Atrial Fibrillation Forum

Re: taurine and eliquis?

anneh — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:34:34 +0000

as always, appreciate your thoughts:)

Re: taurine and eliquis?

Carey — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:21:14 +0000

There have been some studies that suggest taurine could increase bleed risk, but the evidence isn't strong and most sources say it's not a problem. If there is any interaction, I think it's probably very weak. Personally, I'd be fine with combining them.

taurine and eliquis?

anneh — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:37:51 +0000

I am on Eliquis and started taking 500mg taurine daily as its good for the heart (am on plant based diet).Just read that it can cause bloodthinning and shouldn't be taken with Eliquis.Any truth to this?

Re: First cardioversion today

gloaming — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:51:18 +0000

[www.droracle.ai]

When I was learning all I could about my recent and new diagnosis of PAF, I asked that question. This was before modern AI searching, at least in its present form. The answer I got was that, yes, it is the AAD of last resort.

Like you, I am seeing more and more people being prescribed it out of the gate, and some post that they were told to keep taking it after an ablation. Further, they weren't given instructions to taper it in the two-three weeks prior to their Holter assessment. This is baffling to me. I can understand that some patients need amiodarone, especially when it's the right fit for their medical circumstances. But how can you expect a veridical Holter assessment at the 12 week mark, or thereabouts, when the patient has faithfully taken 200-400 mg of amiodarone for months already, and when his system is well-infused and not going to rid itself of the residuals for weeks ahead?

Re: First cardioversion today

AB Page — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:20:54 +0000

Just curious when amiodarone became a first line treatment? I've seen so many bad things said about amio's side effects and how it masks the ability for an EP doing an ablation to locate areas that need burned etc. And many peeps saying they will never take it. My own experience with several anti-arrhythmics was quite poor with one exception, and it essentially was benign, in terms of effectiveness and side effects. Hindsight being what it is, I would never have accepted AA's as first line treatment. I know they are effective for some. I just always thought amio is effective, but because of the toxicity, a last choice AA.

Finerenone

bettylou4488 — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:03:07 +0000

Anyone take this? It is suggested for me not for Afib but in my research it shows it helps new onset afib. I tried to search on group but nothing came up. Curious if anyone takes it. I will link one thing I found when googling "finerenone afib" but there are others

[www.jacc.org]

Afib and the vagus nerve? New info on Ezoxx One

susan.d — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:07:47 +0000

To Protect Your Heart (Magnesium and Calcium Levels): Taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec for over three decades can significantly reduce your body's ability to absorb vital minerals, specifically magnesium and calcium. Low magnesium is a well-known, direct trigger for AFib episodes and heart palpitations.Safe, Non-Systemic GERD Relief: Unlike Prilosec, which suppresses acid systemically throughout your entire body, Esoxx One works entirely locally. It is a gel that you swallow to physically coat, soothe, and protect the lining of your esophagus. It has no effect on your heart rhythm and will not deplete your body's essential minerals.Calming the Vagus Nerve: Severe GERD can directly irritate your vagus nerve, which runs right next to your esophagus and regulates your heart rate. By using a coating agent like Esoxx One to quiet down the physical irritation from acid, you may actually help prevent the vagal nerve stimulation that often triggers AFib episodes.

I’ve been on Prilosec since it became available decades ago. It just lost its effectiveness. My GI recommended this barrier one drinks. I asked AI if it could trigger arrhythmias and got the above reply

My Rx box states it’s manufactured at Biogarma in Italy. Amazon sells it under the name Ezoxx one for $67 for 20 packets. It doesn’t require a rx in the states. Shop on Amazon
[a.co]

AI:
Ezox (often sold as Esoxx One) is a non-invasive medical gel designed to provide rapid relief from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. It physically coats and protects the esophageal lining, easing heartburn, stomach pain, and acid-related coughs without suppressing your stomach's natural acid production.How It WorksMucoadhesive Barrier: Unlike standard antacids or H2 blockers, Ezox uses a bioadhesive gel containing hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.Rapid Healing: This combination adheres to the walls of the esophagus. It neutralizes irritation and creates a physical buffer against stomach acid and bile, accelerating the healing of esophageal inflammation (esophagitis).Usage & DosageFormat: Comes in ready-to-use liquid stick packs or sachets with a pleasant red grape flavor.Standard Intake: Typically, you consume one 10ml sachet after main meals and one at bedtime, or as directed by a healthcare provider.Timing: It is best to take it at a distance from other oral medications so it does not interfere with their absorption.AvailabilityEzox is classified as a medical device in many regions and can often be purchased over the counter in pharmacies or through international retailers like Amazon. It is known to be non-systemic (not absorbed by the GI tract), meaning it generally does not interact with food or other drugs.You can find more information about its active ingredients and clinical uses on the PubMed Central or browse international formulations on Pilula.co.il.

Re: First cardioversion today

fravi — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:34:57 +0000

Hi Torvic,

I am glad ithe CV worked out. I had a similar experience, but after some time taking meds and doing cardioversions I decided to go for an ablation with the master Dr. Natale.

I noticed you are located in France, if you decide sometime in the future to go for the ablation route, you may want to chek with The Bordeaux Group (led by renowned cardiologists Dr. Pierre Jaïs and Dr. Michel Haïssaguerre) is a pioneering team of electrophysiologists at Haut-Lévêque Hospital in Bordeaux, France. I don´t think there is a better team of experimented EP´s in France.

Cheers.

Fravi

Re: First cardioversion today

Carey — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:26:24 +0000

Sounds like you've got a good doc. Amio is very effective, so it's tempting for an EP to just "park" patients on amio for years, and I've even encountered people who've been on it for years and their EP never told them they were supposed to be doing pulmonary function tests every 3-6 months. So your doc has done everything right so far.

First cardioversion today

Torvic — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:55:59 +0000

Hi everyone

Here's a follow-up to my initial thread here.

Brief summary: 49-year old male, persistent AF discovered accidentally, Amiodarone for a few months with no effects.

I had my first cardioversion done today (hopefully I won't need a lot more).

Apparently, my heart reacted very well since my heartbeat has returned to normal. Only one shock was needed.

I'm staying on Eliquis and Amiodarone until I see the cardiologist again, which should be in a few weeks.

According to him, with Amiodarone, the rhythm should stay normal; however, he doesn't want to maintain Amiodarone too long because of the health risks. He's considering switching to Flecaine and a light beta blocker. He was honest and added that the switch could result in the AF resurfacing, but he hasn't made a final decision so far.

I don't want to get too optimistic of course, but considering how awful my life has been, getting a piece of good news is a welcome change.

I'll see what the future brings but hopefully my heart will keep a normal rhythm for a while. I'll try and see if it makes any difference (maybe the arrhythmia wasn't as asymptomatic as I thought). For now, I'm just happy with the good news.

I hope everyone with AF is doing as good as possible.

Re: Does a List of the Top EP's for Ablations Exist? If Not, Why Not?

JackC — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:11:16 +0000

Pacific Northwest... ???🤷🏻‍♂️

Portland, OR/ Vancouver, WA area???
Seattle, WA ???

Re: Do you think this treatment can trigger arrhythmias?

susan.d — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:32:52 +0000

Personally, I don’t think a topical cream is the culprit here—but hey, what do I know? I’m just guessing. Obviously, creams can absorb into the skin, but does it really compare to multiple micro-injections? It seems logical that micro-injections would reach the bloodstream much faster than anything you rub on the surface.

Because of that, I’ve decided I just have to suck it up and live with my latest scar.

To give you some context. I like to call it “ Living with the Battle Scars (And Finding Peace in NSR)” I’ve had around 24 or 25 surgeries and ablations (I’ve honestly lost my scoresheet at this point). My abdomen alone looks like a game of tic-tac-toe, with six different vertical and horizontal scars crossing side to side. I’ve also had the right side of my face surgically peeled back to remove a tumor behind my ear before being sewn back together. All this to say: I’m no stranger to scars. Usually, I just classify them as "it is what it is" and move on.

But for some reason, this newest one right above my ankle really angers me.

Ultimately, I don’t think I should mess with it; I just need to adjust. Right now, it looks like a big dog chewed on my leg and swallowed. Because the skin flap opened up during recovery, the scar is completely concave. I know, there are far worse things in life.

I just don't want to ruin my luck by getting micro-injections if there's any risk to my heart. After everything, I am finally in NSR! I recently wore an 8-day Holter monitor, and it showed no AFib or PVCs. I'm thrilled, and I don't want to jeopardize that.

Alternatively, I could try just doing laser treatments for the scar without the injections, but I have a pacemaker.
Has anyone here had laser treatments while having a pacemaker? Do you know if it’s safe? Would love to hear your experiences.

Re: Do you think this treatment can trigger arrhythmias?

Ken — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:43:14 +0000

I have had + or - 30 skin cancers taken off my upper body and head. I have been using Fluorouracil for many, many years to help prevent the development of the cancers. My left forearm covered today. I have never found a relationship between my afib and the cream. I typically use the cream about 4 times a year for about 3 weeks each time or until I get a good reaction. I see my dermatologist every 3 months.

Re: Do you think this treatment can trigger arrhythmias?

AB Page — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:28:05 +0000

Susan,

I can't answer your questions, but I can relate my experience, and some memories triggered by your narrative.

A month ago I had a large (1cm) squamous cell on my cheek removed via Moh's. I had probably 20-30 lidocaine injections, and my resulting scar took 1 staple and 32 stitches, resulting in a scar that runs from near the corner of my eye to below my jawline. In the last week, after 9 years of beautiful NSR from Dr. Natale and a Watchman, afib has broken through. I've learned that trying to connect the dots for causation are, for me, mostly a fool's errand. But your experience leads me to more questions.

Regarding Fluorouracil - I did a month long treatment on my face around the time I believe my afib first started, around 15-17 years ago. When my scar settles down and the weather cools, I'm to do another round of Fluorouracil on my face. I had no clue whatsoever the connection between the heart and Fluorouracil. I'll have to ask TCAI about that and any recommendations/suggestions/alternatives. Thank you for sharing this - it's given me previously unknown information to help ask appropriate questions of the health care folks treating me. Unfortunately, I may be headed for my 3rd ablation, 2nd with Dr. Natale.

Do you think this treatment can trigger arrhythmias?

susan.d — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:00:32 +0000

I had 3 aggressive melanoma surgeries until I was cut to the bone above my ankle last June.

Two specialists said because I have edema and it’s my lower leg where blood pools, I’m stuck with no scar removal treatments.

I saw this specialist today who thinks he can help with 8 laser treatments (once a month) and monthly micro injections see below with linocaine without epi.

What’s your opinion of the risk of triggering my once pVCs that so far I’m in NSR after a successful PVC ablation by getting injected by the following:?

While standard glaucoma drops (such as prostaglandin analogs) primarily work to lower eye pressure, dermatologists use related antimetabolite and anti-fibrotic medications (like 5-Fluorouracil or Mitomycin C). In dermatology, these powerful medications are micro-injected directly into tough scar tissue (such as hypertrophic scars or keloids) to break down excess collagen and stop the scar from regenerating.

Footnote: I no longer have keloids after a year of pressured use of silicone sheets. It’s a dark ugly 5” x 1” long scar.

I may have had answered my own question:
[ibb.co]

What a shame about the second micro drug:
The Cardiac Risks of Mitomycin C (MMC)
Though less prevalent than with 5-FU, Mitomycin C is a known cardiotoxic agent.
Mechanisms: MMC can cause free-radical formation and damage heart cells, which can trigger acute arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest in susceptible cases.
Synergistic Effects: Historically, MMC is notorious for compounding the cardiotoxic effects of other chemotherapy agents (like doxorubicin), but it can independently cause pericardial inflammation, angina, and heart rhythm disturbances.
Micro-Dosing & Safety
While a "micro-dosing" approach limits the initial localized dose, the medications still enter the bloodstream and can trigger toxic effects—especially if a patient has underlying cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Symptoms of chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity often include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or sudden fainting.
For comprehensive information regarding chemotherapy-related heart complications and how they manifest, consult reliable cardio-oncology guidelines such as those published by the ⁠American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)5-FU is well-documented for its cardiotoxicity. While its most common side effects are angina and coronary vasospasm, it can also disrupt electrical stability in the heart, leading to both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.The Mechanism: 5-FU causes endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to sudden coronary artery spasms, localized ischemia, and direct toxic effects on the heart's electrical system.Incidence: When given in systemic cancer doses, cardiotoxicity occurs in roughly 1% to 19% of patients. With micro-doses (e.g., used topically in ophthalmology, dermatology, or scar treatment), this risk is drastically lower, though rare cases of cardiac sensitivity can still occur.

Use with laser:
“Avoid certain supporting equipment: While the laser itself is safe, some aesthetic treatments use supplementary electrical devices (e.g., grounding pads or certain radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening attachments) that can interfere with pacemakers.”

Re: question re diet and Eliquis

gloaming — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:17:35 +0000

Be careful with foods containing curcumin. It can raise the anti-coagulation effect in the blood.

Re: question re diet and Eliquis

Carey — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:17:51 +0000

You can have spinach salad every single day if you want. Like I said, almost no food interactions.

Re: question re diet and Eliquis

susan.d — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:28:04 +0000

What about spinach?

Re: Medication

Carlorea — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 17:30:54 +0000

Hello, I have been AFIB free for ~ 5 months, and then in May and June I experienced 3 episodes . They lasted about 2 hours and reverted back to normal rate. The meds are doing their job by keeping the HR < 104.
However, I am looking at my apple watch Heart Rate variability and have noticed that during the June 14 episode it got to 307 mS. My normal variability is between 26 and 45 mS.
I am seeing my new cardiologist in 3 weeks. Has anyone had a similar experience? and what does this mean?
Thanks

Re: question re diet and Eliquis

Carey — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:54:46 +0000

I don't think it's anything to worry about. Like I said, Eliquis doesn't really have food interactions.

Re: question re diet and Eliquis

anneh — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:55:30 +0000

thnx Carey, what do you think of my taking low dose fish oil capsules total 600mgs, I think I did see that some people on here take it.

Re: question re diet and Eliquis

Carey — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:47:33 +0000

Eliquis has almost no food interactions. Garlic has some blood thinning properties so don't take garlic supplements, but real garlic? Enjoy!

I'm on the same dose of Eliquis as you are and if anyone told me I had to give up garlic, I'd laugh at them. Garlic is a featured ingredient in pretty much all of the world's best cuisines, so forget it.

Re: Chest massage changes IR HR

The Anti-Fib — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:12:57 +0000

Quote
susan.d
I found if I was in afib I had some unconscious anxiety pressure while trying to convert (“convert already! Convert already!” Or being frustrated the ablation wasn’t successful). Most of the time it didn’t help because of the pressure in my mind that it wasn’t working fast enough. I found biofeedback (ocean sounds for me) would relax me enough so I could then try a unproven attempt to switch over to NSR -while limiting my pressure. Or I would take a Valium and then try to covert.

Yes actually I didn't convert that night until I layed down in bed an forgot about it for awhile, although the switching from AFIB into AF was direct and observable. Yes, most the time when I convert, it's after I tried to focus on converting, and then relaxed and thought about something else. What you are saying is consistent with my understanding of how the sub-conscious mind is likely to effect the body metaphysically.

question re diet and Eliquis

anneh — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:07:20 +0000

I am on 2.5mg bid Eliquis (over 80 and weigh approx 120lbs). Is it ok to add a small clove garlic daily to my diet? I also take a low dose fish oil daily. Also enjoy a spoon of bee pollen as a treat daily which I just read cannot be taken with Warfarin so wondering if its ok with Eliquis. My diet is plant based and healthy.Thnx for input :)

Re: Whether to treat persistent afib with few symptoms

Yuxi — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:01:00 +0000

Thanks for sharing your ablation history and the good advice, Carey.

My Apple Watch ECG showed an inconclusive result. I now have a Kardia 6L and will use it next time if needed.

Re: Whether to treat persistent afib with few symptoms

Carey — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:18:44 +0000

Quote
Yuxi
Quick question, if you don’t mind—have you ever experienced any other types of arrhythmias, such as tachycardia or atrial flutter? Or has your heart been completely calm and normal?

Completely calm and normal since the ablation in 2017. Prior to that I was anything but calm and normal. You should read my story.

Did anyone get an EKG of that 150-160 tachycardia? Whenever I hear of tachycardia with a rate near 150, I think there's a good chance it's flutter.

Re: Whether to treat persistent afib with few symptoms

Torvic — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:53:28 +0000

Hi nonthumper

I haven't had an ablation (yet) but you probably did with the information you were given by the specialists.

Unless it had really bad consequences, having regrets is not going to help.

Regarding not treating symptoms, my understanding so far is that AF will end up doing damage even if you're asymptomatic. My cardiologist told me, "You're asymptomatic now but I can't leave you arrythmic for too long. Your heart is going to hate it."

I guess that what he meant by that was damage to the atria or more persistent remodelling leading to worse AF. He wasn't explicit but he's seen way more hearts actiing up than I have, so I'll trust his judgement for now. He seems intent on treating the arrythmia. I hope the cardioversion will be enough but if I need the ablation, then so be it.

Best of luck to you.

Re: Whether to treat persistent afib with few symptoms

Yuxi — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:07:36 +0000

9 years AF-free after ablation sounds amazing and gives a lot of hope to many of us here.

Quick question, if you don’t mind—have you ever experienced any other types of arrhythmias, such as tachycardia or atrial flutter? Or has your heart been completely calm and normal?

I’m asking because I had a successful ablation 3 years ago, but recently had an episode of tachycardia (150–160 bpm) that lasted 45 min. and was terminated with diltiazem. This was the second episode of tachycardia in the past 10 months, so I can’t help but wonder if something might be going on.

Re: Whether to treat persistent afib with few symptoms

Carey — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:51:54 +0000

I'm on year 9 and I'm by no means the record holder around here.

Re: Whether to treat persistent afib with few symptoms

nonthumper — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:28:14 +0000

I hope so. Seems like I just saw a discussion on here where people are hoping to get 5 years before they need another ablation, though.