IBS / AFib

My first time on the forum. Glad I’m not the only one distressed by AFib.
I have had AFib for about 3 months, and IBS for many years, but it seems worse,since AFib came into my life. As the day goes by, my IBS gets gradually worse, and then in th evening, the AFib kicks in. Has anyone else had a gut / heart combo?
My EP has suggested (insisted , really) that I have a catheter ablation. Thinking of it scares the life out of me. Any comments appreciated.
I’m 74 years old, quite fit and somewhat scared!
Mick

If you believe your afib is IBS related, treating your IBS may be part of the answer. Here you'll find lots of afibbers trying to find what triggers their afib. Once a sure trigger is identified, treating it (or avoiding it if it's a nevative habit) is the first thing to do.
An ablation is not mandatory. It's not a cure. It's just a way to treat afib, and not necessarily the best for everyone.

IBS + vagal tone = afib? I could see it. It wouldn’t even be a hard sell.

I wouldn’t necessarily beware ablation, but I might beware an EP who pushes it. It should always be a patient’s choice with advice and guidance from a medical professional.

We’re here to help.

Thanks!

The FIRST RULE OF ABLATION CLUB is go to the very best EP you can access who has done 1000s of AF ablations at a top-rated centre - e.g. Natale in Austin.

My stomach is absolutely related to instances of afib. If I go to a sports banquet, huge Thanksgiving dinner, etc. I can almost predict with certainty that I will have afib later that night. Spicy food...afib. Food that gives me indigestion - afib. I tried to explain this to the PA at my cardiologist's office and he told me that my theory was probably not correct...wow! Sometimes it is better to listen to your body than a medical professional.


I just had ablation for afib 2 weeks ago so too early to tell but I am not encouraged by the palpitations I am having still...not sure if they are PVCs, afib aflutter or what. Hopefully I get some benefit from it.


Good luck to you.

An ablation does not cure afib. It does nothing against the causes of afib. It only relieves the symptoms.
The beast is still alive, just behind your doors and windows, even if they've been closed by ablation.

Although I have primarily Adrenergic-Induced AFIB, I have had several episodes caused by digestion issues, after consuming a big meal. It sounds like you are not digesting and pushing Food through Intestines efficiently. This would explain why it gradually gets worse as the Day progresses, undigested food and gas can get backed up in the Intestines and Stomach, irritating the Vagus Nerve which is a known cause of AFIB. Have you done all you can for your IBS? Perhaps a visit to a Gut Specialist Dr. would be helpful.

I would advise against getting an Ablation until you have addressed any other obvious Health Issues that are "Triggering" your AFIB. Even if you went out and got the Ablation, you would still have the IBS issues, and this would subject you to an increased risk of recurring AFIB even after an Ablation.

Quote
Pompon
An ablation does not cure afib. It does nothing against the causes of afib. It only relieves the symptoms.
The beast is still alive, just behind your doors and windows, even if they've been closed by ablation.

I'd say having no AF after a successful ablation is a cure - if you no longer AF then you don't have AF! (The only weakness there is that the AF might become asymptomatic after ablation and could be missed by routine monitoring.)

OK, so one's predisposition towards having AF remains, but then again increasing age predisposes towards AF anyway.

Just GOOGLED IBS + vagal tone = afib Thanks Wolfpack.
[www.google.com]
Here is a AFIB / IBS site. A lot more to go through in the search.
AFIB/IBS - AF Association | HealthUnlocked
[healthunlocked.com]
Jun 9, 2016 - Calm the vagal nerve calm the heart ... so yes, as you say, happy gut ... AFIB I think triggered by bloating with constipation/IBS not helped by ...



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/18/2018 08:45PM by Todd.

Thanks for the info!

When I was getting afib regularly, I did start to have IBS symptoms. They went away when afib drug, flecainide, took hold.
Drug has worked for the most part, I have had a couple of afib episodes. I keep my fingers crossed.
Good luck Mickey d

Tibbar