpitations like your heart is beating almost out of your chest. The diagnosis needs to be made and the condition usually requires prescription of anticoagulants because the danger of A fib is the creation of clots which leads to strokes, pulmonary embolism, all very dangerous. There are other treatments depending on the situation. I have intermittent A fib attacks. Had my first one this year recently. Did not last too long and pulse rate high 90s. In my case, a change in blood pressure pills that had a side effect to lower the pulse rate so when in fib I don't go up to 140 BPM. My usual pulse was around 80 or so. Now it is high 60s low 70s. This may be way more than you wanted but it is very important to be diagnosed and treated to prevent very serious complications. Good luck.
@@doreenwhitehead4224 hi! I am glad to hear you have it under control. Thank you so much for your detailed response. My sleep dr did not tell me to follow anything up and just mentioned those terms so I really did not know what Afib entailed. And okay so its a rhythm issue along with heart rate. My heart rate was high probably do to apneas im having at night. I will try to see how they can diagnose me if its happening during sleep. Maybe im just not realizing symptoms during the day. Thank you so much for your information 🙏❤️
My afibs are triggeted by dehydration, low magnesium and sleeping on my left side. Thankfully, my afibs have never lasted more than two hours, and come about every one to two months. To stop my afibs I drink a glass of cold water, rub magnesium spray on my feet and legs, and take relaxing breaths.
This good looking doctor would bring on the flutters in anyone
Yes, he is Very good looking.
Yeah goodlooking like Dr. Berg GQ men.
@Figueroa Rury Laquinta get off the web gay troll.
He's jealous, sitting alone in Mommie's basement!
Figueroa - YES! Twice!
These are my triggers, usually a combination of these: STRESS at work, stress at home, anxiety, exercise when stressed and tired, not getting enough sleep, sodium, coffee or alcohol if i haven't taken beta blocker, if I push myself eg working overtime or running errands when I'm already feeling run down.
Anxiety and stress at home are definitely my afib triggers
I'm anxious by nature. I asked my cardiologist if anxiety/stress could bring on an attack as I always get them at the end of the school year when we have an overload of work and beauricratic stuff to get through. He gave me an outright NO! But I'm not convinced. Latest episode happened during a particularly stressful period. Got shingles followed by AFib a week later!
@@lillinamaria
Can you exercise when on betablockers? Or does it slow you down??
No caffeine, avoiding constipation, drinking plenty of water and taking magnesium has really seemed to make mine go away almost entirely. I’m 42.
what kind of magnesium supp do you take and how much ? thanks
Magnesium bisglyconate?
Magnesium Tartrate is best for heart issues. Heart Calm works well also.
Taking magnesium used to help me a lot. But I stopped taking it for some reason.
Wow! I didn't know that being constipated can cause problems if I have afib. That makes sense, sometimes, in my experience.
My potassium was low- I take that and high quality fish oil. Have not had an episode for weeks
This man has an absolutely beautiful face! His videos are very educational and he presents them well! Such a jewel. You just know he's a good doctor and a wonderful human being. He represents the medical field well!
Sleep deprivation and stress are my main triggers for sure...been that way for 20 yrs.
Thanks for these informative videos Doc!
Yes on both counts for me as well! Or if I have been feeling unwell for a couple days.
A combo of sleep deprivation, dehydration and little food over a 2 day period did it for me. That would be considered stress.
Count it a big blessing if your don't have any health issues☺ Always good to be informed by Sunjay. You seem like a very sincere person with a good heart, willing to readily share your wealth of knowledge like a friend. Many jewels in your crown👑
Charni W j7
Thanks a million Dr Sanjay, NO Dr was ever been able to enlighten me the way you have.May you be Blessed
Hi Dr. Sanjay! Thank you so much. Not only are you a good cardiologist. But your voice is amazing. Someone should have called you by now to do something on television. Hope they're not jealous. God bless!
You are a GEM! I am so grateful to have found your videos today. Will work through them diligently. Badly needed!
Over the past decade, I have had more than 100 episodes of severe, sustained paroxysmal (episodic) atrial fibrillation. I define "severe" as greater than 140 bpm resting heart rate, and "sustained" as lasting between one and 24 hours. Through acute observation I have learned many of my triggers. I hope this information helps others recognize their triggers.
For many years, my atrial fibrillation episodes would typically start around bedtime (around 10 pm to midnight). These days, the episodes are usually in the late afternoon to early evening (3:00 to 6:30 pm). I almost never have them in the morning or early afternoon. They usually happen during times of relaxation (evenings and weekends). Overall, the vast majority of the episodes have occurred during the nine-hour period from 4 pm to 1 am.
I have found that my AFibs are much more likely to happen with a combination of triggers (not just one trigger alone).
My biggest trigger is laying down or sleeping on my left side, or putting pressure on my chest near my heart. Recently, a trigger has been leaning down to reach or pick something up off the floor.
I am more likely to have AFib episodes when I am overweight. Even gaining just 5 pounds more than my normal weight can cause noticeable differences in AFib frequency.
Other triggers are lack of sleep (especially poor sleep caused by my obstructive sleep apnea), dehydration, hunger, high stress, exercise, and eating a large or spicy meal.
I have also been triggered by caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine.
Some of my definite (confirmed) triggers are specific over-the-counter drugs and medications, such as pseudoephedrine (decongestant used in cold medicine), diphenhydramine (antihistamine used in Benadryl and as a sleep aid), Tetrahydrozoline (decongestant used in eye drops like Visine), hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide (used in ear wax removal drops), Valerian root powder (sedative), and bubble baths with calming chemicals (exact triggering ingredient unknown).
A frequent trigger for me is having an orgasm (ejaculation). The AFib is not triggered immediately after the orgasm, but rather about 24 to 48 hours afterwards. There are two possible things going on with this trigger. I often sleep very poorly the night after having an orgasm, and often my sleep apnea is triggered. So the Afib after orgasm could in reality be triggered by the resulting poor sleep. The other possibility is that the AFib is somehow chemical-related. Male orgasms release a cocktail of brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide, and hormones like prolactin. There could be a temporary deficiency in one or more of these chemicals that causes AFib, or the heart could be reacting to the body building back up one or more of these chemicals.
Sometimes AFibs for me can be triggered by a deficiency of nutrients or vitamins, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, electrolytes, zinc, or B vitamins (especially vitamin B12).
Some of my possible triggers (suspected but not yet confirmed) are consuming a lot of sugar, taking a hot bath, and wearing certain colognes and deodorants.
I am curious to hear from other people who experience atrial fibrillation if they have any of these same triggers.
I have for 10 years attacks of this kind, very very similar indeed inevery aspects. The only thing is 7 or 8 times out of 10 were after a big meal at late evenings, especially oily and spicy food. Thanks so much for this really good doctor to bring this topic up.
@@gladyshan613 Yes, large meals including spicy food are also one of my triggers. The good news is that a couple months after I wrote this comment, I got a catheter ablation done on my heart, and it seems to have done the trick. The ablation procedure was almost six months ago, and since then I have had a few irregular heartbeats every so often for a few seconds at a time, but my heart has not gone into full AFib mode. To anyone experiencing AFib episodes more than a few times a year, I highly recommend getting an ablation.
My episodes are asymptomatic (I feel the irregular heart beats but I don't pass out or have dizzy spells) and paroxysmal (they don't last more than 24 hours - the most I've had was 21 hours), which is a plus. I know when an episode begins and ends when my heart speeds up, goes into palpitations, then the afib, and it often ends with the heart thumping a couple of times before going into sinus rhythm.
My main triggers are stress and sickness, but also vaccines and spicy food (Buffalo chicken, cajun fries, hot Chinese mustard). When I was in the hospital for COVID and cellulitis in my legs in 2021, I had a six hour episode that involved a heart rate of 147, but the intervention was immediate IV metoprolol, IV magnesium, heparin and wearing a monitor for about three days. The nurses were thrilled when I went into sinus rhythm at midnight.
As for vaccines: in 2022, I received a COVID booster and had an episode for 16 hours; earlier this year (2024), I got another booster and had another episode lasting about 18 hours. Ironically, the TdAP booster I received a couple of months ago didn't cause any problems.
I've been metoprolol since 2021, and it has worked wonders. My doctor had me on the 100mg metoprolol until it made my blood pressure too low (one reading was 96 over 60, but I felt fine); then he switched me to 50mg, which has actually made me a lot less sleepy - I will keep the 100mg tablets for the "day after" an a-fib episode. I'm also taking vitamin D3, niacin and magnesium, which has made me feel a lot better.
Bro, you have accurately defined.. Even I face same issues as you have mentioned... I don't have any structural. Issue.. Will magnesium help Or do I need to increase nitric oxide..
@@vishalthelkar7668 Magnesium does help. I take a calcium and magnesium 2:1 orotate blend supplement every day.
My daughter has just been diagnosed with AF. Shes 26 yrsold. For the past 4 years she's been treated for stress. We both felt that her symptoms were pointing elsewhere. . Just knowing that shes been given a name to her condition means so much. I think that shes amongst the lowest stressed people that I know. Have liked and subscribed. You give clear explanations and are very easy tofollow. Thank You for shari g all your experience with us.x
Does she have a boyfriend? And is he emotionally healthy?
She should have an ablation.
Magnesium supplement effervescent vitamin C 1000mg and a vitamin b-complex pill should help
Fascinating stuff. I’ve had episodes of AF for 18 months, quite rarely until recently. Generally, I’m one of the 15 % who can’t identify specific triggers but maybe stress is involved.
Stress can sometimes not even be seen as an issue, but our body does. Try magnesium.
Thank you so much for the plain English definition of this. I was released from Hospital - last week after 5 days - but didn't understand what the senior cardiologist was talking about. I been diagnosed with PAF and am waiting on another specialist and then ablation. He also refused to believe that Mental stress causes or triggers it. This made me quite angry and frustrated. Thanks again.
How very kind ..thank you so much!
Yes, strong emotions can do it....even talking too much sometimes, or laughing, or getting upset. You don't have to do the ablation....try meds first.....Did they check your magnesium and potassium ? See other doctors first.
@@michellen2325 I agree, my A Fib started after a disagreement 😢
Many thanks, I wondered why I felt so bad when my AF came on, as docs keep telling me most people don’t feel anything. Now I can relax and try to find my trigger. I have learnt more on here with Dr Gupta than my own docs. Brilliant and generous man, thank you.
I've been reading and researching causes, treatment, diets, etc. for more than 4 years now....the doctors don't tell you anything or they don't believe you at all!!!! When I had my first huge a-fib episode and was taken to the hospital (High Point Regional....really horrible, horrible, crazy doctors in the ER) the ER doctor did not believe me and he did not want to admit me in the hospital..... finally a nurse took my pulse and bp ....very high...and they gave me a room. I was in the hospital for 7 days and then in rehabilitation for 6 months. This horrible ER doctor from High Point Regional wrote in my records that I was crazy and I imagined the a-fib, although the paramedics told me in the morning I was in a-fib....the first time when I heard that.... pulse 220....bp over 200. EKG proved that. There are some horrible doctors out there.
Thanks dr Gupta..
I’ve had 3 episodes this year.. all 3 happened between 20:00pm an 20:30pm in the evening whilst watching television..
An all 3 usually last round 15-17 hours..
It’s really a scary experience..
Do you go to hospital? And how is your heart rate when it happens.
What were your symptoms
Dr Sanjay, as a new new AF patient (3 events to date) the aircraft engineer in me wants to know as much about this condition as possible so I stalk the internet for information and I find your YT clips the most informative by a long shot. In particular the "trigger" aspect has been foremost in my mind (the first and last event were after a day of heavy gardening pruning large trees, trimming a 12ft high hedge and loading a large trailer to the brim with the "green" rubbish). This clip in particular has identified and bought into focus a range of other possibilities to consider. Thank you for so willingly sharing your knowledge.
You did NOT get AFIB from gardening for chrissakes.
Are you a troll? Read my comment carefully, I didn't say gardening caused AFib, I said it triggers AFib events. Since writing the comment above, I've had another 27 events, all around 8 hours after heavy physical activity and each episode lasting for about 8.5 hours. However, I have had none since Aug 23 following a change of medications which raised my resting plus from 43 to 65.
I agree with you that strenuous work can be a trigger. When I have gastro issues that's when I get them the most.
yes stress brings it on for me also being tired is another big one.
Being tired.... yes, stress, yes.....but during the night I sleep and get up with a-fib.....always during the night when I sleep. I don't eat much and I do not eat anything after 5 p.m....maybe a fruit
Thank you for the video. I can relate to quite a few of those triggers. One of mine is the fumes from oil based gloss paints. I’ve been renovating a house recently and I was getting palpitations quite a lot on the evening when I was back home. From now on I will be using water bases breatheasy paints!
I think you might be on to something there!! Had a very similar experience about 3 years ago when I first experienced Afib!! Hmmm?🤔
My triggers over the years have varied - overexertion (I have always been a keen adherent of exercise), being the main one, though caffeine, perhaps dark chocolate, a hot bath, a large meal. I take a beta blocker and blood thinners. My philosophy after all this is that moderation in everything plus high dose supplementation of magnesium and potassium is a great help. Also a diet high in foods containing those two minerals makes sense and makes me wonder whether many of us who suffer with A-fib were always suffering with a near deficiency of those minerals which circumstance/age/fate made us arrive at a tipping point.
Yes. afibbers.com notes that Electrolyte deficiency is big trigger for AFIB. Good post. Thanks for validation.
Electrolytes daily has pretty much cleared up mine after 3 years of searching for a cure.
@@TonyMeyaart Yup, I'm thinking I have a magnesium deficiency. First Afib occured just two weeks ago. Now take a magnesium supplement on a daily bases. Also n9w on beta blocker plus blood thinner. Noticed I was feeling jumpy and was easy to startle for a few days prior and up to my AFib episode. Hmmm?
I am amazed to hear that people with a-fib drink alcohol, coffee, eat chocolate and large meals. I don't do any of that but I still have it. I do believe that it's an imbalance of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, etc. I do eat foods rich in magnesium, potassium, etc. but it's not enough?? Last night I had yet another episode that scared me.....later on in the day a lady gave me a magnesium tablet and it stopped after 2 hours. Now, I don't know if it stopped because of the magnesium or not. Lately I had the a-fib for 14 hours. I decided to call my doctor and I will have a video conversation with her tomorrow. I will ask for a full panel blood test to find out if I am deficient in any of those minerals. The thing is all my blood tests are perfect ...always; except, very rarely my TSH is off.
@@michellen2325 Regarding blood tests, magnesium can be difficult to detect in the blood because most magnesium is held in body tissues. Could be that assumptions are made about you being OK based on potassium levels which show that you are good. As the Doc here suggests, magnesium supplementation is a very good idea. Magnesium is not necessarily a cure but it definitely can help.
Great videos. I just got diagnosed with afib and I find your videos very enlightening. Thank you I hope you make a lot more informative videos. A lot of people don't know this info. Thank you.
Great information and tips. I have this type of afib and it often starts right when I am going to sleep or sometimes when I am sitting on the couch watching TV. Good to know about the red wine as well. I can be feeling fine and suddenly my heart shoots up to 175 or higher bpm's. Very scary.
No alcohol, no coffee, no smoking..... big triggers. I used to eat a piece of dark chocolate for my health.... not anymore....they are all irritants
I don't drink but one day I had a small glass of Port. My heart almost jumped out of my body for about 3 minutes. Didn't know what was going on.
@@michellen2325 cocao is better than chocolate. 😁
Thank you Dr. Sanjay, I have always been interested in cardiology.
Ps.Your the Best youtuber ever.
I was just diagnosed with AFib about 3 months ago and any of this information is new and useful to me..
Thank you! For me the triggers are: anxiety, exertion, red wine and onion (quercetin), fatigue, lack of sleep
Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for your insights into AF. They have been very beneficial to me. I am curious to know whether bread or gluten has been associated with AF as a trigger in recent years. I'm also interested in whether very salty food can trigger it.
Thanks again and keep up the great work you do.
Too much soy sauce can do it for me.
I have ectopic beats. They started about 20 years ago. At the highest point (about 7 years ago) I was having approximately 8500 per day (10%). I have found that coffee, chocolate and nuts bring mine on. Taking magnesium brings them right down. The only problem is that taking high dosages of magnesium orally will give you a upset stomach. So I purchased magnesium chloride flakes from Amazon melted them in a pan to make an oil. I apply it to my shoulders chest and stomach, maybe once or twice a month. My ectopics are now approximately 50 a day. I usually do it before bed time as it can be a little itchy if you have sensitive skin.
Strange, nuts and chocolate contain a lot of magnesium.
And caffiene!!!
Just plain cocao is beneficial
Above all triggers, high stress seems to be most common. Next is lack of sleep, dehydration/electrolyte imbalances, lots of caffeine from any source, high carbohydrate meals.
I suspect sleeping on left side, possible apnea and weight gain to also play a part.
Sleeping enough and propped up, the Mediterranean diet (no alcohol), and learning to reset my Vagus nerve and breathing properly has been a huge help at preventing and stopping AF.
Thank you so much for your videos. The ectopic beat videos helped me so much. Really appreciate what you do. X
Really appreciate all the AFib info, much of which you don't get from your own doctor.
Mine usually starts around 4 am and within 6 to 12 hrs, it's back in sinus rhythm with a bit of fluttering. Takes me 3 days to feel back to normal. I believe dehydration is one of my triggers along with emotional stress. I'm going to start taking vitamin C as suggested in your other video. Very happy to find you. Thank you!
I believe hydration is key.. and supplementing with electrolytes to avoid afib.
Loud noises like base from a car stereo -a deep rhythmic thrumming would sometimes start my afib.
It never started it, in my case...but I can't take noise like before.... I can't stand it.
Sudden noise that startles me sets mine off and stress
Thankyou doctor i seem to have afib triggered when i have an appointment of some kind walking across the parking lot. As i was sitting quietly just listenly to your blog i felt fine and calm. Thankyou for the input.
Thank you for this information. I am learning how to take care of myself in terms of avoiding stressful situations. There is a risk of becoming a hermit, so I see life now as making careful choices. I avoid driving on freeways in Atlanta, GA which always made me very anxious even before PAFIB.
I appreciate you sharing with us. Much appreciated!
I am sure your scribe angel has a thick book. You stay giving good advice to all with no worries about monetary gain. Grateful, simply grateful for you.
I recently had A Fib with RVR. It was so scary. I had to call 911. It took 24 hours and lots of Cardizem for the hospital to get me back into a normal rthymn. Blood work showed I was dehydrated. Too much caffeine and not enough water.
I gave up coffee and chocolate long time ago. Cardizem never did anything for me.... it's useless in my case....metoprolol does the job. Eat foods rich in magnesium and potassium.
I had it for some time after my bypass operation but I didn’t know it, I went for a covid check and the doctor found this Afib and sent me by ambulance to A&E. They were able to fix it after one week I was home, I now know what it is and appreciate channels such as yours Doctor Sanjay, thank you.
My AF symptoms appear to be brought on during a "wind-down" from physical stress, either from over-exertion or over-caffeination (adrenaline and/or caffeine withdrawals), and generally onset in the evening about bedtime. Coffee in the morning seems to "smooth out" or eliminate my AF the next day.
Reassuring to know that I seem to fit in with the majority - AF comes on after 7pm or sometimes wake up after midnight with it. It lasts pretty much between 10 and 12 hours. I have noticed that my Blood Pressure now dives to around 100/65 which makes me feel terrible. Up until 6 months ago BP went really high 180/95 and HR 130 but now it has gone the other way. My triggers seem to be a hard day in the garden, alcohol (wine and spirits) and a big meal - have given up the big meals and rarely drink alcohol but finding it hard to give up the garden!!!
I can totally understand why you would not want to give up what you love. That would be like me trying to give up filmmaking but I don't have palpitations what I'm doing films usually. I have found that if we do things that we enjoy we have less of this problem. So do more of what you love and if you do die, you will die with a smile on your face! 😁
PS it's not gratifying to me to be in a majority. The majority of people are crazy nuts LOL
Thank you for all these videos! They’ve been such a help to so many people! Bless you!
Red wine & liquor are indeed triggers for me - Been suffering random attacks since 8 years now and the first one happened to me whilst working out in the gym.
Since 6 years on beta blockers and when attacks come, it`s usually a day after consuming alcohol*. Then i have to take a beta, lie down on my back ( never works through lying on my side) and relax... Wait for about 45-60min until it`s over.
I now cut down alcohol and notice a big difference in improvement. ;)
* Edit - I believe this has something to do with dehydration & de mineralization after being boozed.
Thank you for such an informative view of afib triggers. Very helpful for me! Have a great day!😊
Very Interesting and certainly something to think about when you have AFib. Great Video!
I found out last March .I have Afib . Waiting on ablation I'm always so tired spell dizzy nauseous I'm on two different kinds of Med and a blood thinner thank you so much it's so easy to listen to you talk and explain everything thank you doctor
Thanks! Mine can be caused by bad allergies/asthma. Sinus, throat, chest congestion. I've been taking electrolytes and it has cleared it up.
Which brand of electrolytes? Did blood test show low normal electrolytes?
I think there is a mast cell connection - seems to be the case for me, anyway. Avoiding high histamine foods and allergens seems to help.
For me, it seems when my oxygen level drops it can trigger an afib. I wonder if some of these scenarios are related to shallow breathing where oxygen level drops and the heart reacts in order to get it back up to a higher level?
I was just wondering the same thing. I will pay more attention to this relationship now.
I think it's the other way around.... The heart does not pump enough oxygen because of the afib.... or heart failure. Also, have you tried magnesium, potassium supplements. Check your electrolytes..... I feel much calmer after taking magnesium and sprinkle NU salt on my salads (NU salt is potassium).
I wonder that as well
I've virtually eliminated my AFIB incidents by taking an electrolyte supplement daily and being much more diligent with keeping myself hydrated. I'm also limiting my caffeinated coffee intake to one cup per day (with my LMNT electrolyte supplement). So far no incidents since adopting this routine.
bit this year on 17I noticed my AF regularly at around 5.45pm daily, and that this was roughly after a gin and tonic. I I got into the G+T relaxing after gardening in the summer. I stopped the G+T habit on the 17 January after reading an article in the Guardian about small doses of alcohol and AF. II have not had an alcoholic drink since, neither have I had an AF, so for me,the alcohol trigger is proved. I do miss the G+T, but the scrifice is worth it, so for me, there is no going back
howard. i agree with this. made a complete break with alcohol almost 5 years ago and no AF since. it was worth it. still drink coffee without ill effect.
❤ Thanks. Much appreciated.
I used to get Afib episodes from any eating or drinking (I don’t touch alcohol) activities that were out of a routine. Ablation fixated some of the problems, but anything causing gas or stomach issues will kick back up the oesophagus and cause VES that in turn causes Afib. Episodes usually don’t last more than six hours, but bpm usually above 150 to 185 with pressure drops.
I auto convert by taking a pill in the pocket Tambucor, lay down on my back with legs high and focus on my digestion.
Perhaps the A-fib gets triggered when food gets to a certain point in the gut - which would of course differ for most depending on how fast or slow their digestion works. Highly refined wheat may be a trigger too as it is so nutrient-stripped that it forces the body to use way more minerals, vitamins & phytonutrients than it supplies, driving deficiencies, such as Thiamine or other B vitamins, so crucial for nerve function & support.
Heart issues can very much be connected to Thiamine deficiency (‘Wet’ Beriberi). The ‘food’ may also trigger temporary electrolyte deficiencies, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, etc, until the body can replenish enough by pulling the minerals out of the bones, teeth & tissues, etc.
Gut heart connection is definitely a trigger.
@ yes, & ‘hidden’ issues like an occult hiatus hernia - a lot more common than is realised. The stomach encroaching into the pericardium area can cause heaps of issues.
As far as triggers go. The safe and medically proven supplement Creatine used by body builders to help build stronger muscles almost immediately triggers my AFib. Creatine is stored in our body's muscles and the typical protocol is to double the dose the first week to preload the supplement in our muscles before 1/2-ing that dose thereafter. We don't usually think of our heart as a muscle but in fact it is. Apparently storing added creatine in my heart tissue effects the electric conductivity and signals the heart produces to trigger normal heart beat rhythm. Which is a similar definition of an AFib event. How do I know it's the creatine that's causing the AFib? I have never had AFib any more frequently than once every 3 years and often it's 5 years between events. I tried using creatine 3 different times within a single year. By the 2nd or 3rd day of preloading creatine I would reliably go into AFib. This happened three times in one year. I have not tried again because it is unquestionably the creatine that is causing my AFib event to be triggered every 3 months instead of every 3 to 5 years.
Mine can be triggered by too much sugar and/or caffeine. Humidity in the air, lack of sleep or rest, bending down without contracting my abdominal muscles and a large meal. Also changing position in bed while sleeping.
I inhale and hold on the air for as long as I can and that seems to stop an episode. Occasionally need to go to the hospital for intervention, but very rarely that happens.
As always,calm,reassuring. Thanks
I am at the moment suffering from mild af and on Wednesday next have an appointment at Royal Papworth. Four years ago after a triple bypass the same symptoms of af were corrected by a cardiversion and since then everything has been fine. I will add that I am 80 years old have a blood pressure reading which is constantly around 110 over 60. My pulse is normally about 40 bpm. On 5th Sept last ,year I was attending a classic car rally and had a nasty wasp sting to my hand. Within 12 hours I knew it had triggered af and my pulse was anything from 80 to 140 bpm plus feeling awful and breathless. Since then it has settled to 80 to 100 bpm, so hopeing to get back to normal in a few weeks ! Also a great video and a Happy New Year
My Afib with SVT is brought on by Cold drink, Large meal even if its salad, Bread, Ice Cream, Stress, Excitement, Fast moves from a stand still, If I just sit-down with out slowing down first, after a hard day at work, If I lift something really heavy... I Had a Cardio Ablation done 4 years ago its better but not healed... I still get Afib where my heart flutters in my chest..I have an appointment with Electo Heart Dr again to do another Ablation..They did say when they did my last Ablation that I had A LOT of extra pathways they couldn't reach due to not have a small enough needle if that makes any since...I'm 53 and have been dealing with this since age 15.. They come on when they want, I never know when they are coming... They just come out of no where... Ive had many Cardio SHOCKS! to get me back in rhythm... I'm tired, and I can never go anywhere fun due to I never know when its coming... So I feel trapped.. ANY advise would be WONDERFUL!! I dont drink, smoke, do drugs and healthy besides the AFIB with SVT... I weigh 205 5' 11" and very active daily... If I feel bloated and lay on my left side it makes my heart skip beats and makes me light headed... I am on Beta blockers.. Felcainide 100mg 2 times a day... Metoprolo 25mg 2 times a day.
Dr. Gupta, thank you for another excellent video. Most useful.
Had Afib since 2005. weaned off metapropol in 2010, take no meds. triggers are stress, but several foods. foods high in sulfites, nitrites, and now high histamine foods. So I take a histamine blocker before I eat. Also MSG will definitely trigger. Over exertion too. dehydration will also set it off. So I am now an expert in foods with sulfites, nitrites and histamines. I am now 70 years old and feel great except when I get an episode. Doc wants to do an ablation. not happening. I do take liquid magnesium and potassium if needed, but try to get most of it from eating organic foods. Histamine Intolerance is a new found trigger. Also can feel it coming on if I wear my mask too long. I think its about oxygen so I take off the mask and do deep breathing.
THANK YOU KNOWLEGE IS SO IMPORTANT. YOU EXPLAIN VERY WELL.
I was diagnosed with AFIB while being hospitalized with COVID-19 and it is bad I few days before I have an attack I start going to the bathroom alot. Not to mention while I'm having the episode I go alot, super tired, can't do anything.
My triggers seem to be onions, coffee and cold orange juice. I didn't think orange juice would bother my heart beat until my wife said "you drink too much orange juice!". I put this to the test this morning and...sure enough...half an hour later l had palpitations.
I think it's a combination of cold hitting my very warm esophagus and also the citric acid bothering my stomach lining. I had a severe gas attack. My heart beat crazy. I also had onions so l have narrowed the triggers down to two now, onions and very cold orange juice. I now think that onions are the other culprit. I'll keep you informed, I'm be working on these potential gas creating food and drink. God bless and thank you.
Very interesting and informative.Thank you for video and blessings and greetings and hugs.x
Mine triggers when I lie down on my left side, not getting enough sleep, mental stress, anxiety, and lying down right after eating.
My two times before I started to take medication was in the evenings resting in bed like around 8 pm. Beats at 140 a minute , felt lite headed with low bloodpressure , then went to ER for help. Now on low meds now no episodes in 6 months.
Found your video very interesting and helpful. Am having one of my Afib episodes right now. Not sure what triggered it though. Have had irregular heartbeat for a number of years now but this time it struck me twice within 2 weeks which never happened before.
My AFib is triggered by whole grain cereal. If I eat too much cereal at night, then I will get palpitations that last the whole night. I'm not sure if it's the wheat, or the sugar. But I will be avoiding wheat and sugar whenever possible. I also feel mild palpitations after eating a heavy meal. I also notice I get palpitations if I lie down after eating a meal.
Aren't ALL afib "episodes" a surprise? I know when I'm in an episode but it can happen anytime - even the middle of the night.
Your videos have helped so very much. You are a life saver. Thank you sir.
After my first Covid 19 vaccine shot I started an irregular heart beat. It continued on and off even after the second shot. Two weeks after the last shot, the irregular heart beat problem seem to reduce. Can Covid 19 cause an irregular heart beat?
I also got Af the day after my first covid vaccine.
And months later after I was fully vaccinated caught covid virus.
Went into Af in the first couple of days of infection and it lasted a week, longest time I have ever had it. Normally I would revert to normal after a few hours with flecainide. Have had Af more often since.
You did not mention the trigger of visiting a cardiologist...or reading their notes of a previous meeting. Or trying to get a misdiagnosis removed from your record.
69 yrs old male eats very well mild exercise ...triggers : caffeine , high sugar content solid or liquid , fatigue over several days , peanut butter , certain brands of soy sauce , chocolate which I don't know if its the sugar in it or the chocolate
I wake up with Afib, I also have sleep apnea so I’m not sure if this is the cause of a Afib episode.
Dehydration puts me into afib. As soon as i feel it happening, I chug a quart of water. Then I pour a full glass of red wine and chug it down. Within a few minutes, my heart is beating normal. I try to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water each day, but every once in a while I screw up and get dehydrated. I've been living with Afib the past four years, and the episodes have not been too frequent. But, several episodes have lasted for eight to ten hours. I would drink a lot of water and try to relax, and eventually my heartbeat would return to normal. Then one day my wife suggested that I drink a little bit of wine to maybe help me relax. I poured about six ounces and drank it down. A few minutes later the afib stopped. Now, it works every time. I don't take any medication for anything.
Very good advice by you beta . Now
I consider you as my doctor be always happy very good sanskar you are given by your parents
I can cite a cause that was 100% the reason for my first afibs. I was 48, in 2004, I had gastroenteritis and I was uncontrollably wretching on an empty stomach. It caused chaotic heart rhythms for just a couple of minutes each time. The doctor prescribed an anticonvulsant.
You are a absolute STAR Mr Gupta😊
Why red wine trigger? Sulphites. Why triggers from 9:00 p.m. on? Probably sleep apnea. Coffee trigger. Probably in my case. But coffee is my ONLY luxury in life. Perhaps I should minimize its use. As usual, Dr. Gupta’s presentation is concise, useful and lovely in the delivery.
There’s no specific thing that brings on my A fib. It just comes on when it feels to annoy me.
I have decades of "experience" with this problem. Suffered tremendously ! All the tests in the world, all the hospital stays, and all the cardiologists did not help. They gave me heavy duty heart medication to lower my BP and pulse (both are naturally very low already !). The common denominator here is: episodes mainly in the evenings and at night. It means lying (close to ) horizontal. It means (close to ) empty stomach - except for the acid. That is the trigger, in my experience and opinion. Started taking PPIs, and all my problems disappeared after a few months. Of course: no alcohol, no fuzzy drinks, no coffee, no hot spices, no fat, no deep fried stuff !!!!
What is a PPI?
@@gabrial3377 Proton Pump Inhibitor = medicines that reduce stomach acid production. Not neutralizing acid (like anti-acid tablets), but reducing the actual production of stomach acid.
Some people are triggered by listening to doctors talking about what triggers AF
Great informative presentation thanks Sanjay!
I have paroxysmal Afib that happens 1 to 2 times a month now that I'm approaching 80. Episodes last up to 18 hours. Something I've never found in any of my research is when I have an Afib episode, my jaw starts aching, I get a very stiff, sore neck, and a pronounced headache (I normally don't have headaches any other time). I've recently connected eating too much or too fast or too spicy will trigger an episode. These episodes seem to subside much quicker... in a few hours (after I take Magnesium, cod liver oil and eat a banana).
Thanks Doc. I was looking for any such paper for my research. I happened to be stumbled upon you video. Greatful🙏
I find that when something is going on in my life out of the ordinary, I might start to get symptoms. But if someone were to ask me if I'm stressed, I likely would say "no." I often do NOT feel the stress, and do not recognize it as a problem. I have had this happen twice, once when my tenant left and the house had to be gutted and "rebuilt." It didn't cost me anything, as my son was doing the work. He would inherit the house in time. The second time a couple of years later is when a tenant in this house went on vacation out of the country and got ill and died, never returning. Family came down and cleaned the house out. They were pleasant and unobtrusive. But that was apparently enough, also. I read that taking magnesium often helps, so I started taking it. Within a day the symptoms stopped 95%. Call it a placebo, but it worked for me. Now when I get a flip-flop, I take magnesium and it helps. It also helps me sleep.
I was stung by a bee and i began to have afib symptoms for 3 days. I did not associate a bee sting to trigger it but it was the only thing that changed. Rare but something to keep in mind. - - Several studies have shown an
association of histamine with
cardiac arrhythmias. Atrial
fibrillation has been triggered
during anaphylaxis from insect
stings
Very useful info. I find that when doing moderate exercise my heart is quite normal, in sinus mode. AF is more likely to strike me at night in bed or when I am completely relaxed and my heart rate will jump from 49-53 up to an irregular 100bpm. You would think the situation would be the reverse, i.e. physical stress would bring an attack.
Thx Dr. Very informative as usual. Mine could be alcohol, but also a combination of high-intensity sport and stimulants. In both instances it could also be dehydration that played a big role.
Thx again for the video's
Mixing 2 sleeping pills started my AF
Mine are brought on by dehydration, stress and tiredness. Also overeating, drinking cold water too fast, stimulants in my stomach, a tight diaphram (all vagal nerve implications).
absolutely agree. I think those things can cause all sort of heart rhythm issues and not just AF and are best avoided.
It'd mean a tonne to me if you'd consider subscribing to the channel. Wishing you a happy new year
I would go so far as to say that I have all of the mentioned triggers . Stress ,physical exercise, lack of sleep, drinking alcohol and coffee ,tea and chocolate..
Great doctor! Great info!
Great Information, Doctor! Thank You!
I've had my DNA analysed. I have 31.2% risk of having coronary heart disease (avg. is 24.4%) and 20.5% of having atrial fibrillation (avg is 15.9%). My maternal gran had angina and one of her sons had a heart attack yesterday, not to mention the two uncles who had strokes (My dad had a surgery to avoid it. He had an aneurysm on the "top of the basilar"). They all have high blood pressure. I've watched many of your videos today and will continue to do so. Thank you for taking the time to make these important videos! In the meantime, I'll keep walking my dogs daily! :)
Mine is always between 13:00pm and when I wake up !!! 12 times in the hospital for the past 9 yrs .
Lost 75 lbs , and I still get SVT or AVNRT !!! blood pressure is perfect 👍 . When I get nervous, mad , and really pissed off 😤. Very difficult to control. The worst part is when I don’t eat or drink water at all . I’m always losing work days because of my heart disease, especially these past 2 yrs where I had to use my vacation pay to replace my lost wages !! Frustrating indeed .
I have usually noticed that taking a diuretic causes palpitations. But then should that he considered as AFIB?
Also stress seems to trigger an episode for me.
Recently I noticed that any stressful situation. Even friction in the family triggers an Afib episode.
I had my first sustained AFib attack on the night of 30th November. Thankfully 2 1/2 months later I haven't yet had a repeat. My heartbeat was completely chaotic for an hour or more before changing to fast regular sinus rhythm. I wish people including doctors would talk about the distinction between chaotic and tachycardia AFib. Anyway I usually used to drink a small glass of wine or beer in the evenings, but that was a night after abstaining! It is also hard to think of anything that I had eaten or drunk that was different. I had slept soundly but woke up and went to the lavatory. It was cold and I sat on it, sniffing hard to try to open my partly blocked nose. Then I felt something strange, checked my pulse and it was totally erratic.
In my case I feel sure it was linked to my rhinitis and nose blockage. I don't have sleep apnoea but I do get hypopnoea. I've bought a CPAP machine but I'm not getting on with it yet.
I was Dxed with fast rate A. fib just over a year ago ( EKG done while fibrillating. I realized that I had a few episodes prior to Dx. Heart rate 140 -145 per minute. Was sent to hospital ER. Was given Cardizem to slow heart rate, my antihypertensive med was changed for once that has a side effect of lowering the pulse. So if I get an episode my heart rate goes to mid 80s instead of 140. Much easier to deal with it. Anticoagulants were added to my meds to protect me from a stroke. Since Dx, I have had 2 episodes beginning in the morning, around 08h30 when I wake up after a fairly sleepless night. Seems to be a trigger. I find it distressing. Those palpitations are most uncomfortable and drive me nuts. The longest they have lasted is 2-4 hours. I try to fall asleep so I can rest and not be aware of the palpitations.
Thanks for easily understood info in your videos.
Hi do you know what number BPM is used to diagnose afib..i had 129 bpm at night from sleep study
@@Jackie1111 Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm problem and is diagnosed with an EKG. The heart rate is used to add to the diagnosis like fast, slow or normal. Another way of finding ingredients out if a person has an arrhythmia is checking pulse and listening to the heart and see if the beats are the same rate. However, that can only point to an arrhythmia. You may also have palpitations like your heart is beating almost out of your chest.
The diagnosis needs to be made and the condition usually requires prescription of anticoagulants because the danger of A fib is the creation of clots which leads to strokes, pulmonary embolism, all very dangerous.
There are other treatments depending on the situation. I have intermittent A fib attacks. Had my first one this year recently. Did not last too long and pulse rate high 90s. In my case, a change in blood pressure pills that had a side effect to lower the pulse rate so when in fib I don't go up to 140 BPM. My usual pulse was around 80 or so. Now it is high 60s low 70s.
This may be way more than you wanted but it is very important to be diagnosed and treated to prevent very serious complications. Good luck.
@@doreenwhitehead4224 hi! I am glad to hear you have it under control. Thank you so much for your detailed response. My sleep dr did not tell me to follow anything up and just mentioned those terms so I really did not know what Afib entailed. And okay so its a rhythm issue along with heart rate. My heart rate was high probably do to apneas im having at night. I will try to see how they can diagnose me if its happening during sleep. Maybe im just not realizing symptoms during the day. Thank you so much for your information 🙏❤️
God bless you and Thank you
My afibs are triggeted by dehydration, low magnesium and sleeping on my left side. Thankfully, my afibs have never lasted more than two hours, and come about every one to two months. To stop my afibs I drink a glass of cold water, rub magnesium spray on my feet and legs, and take relaxing breaths.
Thanks for the video. Always enjoy medical info.
Mine is triggered by caffeine but since I started taking magnesium it’s been so much better.
Great video. Easier said than done honestly, but I wish they could replicate this with a larger sample size, like 1000 instead of 100.