← Return to Has anyone figured out what technique works best to stop AFib episodes

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@gloaming

Some find that the Valsalva technique works for them. Avoiding sleeping on one's left side also helps.

Some attempt to restore Vagus nerve tonality using various techniques, of which the Valsalva is one. Others including plucking the tragus on the ear (the small cartilaginous lump above the earlobe) repeatedly.

Magnesium supplements may help. Start with 100 mg per day, and try rising to 400 mg. Note that I am NOT a nutritionist, nor am I a physician/expert. I'm just relating what others report having worked for them, and often merely adding magnesium (malate, taurate, citrate variety, take yer pick...) helps. Your kidneys, if healthy (this is important!!) will typically eliminate what your body doesn't need, so you shouldn't worry about 'overdosing', although going crazy with magnesium would be a problem ere long. Ask your doctor for his/her agreement before embarking on such a regimen.

I found that my worst episodes of AF happened when I was carrying too much visceral fat...internal and around the organs, not the 'spare tire' kind. The problem is the strain on one's innards, as well as the accompanying rise in blood pressure, when bending over and when lifting heavier items. That will trigger AF...in me and in some others.

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Replies to "Some find that the Valsalva technique works for them. Avoiding sleeping on one's left side also..."

I take 600mg magnesium and 850-1250mg potassium via low sodium V-8 daily. Never eat after 6pm and lie on my right side. I take Gas X to help avoid an episode triggered by GI gas. Lifting in front of me is another trigger.

We are all different. Last time I had an episode I experimented with the Vasalva maneuver, walking around, cold water and trying to relax. One time I aborted an episode by sitting up straight.

Hope you can figure out triggers and ways to deal with them. I am still working on it!

@gloaming
Great and helpful information.
I gained a lot of weight when I came down with COVID back in June. It evolved into serious sinus infection and then into serous bronchial infection. I was down about 3 months and gained 20 lbs.

You mentioned the visceral fat. I noticed that pressure but had no idea about the impact on my body until you mentioned it and then I did notice I did have pressure from it.

I was told about teh Valsalva and also my EP did asked me to take 400 mg of magnesium which has helped. But I think I just need to find a way to get visceral fat off as I asked my EP if weight gain can affect AFIB and VFIB. Answer Yes.