Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

I always ask the dental hygienist not to lower me too far and I also request or bring a pillow or rolled towel.

My afib can definitely be set off in a reclining position, mainly after eating.

The procedure is intrusive by nature, and that includes on your normal routine, on your schedule for the day, for its financial obligation, because it can mean a finding of yet more work that might be needed, and it is in an unnatural position, reclined with someone hovering over you. But, there's also the potential discomfort that comes from the scaling. We all have the odd sensitive tooth, maybe a bit of gingivitis or the precursor to that condition, and the dental hygiene procedure usually means a bit of unpleasant sensation at least.

By the time you are reclined and awaiting the first placement of the ultrasound or the scraper, you are wound up. Then, you begin to hold your breath a bit, clench your fists, tense your toes, and generally cause a rise in blood pressure. Your inner visceral tension rises, much like it does when you bend over to retrieve something off the floor or to tie your shoes. This can often bring on AF or PACs.

I am sure I need a CPAC according to doctors, but choose not to. The pillows work fine.

But I would be surprised if you do not eat dairy, or too much of it, because it causes mucous. If I have any mucous, I immediately eliminate all. I had covid real bad, and have no doubt that I would not be alive today if I had mucous and a cough in addition to all the other. Eliminating dairy immediately will eliminate mucous, and subsequent congestion and pneumonia.

Could be but I never have trouble breathing normally - but maybe not enough oxygen going to my brain and heart being in that flat position. It’s always a mystery why and when the palpitations start up - I do know stress will cause them but I haven’t been stressed lately. I’ve been taking Jamieson Stress Ease pills - one with dinner and that has helped a lot. Thanks for your input.

Interesting. Glad you don’t need a CPAC. I can breathe okay but get a lot of mucous in my throat and mouth if I lie flat - so I prop my head up with pillows - probably has to do with the AFib - who knows?! Thanks for your input.

Yes, I believe being flat could cause. I don't let them do that as I get dizzy. And I do not sleep flat because of sleep apnea. My sister who also has sleep apnea and used one of those horrible snorkels as I call the for years, if she sleeps in a recliner she has no problem. In response to her story, I have now slept for years slanted up on pillows and have no problem. I tried one night to not have them a little lower, and that night woke up gasping. It beats the snorkel for me to sleep propped up.

Good point. I didn’t feel I had a problem with breathing at the time but with my mouth open for a while maybe so. I’m going to ask for my chair to be raised up more the next time. I do have my head propped up while sleeping in bed. Thanks for your comment.

Just thinking about your prone position as my palpitations only happen when I am prone -- nightime sleeping position. I am going in for a an apnea test which is breathing centered. I wonder if your palpitations are related to breathing due to work being done on you in a prone position and your normal breathing pattern is affected.

I have AFib but the palpitations haven’t happened for a while until yesterday when I went for a dental cleaning - I wasn’t worried or nervous about the visit however I’m wondering if placing the dental chair way back and almost flat is the reason why my palpitations started up when I got home. I could feel a slight flutter after the appt. and then the full onslaught of palpitations which lasted a few hours followed by up and down blood pressure and shortness of breath - feeling exhausted as well. It finally stopped before bedtime and I’m back to normal today. Just wondering if the position of the chair and me triggered them and if so I will ask to not place me as far back at the next appt. Any thoughts?

Does anyone get hot flushes when you get PVCs or PACs. I a male