Covid and AFib Connection?

Your post captured my attention. Thank you sharing it. A confession: I am motivated by self-interest to read your post (& the others).

Why?

About two months ago, Google implemented its Afib algorithm (Afib/irregular heart beat detection & tracking) for all premium FitBit users. I activated it.

On October 9th, I received the new Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster (fifth dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: 2 originals; two WT boosters; new bivalent booster). I had no adverse reactions of any kind after the 4 preceding vaccinations.

On October 14th, the Friday following the bivalent booster dose, I experienced a very distressing/stressful incident (that really activated sympathetic nervous system). I note this because I really had a stressful meltdown that wiped me out physically & mentally.

I went to bed that night & awoke the next morning, October 15th, to a flurry of FitBIT Afib notifications. Firwst ever. One was recorded as early as 10:21 p.m. while the majority recorded events that occurred in the very early hours of the next morning.

Apart from being alarmed–& puzzled, by the Afib notifications, I felt fine.

Note: According to FitBit, which has been collecting health- & specifically heart-related health & fitness data (on me) since 2015, my cardio fitness ranks at the 99th percentile (within my age group; I am 64). I do extreme fitness workouts (Insanity, TapOut XT, P90X, P90X2, P90X3) 4-5 times each week, I average about 12,000 steps per day (even though I am an office worker). My BMI is 18. My resting heart rate is 46. I have NO history of cardiovascular disease whatsoever. I take no medications.

So I was profoundly disturbed by the FitBit/Google AFib notificaitons. Btw: The Google/FitBit AFib algorithm is an FDA-approved medical device & a clinical trial confirmed its accuracy (corresponding to a medical-grade EKG) at 98%.

More information: I consume a plant-based diet that I supplement with Bulletproof Brain Octane, which is a an MCT-based (distilled & concentrated caprylic acid, C8) Keto supplement. I do this primarily for the brain-nutrient benefits. However, Keto supplementation, like a Keto diet, drives depletion of essential electrolytes, especially magnesium & potassium. I have not been supplementing with either magnesium or potassium (though I do take a multi-vitamin with both in small amounts, far, far below the minimum daily requirements) .

Well, we know how important both potassium & magnesium are to heart function.

My reading of some literature (both of a scientific & non-scientific variety) on Keto/Keto supplementation & the essential roles that magnesium & potassium play in electrocardio function lead me to wonder…whether the combination of the recent bivalent Moderna booster (creating the expected immunological activation & inflammation) & my three-times daily Bulletproof supplementation (I put it in a plant-based protein shake; once a day I make a shake with my blender that includes 6-7 cups of fresh baby spinach, which should provide me with a healthy dose of magnesium)…

…did not precipitate/cause these bouts of arrythmia (which the Google algorithm terms "irregular heart beats")?

Since October 15th, I have had two other series of FitBit 'Afib' notifications, recorded once again during my sleep…in the early morning hours.

Note: I have ordered high-quality magnesium taurate & potassium citrate supplements (& am anxiously awaiting their delivery).

Would very much appreciate reading other people thoughts & feedback.

Anticipatory thanks, Shoshin

I had my first A Fib episode 2 weeks after my first Pfizer shot 2/21) . I was in decent health up until then. I am not 75yo and female. I was told by every health professional to not try and figure out the cause because I would not be able to. I was told I would have it for my life. Connection to Covid never even considered then or since then. Episodes have waned for the most part. I have continued to get every booster including the latest on 9/22. Covid episodes lately every 2months or so.
I had the watchman and plan to do an ablation soon. I am unable to tolerate any of the heart rate meds and have been on Eliquis which is a terrible drug. It is lactose based and I am lactose intolerant. Three cardiologists said they have never heard that even tho I called the manufacturer and they confirmed. I have all the symptoms chronically due to lactose intolerance and I do try to avoid dairy- which I have done all of my life. Now to the present. I had watchman 1 week ago and was trying to get my strength back. I felt better three days ago and went out all day. I fell apart that night and felt awful the next day. It started to look like covid so I took a test. It was positive x 2 at home. I then got a PCR and it was negative. I masked through Thanksgiving and last night I didn't sleep at all and was in Afib all night long. This morning I am negative at home. Very confusing...do I have Covid?...don't know...was the A Fib all night connected? ..don't know. I have never had an episode that lasted all night. I have messaged my doc but won't hear back today. Everybody seems to have an opinion except for my doctors...all of them...
Then I found this blog and it is the first confirmation along with some articles I found that link A Fib with Covid. Still don't know the connection with being a person with AFib and a positive test. My sense is that it is all connected to inflammation in the body...Caused by Covid and the vaccines? I think I had Covid in Jan. 2020 when there were no diagnoses and no tests and no treatment. I was very sick for over 2 weeks in a way I have never gotten sick..
I think I may never know the answers but I will continue to try and figure it out on my own. Thanks for the opportunity to learn from my peers.

I personally do not have AFIB, but I do have PVC's, which I have had for 20 years. They were never very bad, but did have a significant increase after my 3rd shot ( first and only booster). I then got covid and at the time I had covid ( mild) and for 3 weeks after, my PVC's increased again. Since then, they come more often then they did before. My cardiologist agreed that there is a connection between my PVC's/Vaccine and PVC's/Covid. Anecdotally, my niece and my brother in law both developed AFIB after vaccination, covid or both.

Shoshin, I experienced A-Fib as a result of an adverse reaction to the Pfizer double jab. No boosters for me! Wish I were a "pure blood." If I knew then what we know now. The Covid "vax" is not a true vaccine. The Covid "vax" did not pass rigid testing standards. The Covid "vax" has resulted in thousands of VAERS, including myocarditis and death. The Covid "vax" is not effective. A compilation of international data proves the Covid vax has "resulted in a worldwide spike in food hypersensitivity." An uptick of 2.6%. Doesn't sound like much but lucky me! Count me among that 2.6%. Oh, Covid testing? Totally unreliable! False positives and false negatives.

Now, back to my adverse reaction. I, the Goddess of Regularity, suffered 18 months of MCAS/GI-D (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome/Gastrointestinal-Diarrhea) with up to nine "episodes" per day. Loss of nutrients resulted in A-fib and the attendant blood clots. Long-term loss of all foods, minerals and vitamins resulted in a broken metatarsal in my left foot despite no acute injury.

That diarrhea was caused by an allergic reaction ("food hypersensitivity") to almost every food on the planet and even some supplements. I tried a highly restricted, low histamine diet and it helped but was not the magic bullet. I took 6 doses of antihistamines every day (2 H1 Blockers and 4 H2 Blockers). Desperate, I went to the ER for slow drip, IV infusion of a second generation H2 Blocker. None of it helped! Continued to lose weight and dropped down to an alarming, for me, 115 pounds!

This may not be of interest/benefit to you but I finally got my MCAS/GI-D totally under control by taking a histamine digesting enzyme called DAO. I learned about DAO Enzyme on the Inspire.com forum, which has several groups sharing info on different forms of mastocytosis. One, just one participant had a genius of an Allergist who steered him to DAO Enzyme. Thanks to God's Pharmacy (that's what I call nutraceuticals), I have been back to normal for months now. My weight is back up to 127, my high school graduation weight. By today's standards, even at 127 I'm a "little thing." (My size 4 blue jeans are too big in the waist and tight on my calves.) But I feel terrific!

Getting back on topic: A-fib. My A-fib did not calm down until a couple of days ago. I researched, researched, researched. In my quest for health, I had overdone the potassium supplementation (for me and my size). Excess potassium can also cause A-fib. I backed off the K literally a few days ago and my heart rhythm has been back to normal for 36 hours now. Oh, I should add that, like you, I am a health nut--super fit! Used to be a dancer. Used to work in automotive manufacturing. Point being, I earned my $$$ with my body. Planet Fitness three times a week. Limber? You can't imagine! And I'm going on 69 years old! Low blood pressure. Low heart rate. Low cholesterol. Always hydrated. And, and, and... Acute joint injuries (tears, separations, scar tissue pressing on nerves) healed with broad spectrum collagen, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and MSM. I am the poster child for natural healing.

That metatarsal? I hope it heals by Christmas! Calcium, magnesium, boron, collagen, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2 and and and. Fingers crossed/Sign of the Cross!

Finally, the following may be of interest/useful. Twice a year (on my birthday and Valentine's Day) my husband and I send in hair samples to Advanced Food Intolerance Labs. AFIL has promotional pricing via Groupon.com. Though I am no longer "intolerant" or "hypersensitive" or "allergic" to any foods thanks to DAO Enzyme, the benefits of hair sample testing are comprehensive and the information is easy to understand with color coded columns. For example, despite being a health nut, I'd never heard of molybdenum. I was deficient. So now I supplement. Also, more concerning, that 18 months of MCAS/GI-D resulted in a deficiency of choline. Choline deficiency is a precursor of cognitive decline: dementia/Alzheimer's. Turns out all those H2 Blocker antihistamines I was taking inhibit our bodies' ability to utilize choline! Double whammy! So, yes, you know I'm supplementing choline (along with myriad other vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes, amino acids and more). And I've been able to cease taking any and all H2 Blockers! I hope my Valentine's Day hair sample shows sufficiency of choline. I can't praise AFIL enough!

Again, I pray just one bit of sharing above is beneficial to you or someone you know. I thank YOU, Shoshin, for sharing your journey. Please keep us updated. I'll be back to read of your (hopeful) future success! Of course, your root cause is different from mine. That's the key: identifying and addressing the root cause!

Oh, my blood clots (which I could feel since I'm so in touch with my body--former dancer...) were/are resolved with one low-dose aspirin at bedtime. Aspirin, also from Mother Nature, a blood thinner with centuries of use, has resolved that scary problem. The last thing I need is to suffer a stroke! I will continue that low-dose aspirin at bedtime until Valentine's Day even though my A-fib is resolved. Will it stay resolved? After all, it's only been 36 hours. So, I adjure you, Shoshin, whether you can feel the blood clots or not, be advised that A-fib can cause clotting of the blood and strokes.

Can you tell I care? We will never meet face-to-face but I want the best for you. For everyone!

Thank you so much, @frenchie, for your comprehensive & illuminating post! Much to digest (& I am doing so in between work projects). In particular, your experience with MCAS is eye-opening & adds questions to my consideration. I'll respond more thoroughly going forward.

First an update: Subsequent to my original post, I consulted & confirmed that in all likelihood I experienced myocarditis (in response to the immunologically-induced inflammatory reaction to the 5th (& bivalent) Moderna (mRNA) dose.

Note: Going forward--& we all will have to undergo repeated vaccine administration as SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve to evade both natural & vaccine-induced immunity, I am switching to the protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax. The Novavax vaccine induces a much more durable immunological response (versus both the mRNA vaccines) & the protein-based platform is safe (not nearly as likely to produce the cardiac-related adverse reactions of the kind I experienced). There are those who believe--& count me as one of the them, that the mRNA vaccines may have issues because of the adjuvants & other ingredients used to stabilise the mRNA molecules). There is a long & proven track-record of safety with the protein-based technology & I am putting my faith in it (even as the pandemic rages).

The very good news: I have been afib-free for the last 4 weeks!

I attribute my recovery (from the vaccine-induced myocarditis & associated paroxysmal afib) to my prior good cardio health (& fitness)...AND to the changes in diet & supplementation, namely, the addition of a high-quality electrolyte powder that I add to my water AND the addition of the magnesium taurate (& another broad-spectrum, high-quality 6-magnesium-form supplement) & potassium orotate supplements.

In addition---& this is supported by peer-reviewed data, I no longer sleep on my left side (which ironically I had just taken up in earnest prior to getting the bivalent booster in response to another peer-reviewed paper on the benefits--to the glymphatic system, of sleeping...on the left side ). There is so much to consider & reckon with!

By the way: I financed the purchase of the new Apple Watch so now I track cardio health with both my FitBit & the Apple Watch, both of which monitor cardio function, including arrhythmias (& both can produce an FDA-approved ECG reading). Highly recommend everyone wear either the Fitbit Sensa or the Apple Watch.

Will follow up with other posts as I absorb & consider the potential role of mast-cell activation in another unrelated (but embarrassing) health challenge that also arose this year (& I must ask myself if repeated administration of the mRNA vaccines might have played a role in its development): IBS with mostly difficult or even constipated bowel movements (aggravated by bad lifestyle habits such as...reading while in the bathroom, which I have addressed & no longer do, along with some other recommended lifestyle changes).

Strict low-FODMAP Vegan diet has much improved many of the IBS symptoms but I still struggle with less-than-optimal colonic performance (will spare everyone the details here).

Wondering if adding a DAO supplement might not help with gut/colonic inflammation & motility?

Again: Thanks so very much for your thoughtful & kind post.

Stay safe--& consider getting the Novavax vaccine (even if you have already had prior mRNA vaccines), Shoshin

Very grateful for the detailed reply, Shoshin. I'm sure we can all benefit from the knowledge and experience that you share.

Like you, I take a broad-spectrum magnesium supplement since each form of magnesium has its benefits. Of course, for some, particular forms of magnesium can have an unwanted laxative effect. In your case, that would be a benefit for you.

As to DAO helping with inflammation and motility... I truly don't have a clue. Never too proud to admit my ignorance. What I neglected to mention in my original, lengthy reply is that I also take a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme capsule with every meal. I don't know where you live, if it would make sense for you to order from Vitacost.com. I am never without those enzymes and have opted for their in-house brand called Synergy. The digestive enzyme product to which I am committed (one capsule with every meal) is called Super Daily Enzymes. It provides two types of Protease, Lipase, Alpha Amylase, Glucoamylase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase and Lactase.

Finally, during my 18 months of hell, I learned that certain probiotics are high histamine and had to restrict myself to a product by Life Extension called Bifido something or other. I feel I am ready to be human guinea pig again; ergo, next month I will re-introduce a robust, broad-spectrum probiotic. Until the Pfizer double jab, probiotics of any kind were zero problem. On what do I base my renewed courage? I have been eating a serving of plain Greek yogurt every day for months with zero GI "episodes." By the way, probiotics can be neutralized by certain anti-fungal supplements. For instance, if you take oregano oil capsules, take them at least twelve hours before or after the probiotics.

You know better than I how important the gut microbiome is. I hope you find the "magic bullet" or the symphony of natural products that can restore your GI health and regularity.

My husband suffers from chonic constipation which is probably the root cause of his acid reflux. We have added a rounded teaspoon of psyllium husk and a rounded tablespoon of a custom blend of high fiber naturals to his morning yogurt. That custom blend? A batch that lasts for months includes: 2 cups organic ground flaxseed, 2 cups organic chia seed, 1 cup organic wheat bran, 2 tablespoons organic Ceylon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons organic stevia powder. The ground organic psyllium husk and the high fiber blend are whisked into a 2/3 cup of double-filtered water before I add the plain Greek yogurt and stir, stir, stir. He also eats half a serving of oatmeal at breakfast. It's helped.

Finally, though I do appreciate the intelligent observations you've made about Novavax, we will not be getting any boosters or future Covid vaccines. Despite my husband's being "high risk" (heart attack and very mild stroke three years ago, Type 2 Diabetic, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, acid reflux), we are more dedicated than before to natural immune boosters. Many are mainstream: Vitamin D3, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Zinc, Beta Glucan, Astragalus and more. They've been part of our regimen for years! And, truly, aside from my husband's cardio event on November 8, 2019, we can't recall the last time either one of us was ill. We got scared by the coverage about Covid and, at the time, didn't want to be foolish. Plus, being seniors, my husband qualified for the first group to get vaccinated. I qualified, based on age, to be in the second group. Point being, we were early recipients, getting the double jab before negative events became known. Now? We feel repetitive jabs would be unwise. Of course, you must make your own decision based on your health profile, risk factors, etc. I respect that.

Oh, how could my husband, a health nut, have a heart attack despite being trim, slim, fit, at Planet Fitness three times a week, etc.? He was unable to quit his pack-a-day cigarette habit! Guess who quit smoking on November 8, 2019? Yep, he slammed the door on cigarettes.

I had years of cardio testing and came out with flying colors; however, after my Covid Vaccination I felt very tired, and had difficulty climbing stairs without heavy breathing so I had an EKG and found I was A-Fib, which came as a huge surprise.

Don't be surprised. I had afib about 10 yrs ago but was put dofetilide and had been afib free for 10 yrs.

Then I got the two Moderna shots and had two bouts of afib within 10 months even though still on dofetilide. Never got the boosters and I WILL NOT take anymore shots for Covid or its derivatives. Have been afib free for a year now and check myself daily. These vaccines are BAAAD.

I also had the Phizer vaccine second dose and had an AFib episode within 24 hours…..my episodes are usually about 3 months apart…..my pulse was high ….and not as irregular as other episodes so I felt it was different. These side effects are not tracked here in Nova Scotia Canada….so I am not sure how accurate data is regarding what is happening to people post vaccine…..

I took flu and pneumonia vaccines this year but no more Covid vaccines or boosters for me. Just the original two.