Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

You are me one year ago. I gave up all alcohol except for one glass of wine with dinner about once a month. I found that dehydration, too much salt, soda, high altitude, and stimulating social situations such as a dinner with a lot of people can cause Afib in me. I almost always get it in the evening when I’m tired. Had Afib once every 2 weeks or so throughout the year. Didn’t last long, maybe 5-30 minutes each time, but was very concerning to me. After a year of trying to reduce and manage this, last week I gave in and have started Losartan (for blood pressure) and Eliquis (blood thinner). When the doctor said “we can replace blood but we can’t replace brain cells”, when my friend told me not to end up like her father who lived 10 awful years after and stroke, and when I learned of another friend who was thin and very physically fit who takes the same med, I decided to give it a go. I actually am feeling some relief now that I’ve started. Will reassess in a few months and take it from there. Lose weight, exercise, eat healthy, reduce stress, hydrate.

Hello
In my mid 60s I went through the halter monitoring. My stress
Was little higher then.
Drank a lot of diet Coke
Iced coffee. Boy, that,
Tipped it all off. Had
A A fib attack.
I was certainly, fearful then.
Came out of it In, 26hrs.
Changed my lifestyle.
Completely, off soda,
Drink half half coffee.
The acids are the hard
Ones. Tomatoes, garlic
Onion. And, rich foods.
Walking is the key also.
And, good medical
Supervision.
Cardiology.

You can do this. It is
Just a curve in our
Living.
And, yes a glass of
Wine goes good with
Dinner .
I don't care to eat a full
Meal in evening.
That too is hard on me.
This is all my
Opinion and, I
Wish you well. Success101

Hello, I’m responding to this discussion & appreciating the information. Have PM 3 years, mid sixties and active. I am experiencing recent significant increase in palpitations, feeling like I’m anxious but am not, feeling like I’m on the top floor dropping to the first with no stops. I am wearing 30 day event monitor to sort this out. I would like to hear more about what I can control without medication. Sounds like stress, caffeine, alcohol all increase symptoms. Could you add more about this, such as diet besides chocolate, already gave that up😩. Does the one cup of coffee have to go? Wine with dinner too? My goal is to avoid blood thinners or other health impacting medication. TY

Thanks Scardycat, Success101 & Balubeje for your support. It means a lot to me. Comforting to know that I am not the only one going through this.
Physician had prescribed me Ativan as a last resort if I feel overwhelmed. Still in my drawer, have not needed it yet. He was concerned that because of my symptoms, I was avoiding social activities.
So, I consulted a psychologist. I should have done that a long time ago. She allowed me to verbalize about issues that I have kept secret & choking me. Helped a lot. Now, I have been going out & seeing friends again. And, yes. Certain foods are a definite trigger. Chocolate for me.

I feel your pain, I suffer from anxiety with palpitations , recently started on Zoloft which is helping out a lot, good luck,

Hi Susan
I hear your anxiety. I too have had
It for years. Calmness meditation
Walking all work well.
Since getting older, I feel keeping
A Cardiologist is very important.
I am now on a bloodthinner.
Due to A fib. The two I had
Came through in synnes rhythm.
I think, diet too. Certain, foods can
bring your palpitations on.
Perhaps a thorough check up
In all areas is necessary.
Good luck
Success101

Susan-my suggestion would be to get out in nature and take a walk daily of course with your Physicians approval.

Good afternoon everyone! My name is Susan.
I have been having palpitations for about 2 years now. I am followed by my family doctor who reassurred me that it is benign. I was referred to a cardiologist & 24h holter monitor. Was even in ER at one point for P: 140. Had cardiac enzymes, CXR, and serial ECG's. These all confirmed that my symptoms are related to my anxiety.

Hi, my name is Chris. I was diagnosed with Afib & mild congestive heart failure

My name is Jessie I am 30 had laser surgery to shock my heart when I was 13. Due to an irregular heart beat. Was in track (running)when it got bad I am currently going thru a marijuana withdrawal and had a stressful event happen during. My heart has been pounding off and on since. No real chest pain and no fainting. Its been about a week. Been researching but not getting any clear answers. I don't have health insurance and don't want to pay out of pocket unless it is last resort. Wondering if anyone would know the chances if it will go away on its own? Thanks in advance