A forum for sharing experiences regarding atrial fibrillation and other atrial tachy-arrhythmias. https://www.afibbers.org/forum/list.php?9 Thu, 12 Nov 2026 23:46:57 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202065,202065#msg-202065 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202065,202065#msg-202065
I first want to announce the publication of my peer-reviewed article in a medical journal. It can be accessed by adding the following URL to a browser:

[www.frontiersin.org]

Some may recognize my pseudonym, Hugging. I am now a retired M.D. in the US and an emeritus professor of clinical immunology. Due to my

successful conversion of my AF with a protocol I developed, I have recognized some underappreciated observations in the medical literature

about AF, in particular why oral magnesium (Mg) has not become a standardized addition in the therapy of AF,

In my opinion, the following observations should prompt cardiology to re-examine the importance of standardizing oral Mg as part of therapy for some individuals with AF. All of these observations are backed up by medical literature citations:

1. Most individuals with AF are deficient in elemental Mg (Mg2+) in their heart cells despite having a normal blood Mg level.

2. The half-life of Mg in humans is 6 weeks. That means if you restricted Mg in your diet for 6 weeks, your body would contain 50% of Mg. Hence, if an AF individual has a pre-existing Mg deficiency in their heart cells, it is reasonable to presume it will take multiple 6-week half-lives of Mg to replenish Mg in heart cells. This is a key point: taking oral Mg will take at least 4-6 months before one may observe a reduction in AF.

3. The daily RDA for Mg2+ in males is 420 mg, and in females it is 380 mg. Mg supplements cannot meet that requirement, as most provide around 7-10% of the weight of a Mg dose; for example, a 500 mg capsule of Mg gluconate provides 35mg of Mg2+. Absorption reduces that amount to about 40%, so one capsule provides 14 mg of Mg2+. That means one or two capsules of Mg supplements alone will not meet the daily requirement; on top of that, if one has AF with a pre-existing Mg deficiency, one needs to consume foods high in Mg (see online).

4. Choosing a Mg supplement is difficult because almost all do not provide data on the percentage of Mg2+ in each dose and the % absorption. As a general rule, the literature indicates that you should avoid inorganic Mg supplements (Mg oxide, Mg hydroxide, Mg carbonate, Mg sulfate) because they are poorly absorbed and therefore act as laxatives. In contrast, organic Mg supplements are better absorbed ( Mg glycinate, Mg gluconate, Mg aspartate, Mg lactate, etc.) Since there are no professional guidelines, I recommend choosing an organic supplement from a company that manufactures under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) and that does not contain other ingredients, especially calcium and zinc, which interfere with Mg absorption.

5. Mg2+ is a physiologic calcium blocker that can interfere with calcium release in heart cells, and by doing so, it inhibits what may turn out to be an important innate mechanism of immunity called the NLRP3 inflammasome, which, when unblocked, releases cytokines (small inflammation-producing molecules) that likely cause inflammation associated with AF.

6. Since Mg2+ is deficient in AF heart cells, the heart cells have difficulty producing energy from stored energy molecules called ATP. To reverse this deficiency, there is a need to replenish Mg2+, which can only occur over a long period of magnesium consumption with better-absorbed Mg supplements and foods fortified with Mg2+.

7. Personally, I was able to determine a reduction in my AF by self-monitoring my EKG with Kardia and Apple Watch (3-4 times a day for 30 seconds; total of 2 minutes), but other technology may do the same. If sinus rhythm occurs more frequently, it will encourage continued oral Mg supplementation and foods fortified with Mg.

The article presents evidence for a needed pharmaceutical inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which likely causes the inflammation associated with AF.

I suggest sending the reference to your health care provider to see whether they are interested in the concepts and protocol, which you can download, as it is a free, public-access article.

I hope my article makes a difference for many of you affected by AF, but the protocol includes a caution that you must work with a health care provider to determine whether you are a candidate. For medical ethics reasons, I cannot answer queries from individuals seeking my opinion.

Lastly, I want to emphasize that I do not receive any financial benefits from this free access peer-reviewed publication.

Best regards,

Hugging]]> Hugging AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 09 Nov 2026 23:16:05 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202057,202057#msg-202057 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202057,202057#msg-202057 Pokey AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:54:02 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202052,202052#msg-202052 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202052,202052#msg-202052
A couple of weeks ago I found a deer tick on me and pulled it off. I never got the bulls eye rash nor any symptoms but unfortunately the weekly AFIB episodes started two days after pulling off the tick (coincidence). Could I be fighting off the Lyme infection without any symptoms which is causing the AFIB, or is it just a red herring? Any experience in this would be appreciated.

BTW, I did have Lyme's disease 20 years ago, the rash and flu-like symptoms, so I know what it feels like.

Thanks]]> MikeN AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 02 Nov 2026 22:44:02 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202033,202033#msg-202033 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202033,202033#msg-202033 hwkmn05 AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 30 Oct 2026 20:19:20 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202032,202032#msg-202032 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202032,202032#msg-202032 hwkmn05 AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 06 Nov 2026 01:48:52 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202027,202027#msg-202027 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202027,202027#msg-202027 .]]> californiagal AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:49:07 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202023,202023#msg-202023 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202023,202023#msg-202023
People will say ask your EP. Well... I KNOW that Carafate (sucralfate) coats the digestive track and can block absorption I need to be 100% right now on the Elequis. My EP said "oh you can take it all together". My GI said it does coat so I guess there is my answer.

But I feel like physicians do NOT have a handle on how things interact- especially if it is between disciplines like cardiac and GI. When I got on dofetilide, I had a cardiac pharmacist. She picked up my calls for a year or so but I can never get a call back. I asked EP staff and they said she isn't really used for ongoing but just onboarding of meds in the hospital.

This seems like it is somewhat of a crucial issue- or could be...]]> bettylou4488 AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 03 Nov 2026 15:00:21 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202020,202020#msg-202020 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202020,202020#msg-202020
I saw my dermatologist about a month ago - see him every 6 months because of some actinic keratoses on my forehead and temple areas (previous bouts of basil and squamous cell carcinoma). I was prescribed Fluorouracil 5% cream. This topical cream was to be applied every day for 3 weeks. After about 2 weeks I felt "off" - kardia suggested "possible AFIB". I sent the finding to my heart doc - She suggested I closely monitor my readings. I stopped using the Fluorouracil and shortly thereafter (few days) my readings Kardia readings went back to normal. Doc said the cream did not cause the possible AFIB. But I still have my doubts (as the skin on my temple area is thin and meds could have easily gotten into my bloodstream?) - I know - sounds crazy - but all is well now. Anyone have an experience similar to mine?]]> AJR3 AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:26:30 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202010,202010#msg-202010 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202010,202010#msg-202010 Explorer18 AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:07:44 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202008,202008#msg-202008 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202008,202008#msg-202008
I am reaching the 4 month period after my 3rd ablation and Watchman implant (Dr. Natale) Heart rhythm seems to be stable and very few symptoms (rare shortness of breath episodes). Last EKG was normal. Kardia readings show some occassional PAC's. Overall , I am really happy with the results. No medications for arrhythmia and 2.5 mg Eliquis 2/day. As a 76 year old male, I am considering a procedure for shoulder repair. In, addition, my doctor has suggested a testosterone treatment. Anyone have thoughts about these treatments interrupting my recovery process from the ablations. Thanks.

Sir]]> SSr AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:46:18 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202007,202007#msg-202007 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202007,202007#msg-202007 www.msn.com]]]> gloaming AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:07:19 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202001,202001#msg-202001 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,202001,202001#msg-202001 This is my first post so I may do something wrong! I've had PAF for about 15 years treated with 2 ablations, one in 2019 and then again in 2024. All came off Flecainide last year, and all has been well until recent months when the afib has started to show up again; sometimes just for a few minutes and other times for 1.5 hours. I use Flecainide as a PIP 50 mg, and so far the afib has stopped. My treatment has been at The Cleveland Clinic ever since I was diagnosed. Lately, I am only getting about 2 weeks between episodes of afib or whatever as arrhythmia this is. My EP of may years and the one who did both of my ablations was involved in a serious accident last year. In his absence, I saw another EP who I can't stand. I won't use any names but the EP I dislike I just saw in August. They did not weigh me, did not take my BP, and he never listened to my heart. Every concern I had, he dismissed and told me to come back in a year.
Meanwhile my original EP who I do like is back seeing patients now after a long leave of absence. However, he only does cardioversions and sees patients in the office, as he cannot stand to do ablations or pacemakers.I have a chance to see Dr Pasquale Santangeli next month. He knows nothing about me. The person on the phone today said I can't just change from one doctor to the next.
So what would you do? Go back to the MD who is smart, thorough, compassionate, and knows your case well, or just start over with an MD who seems to have remarkable credentials?? Thank you for your thoughts.]]> Wolfgang AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:53:20 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201990,201990#msg-201990 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201990,201990#msg-201990
CATHETER ABLATION FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

PROCEDURES PERFORMED:

PFA pulmonary vein isolation and posterior wall isolation
RF ablation for typical atrial flutter
HV interval measurement
3D electroanatomic mapping
Intracadiac Echocardiography
Transeptal puncture
Ultrasound guided access
Left atrial and/or coronary sinus pacing/recording

My throat is very sore and I’m coughing, but it should start getting better after 48 hours, which is soon. I’ve had a headache since Monday afternoon that isn’t going away on acetaminophen. Of course my groin punctures are sore and bruised but that’s to be expected. One unexpected discomfort was the nurse getting my wedding band off! After 51 years it was practically embedded on my finger! I’ll have it made larger. 😊

Pam]]> PamelaJean AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:17:26 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201982,201982#msg-201982 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201982,201982#msg-201982
Also I am on rate control drugs. diltiasem. Last weekend I was in flutter so I took (as prescribed) metropolis. when I went back in sinus my HR went to 40 at one point. It recovered pretty quick. So before the ablation they are stopping the rate control drugs. I just feel that I could be in serious trouble. I take the short acting 60 mg every 6 hours. I also have a CT 2 days prior. If I am off then and I have gotten super nervous at these before, I can see it shooting up. Anyone have any thoughts here? questions for me to ask the team?]]> bettylou4488 AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:33:11 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201981,201981#msg-201981 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201981,201981#msg-201981 I met a man from Singapore recently and he told me that he'd had a heart rhythm problem since he was young. He was now retired, so I guess in his early 70's. He said that he hadn't had an ablation and wasn't taking any anti-coagulants. Perhaps it wasn't a very serious rhythm problem. But what I found interesting was that he said that for the past 2 years he'd been soaking chia seeds in water over night and eating them the next day. He said that from taking the chia, his heart rhythm had improved a lot.]]> TomR AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:51:30 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201975,201975#msg-201975 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201975,201975#msg-201975
In May of 2014 I had my first ocular migraine, and have since had many episodes. I rarely get a headache, but I do get the shimmering watery look or a colorful kaleidescope of colors. It goes away after 20-30 minutes of shutting my eyes.

When I Googled what causes ocular migraines, it mentioned that they might occur from abnormal electrical activity - which is pretty much what Afib is too, isn't it? Hence my reason for asking if there might be a connection...I always tell people who ask about AFib that it's nothing really wrong with the heart, but it's an electrical problem.

Any thoughts on this? Barb]]> BarbB AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 19 Oct 2026 01:43:36 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201965,201965#msg-201965 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201965,201965#msg-201965 MeganMN AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 04 Oct 2026 07:05:46 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201955,201955#msg-201955 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201955,201955#msg-201955 And now I am also reluctant to take the Flu vaccine (never got one before, but I am now 70 years old and maybe it's time), and how would I manage that? Taking Flecainide in the days before and after and how much? (Female, 110 pounds). I usually only take Flecainide as PIP when I get episodes.]]> Edda AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 30 Oct 2026 11:46:32 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201952,201952#msg-201952 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201952,201952#msg-201952
I'm a college student doing a project and I need to interview a few people diagnosed with afib, preferably with a monitor. Voice is required (assignment requirement, sorry) and it must be within the next week or two. It will be recorded, but I will be the only one who will access the recording. I'd prefer doing it over Discord, but I'd be able to set up a phone call or Zoom meeting if need be. Please let me know if you're interested!

Disclaimer: The project is based around marketing for a new afib monitor. I will not be trying to sell you anything, rather I am establishing "jobs to be done" for the consumer base.]]> Kenny AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:59:45 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201944,201944#msg-201944 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201944,201944#msg-201944 I am also looking at a Freeze Dryer. Any AF issues eating freeze dried food ?
3K to 4K for 1 year supply going price out there. 3K for a freeze dryer.]]> Todd AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:29:06 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201939,201939#msg-201939 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201939,201939#msg-201939
So now maybe a second ablation - but that might include a watchmen.

QUESTION: I was recommended to stop metoprolol (25mg x2) and switch to Multaq 500mg x2.

What is the experience of folks here? Which is better to prevent afib/flutter? Metoprolol or Multaq?
I don't have a bad reaction to either. I was good for 2.5 yrs with metoprolol.

Thanks for any words of wisdom

-Sven]]> swhanson AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:51:37 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201938,201938#msg-201938 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201938,201938#msg-201938
[www.medscape.com]]]> sldabrowski AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:06:38 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201937,201937#msg-201937 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201937,201937#msg-201937
[www.medscape.com]]]> sldabrowski AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:53:47 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201929,201929#msg-201929 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201929,201929#msg-201929 [www.news-medical.net]]]> Joe AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 20 Sep 2026 01:05:23 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201919,201919#msg-201919 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201919,201919#msg-201919
So my questions
1) thoughts on the timing for the eliquis hold 
2) thoughts on the whole may be in afib of may have been in afib? before the hold and self converted.

Thanks I have a pretty extensive cardiac history. I will be talking to my adult congenital doc tomorrow and EP NP on Monday. But wanted opinions here or questions to ask them]]> bettylou4488 AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:12:01 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201914,201914#msg-201914 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201914,201914#msg-201914
I reported it to the state police because I was so afraid I had caused problems. Anything I shoukd be doing since my pcp didn’t have anything further to add. Thank you if you got this far]]> Erin AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:42:43 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201913,201913#msg-201913 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201913,201913#msg-201913
[www.youtube.com]]]> AJR3 AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:08:08 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201902,201902#msg-201902 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201902,201902#msg-201902
It's been a little over 5 months since my ablation and I have been off of Flecainide for about 2 weeks but I have noticed a dramatic increase in ectopic beats again. Has this happened to any of you? Instead of stopping Flecainide abruptly, which they said i could do, I decided to taper off of it instead for 4 weeks before finally stopping it altogether 2 weeks ago. My cardiologist said I could start back on it and suggested cutting the 150mg dose in half since I had mentioned I had plenty 150mg tablets leftover. I was really hoping to be done with Flecainide for a while at least.
What I don't like is, is I get more ectopic beats during exercise so we'll see what my cardiologist wants to do.

Eric]]> EricY AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 25 Oct 2026 11:55:38 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201893,201893#msg-201893 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201893,201893#msg-201893
After a recent routine ECHO, my Cardiologist told me I had mild PH. Since I have no symptoms, I was surprised. That started a cascade of testing to determine why and level. I won't go into detail about all the tests. After consulting a top specialist in Interventional Cardiology and Pulmonologist at the Pulmonary Hypertension center (I finally consented to a RH/LH cath) it was determined that the mild PH is a result of the multiple ablations and scarring. My pulmonary functions were normal, heart function normal, no stenosis etc; I walk about 3 miles a day and strength training once a week. If it was significant issue, I could not do what I do, was the feedback.

The cardiologist who did the testing told me, for some, having ablations that keep you in rhythm and improve QOL can be a tradeoff for asymptomatic PH. Which would you rather have had? - a lifetime of AFIB or a mild case of PH with no symptoms if the AFIB ablations were not performed. No further medical intervention required at this time, other than keeping an eye on it.

For me, my decisions over all these years is a no brainer. Still a mystery why so young having this. The EP I last saw told me you will drive yourself crazy trying to determine why, you made it this far - a testament to your advocacy and care.

My two cents.]]> sldabrowski AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:03:09 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201891,201891#msg-201891 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201891,201891#msg-201891

[www.medscape.com]]]> sldabrowski AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:59:00 +0000