Treatment for atrial arrythmia triggered directly by the action of Swallowing?

[Qpete]

About 20 years ago I battled a period of atrial arrythmia that included PAT, ectopic beats and rare but occasional afib. I had all the tests done including an EP study which unfortunately was done during a period when I was not having the problem. My condition became very unique in that all the rhythm disturbances were triggered by the action of swallowing. It did t matter if it was food or a dry swallow but eating became annoying at times. Long story short, I had a barium swallow test that showed significant reflux and was prescribed a PPI. After a few weeks the arrythmia and swallow triggered went away. I've been on the PPI's for many years now without issue but the swallow trigger returned a few days ago. It is so uncomfortable to eat or swallow as I immediately feel several palpitations. It was suspected that the vagus nerve was the culprit. The acid reflux is somehow irritating the nerve so that upon swallowing it causes this problem. I'm now 55 and just returned from a winter of aggressive mountain biking and hiking near Phoenix. I exercised hard and feel like im in the best shape of my life. But suddenly now the swallow trigger has come back. I suspect the physical conditioning has caused stinger vagal tone which has made me more vulnerable to the reflux. So...has anyone found a way to deal/treat this problem? I'm trying diet mod and other reflux self help but no success yet. I'd appreciate anyone's advice. Thanks Peter

[Qpete]

During the past 2 weeks I have come to learn some important things. I believe that the heart palpitations are being caused by pressure within the upper GI tract pressing on the vagus nerve. The pressure is due to improper digestion of food. I'm taking digestive enzymes and eating smaller meals that are acid reflux friendly. The good news is that it is working. The pressure has subsided and the heart palps have also stopped - not a coincidence. What got me thinking about this was during an abdominal ultrasound the technician noticed that I had lots of gas in my upper stomach which blocked his ability to see my liver.  I didn't even know I had gas because I wasn't feeling any pressure at the time. It started thinking how much gas I might have when I'm feeling pressure. No wonder the vagus nerve gets irritated causing heart palps.

The Internet is full of similar stories so stay tuned. So far so good. If you are interested, this site is a must read.
http://hubpages.com/health/Is-Your-Vagus-Nerve-Causing-Your-Stomach-to-Bloat

[MichelleP_3811]

I notice that reflux is a big trigger for me.  After a bout of it I have more ectopic activity.  I wish I had a solution for you but I usually just ride it out.  My reflux isn't constant so that may change down the line but I just try to hold to the fact that they aren't a danger in an otherwise healthy heart and try to not let them hijack my mind and attention.  Make sure you stay well hydrated.  Dehydration is another big trigger for me.  Take care.