Afib and breathing

Posted by elegantgem @elegantgem, Mar 27, 2021

I have afib now for 3 years. I am female and 73 years old. About a year ago I had a heart ablation and it has improved my condition but I still have episodes about 2 times a month sometimes more. I also have difficulty sleeping and always have although I never pursued any medical advice on this condition. I exercise regularly and have a personal trainer also. She is the one who noticed many times when I exercise I stop breathing. I do know I do this but don't know why or when it started. So after a lot of reading I have read that afib can occur because of breathing issues. So my question is do you think it would be worthwhile to pursue this for my afib. I don't want to go thru tests and expense just to be told I have a slight problem somewhere in my nose. If that happens it is ok but I would like to know if this is really something that can trigger afib. How do you find out about this condition what type of doctor should I talk to? Thanks in advance.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

Thank you - very helpful.

REPLY
@mztaylor

One thing I have learned is that I don't read online except for Mayo and my heart hospital. Too scary and we are all different. So many kinds of Afib. I needed to take it seriously, the higher risk of stroke, etc., but not be frightened to death. My doctor is terrific and honest and monitors closely. In my kind, paroxysmal.....when it comes, I feel terrible. Not lightheaded, not SOB, no chest pain, but just not right. Very not right and I know it's happening right away. I also have tachycardia. But I'm not getting this all the time and I have paid attention to my triggers....the biggest one for me is dehydration! Imagine. So like other things, information, taking care of myself, paying attention and really good about medicine. One thing, I have moved my cardio workouts to daily on a NuStep (learned from rehab) and it has made a difference. Good luck everyone.

Jump to this post

I too have paroxysmal afib with tachycardia. I have a Watchman device in my heart so I don't take blood thinners. I always know when I'm in afib and I don't have chest pain or SOB. Stay active!

REPLY
@mztaylor

One thing I have learned is that I don't read online except for Mayo and my heart hospital. Too scary and we are all different. So many kinds of Afib. I needed to take it seriously, the higher risk of stroke, etc., but not be frightened to death. My doctor is terrific and honest and monitors closely. In my kind, paroxysmal.....when it comes, I feel terrible. Not lightheaded, not SOB, no chest pain, but just not right. Very not right and I know it's happening right away. I also have tachycardia. But I'm not getting this all the time and I have paid attention to my triggers....the biggest one for me is dehydration! Imagine. So like other things, information, taking care of myself, paying attention and really good about medicine. One thing, I have moved my cardio workouts to daily on a NuStep (learned from rehab) and it has made a difference. Good luck everyone.

Jump to this post

I also found out that not drinking enough water was causing heart beat problems. I think most solutions are not that complicated.

REPLY

Would like to know how many people with AFib Go on to stroke if not treated

REPLY
@sandwalk

Would like to know how many people with AFib Go on to stroke if not treated

Jump to this post

Tee hee. They cannot communicate or died. Eliminate the foods that can cause a stroke and/or afib. No caffeine, few animal products, fresh fruits and veggies, throw out processed junk food, no sodas and very few sweets.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.