Aa
A Fib and Hiatal Hernia/Digestive Problems
I have recently been diagnosed with A Fib. I had an episode while at my doctor's office and it was recorded on the EKG. I've had a heart echo that was normal and my other EKGs are fine. The fibs tend to happen between 1 and 6pm during the day and they can last from 1 minute to 2 hours before going away on their own. I am taking Dilacor XR 180 and for 7 days now, Coumadin 5mg.
I have a hiatal hernia that was diagnosed several years ago and I take protonix for 3-4 weeks about 6 times/year for that.
I have noticed that my fibrillations always feel as though they're starting in my stomach. I get this odd, bubbly feeling in my stomach that seems to rise and within a few minutes, the fibrillations start. Is it possible that digestive/hernia problems can cause this? I've never had them before (I'm a 43 year old woman, and am overweight). Oddly enough, I was diagnosed with neuphratic syndrom about the same time I was diagnosed with the fibs (It's been a BAD month). The kidney problems resulted from over-use of NSAIDs and that seems to be abating somewhat.
The second thing I can't understand is that while the fibs can also seem to be triggered by my heart rate going faster than normal if I'm carrying groceries up a hill, they have not yet been triggered when I swim (freestyle for 20-30 minutes straight).
So the questions are. Can fibs be triggered by gas/hernia/digestive problems? Can they be related to kidney disease? and finally, why does walking set them off and swimming doesn't?
Thanks for your help. My cardiologist is HMO and not really that forthcoming with advice/help other than sticking me on Coumadin.
annie
I have a hiatal hernia that was diagnosed several years ago and I take protonix for 3-4 weeks about 6 times/year for that.
I have noticed that my fibrillations always feel as though they're starting in my stomach. I get this odd, bubbly feeling in my stomach that seems to rise and within a few minutes, the fibrillations start. Is it possible that digestive/hernia problems can cause this? I've never had them before (I'm a 43 year old woman, and am overweight). Oddly enough, I was diagnosed with neuphratic syndrom about the same time I was diagnosed with the fibs (It's been a BAD month). The kidney problems resulted from over-use of NSAIDs and that seems to be abating somewhat.
The second thing I can't understand is that while the fibs can also seem to be triggered by my heart rate going faster than normal if I'm carrying groceries up a hill, they have not yet been triggered when I swim (freestyle for 20-30 minutes straight).
So the questions are. Can fibs be triggered by gas/hernia/digestive problems? Can they be related to kidney disease? and finally, why does walking set them off and swimming doesn't?
Thanks for your help. My cardiologist is HMO and not really that forthcoming with advice/help other than sticking me on Coumadin.
annie
To Arthur
Thank you for your interesting post. I totally agree with you that finding ONE dr. who can get to know you and correctly diagnose your problem is rare. I have not had to much experience with this runaround approach until this past summer,but my father has several drs and it is almost impossible to figure out what is going on with his meds, labs, not to mention who to call when there is a problem. It's frightening to think but true that we all need a patient advocate with us to make sure we get the care we need and deserve. I have fallen into this role for my father as well as for myself. Thats why it is so important to be as informed and involved as possible, which you seem to be, in our medical care.
Please keep us posted on any new updates.
Thank you for your interesting post. I totally agree with you that finding ONE dr. who can get to know you and correctly diagnose your problem is rare. I have not had to much experience with this runaround approach until this past summer,but my father has several drs and it is almost impossible to figure out what is going on with his meds, labs, not to mention who to call when there is a problem. It's frightening to think but true that we all need a patient advocate with us to make sure we get the care we need and deserve. I have fallen into this role for my father as well as for myself. Thats why it is so important to be as informed and involved as possible, which you seem to be, in our medical care.
Please keep us posted on any new updates.
Just to set the record straight...the arrhythmia/GI connection is simply me, an individual who has spent a huge amount of time researching the literature and discussing these topics with cardiologists (as a result of my own arrhythmia problems which were traced to overactive pulmonary vein foci).
My own experiences have led me to believe that when confronted with symptomology that doesn't quite fit a single area of specialization, the MD specialist is generally unable to diagnose the condition. Our medical system has made it impossible to find a generalist who has the knowledge base and experience to perform accurate diagnoses. So, when one organ affects another, good luck tracking it down, since each organ is part of a different specialist's area.
The things that affect the heart are numerous and span beyond any single specialist's area. Add a nervous system connection and you basically enter the land of speculation. You would think a neurologist might be consulted here, and you would be wrong. The sad fact is that the nervous system interplay behind and around the heart is beyond our present day understanding...that is why most cardiologists either prescribe anti-arrhythmia medications on an empirical basis (ie, try this and see what happens) or they suggest that these arrhythmias are benign and that you should get used to them.
It's a wonder that anyone stumbled upon the pulmonary vein connection...this has led to the current fad of blaming most atrial arrhythmias on the cardiac tissue inside the pulmonary vein connections to the atria...and to the current surge in using RF catheter ablative cures.
Well, enough ranting. I suspect we will see some neat science emerge in the next couple of years that will make even our common PACs acceptable targets for novel and safer ablative intervention. We just have to be patient.
My own experiences have led me to believe that when confronted with symptomology that doesn't quite fit a single area of specialization, the MD specialist is generally unable to diagnose the condition. Our medical system has made it impossible to find a generalist who has the knowledge base and experience to perform accurate diagnoses. So, when one organ affects another, good luck tracking it down, since each organ is part of a different specialist's area.
The things that affect the heart are numerous and span beyond any single specialist's area. Add a nervous system connection and you basically enter the land of speculation. You would think a neurologist might be consulted here, and you would be wrong. The sad fact is that the nervous system interplay behind and around the heart is beyond our present day understanding...that is why most cardiologists either prescribe anti-arrhythmia medications on an empirical basis (ie, try this and see what happens) or they suggest that these arrhythmias are benign and that you should get used to them.
It's a wonder that anyone stumbled upon the pulmonary vein connection...this has led to the current fad of blaming most atrial arrhythmias on the cardiac tissue inside the pulmonary vein connections to the atria...and to the current surge in using RF catheter ablative cures.
Well, enough ranting. I suspect we will see some neat science emerge in the next couple of years that will make even our common PACs acceptable targets for novel and safer ablative intervention. We just have to be patient.
I'm sorry I have not gotten back with you regarding results from gastroenterologist visit but I didn't get to see him as his office did not accept my insurance(blue cross/blue shield preferred. I was stunned as I have never had a problem in the last 10 years or so of having this ins. So I had to make another appt. with a different dr which isn't until 2-26-01. Meanwhile I am still searching for answers. If you haven't yet read Michael Brewers comments, they are interesting and informative. Does anyone know what or who the Arrhythmia and GI connection is? Just wondering. Best of health to all.
This is a wonderful post and very informative. I have to agree that most likely a general cardio doc will not be aware but isn't that a shame.
They have many heart conventions and I am wondering WHY this is not brought
up at conventions so ALL cardioologists, genral and otherwise
can learn of a connection.
I am a sufferer and it has been *&$%^%$%^ trying to put the pieces together myself. I would rather be needle pointing and or crossstitching inseatd of researching.
Michael Brewer posted some very good information under one of the
Arryhtmias sites/January 19,2001. Makes sense to me.
Thanks for this information.
They have many heart conventions and I am wondering WHY this is not brought
up at conventions so ALL cardioologists, genral and otherwise
can learn of a connection.
I am a sufferer and it has been *&$%^%$%^ trying to put the pieces together myself. I would rather be needle pointing and or crossstitching inseatd of researching.
Michael Brewer posted some very good information under one of the
Arryhtmias sites/January 19,2001. Makes sense to me.
Thanks for this information.
The connection between digestive disorders and arrhythmia is likely a subtle one and is likely caused by irritated pulmonary veins. The most recent research has found that the pulmonary vein ostia (openings to the atria, left and right) contain varying lengths of cardiac muscle tissue which have the tendency to fire off their own sets of signals. Once these PVs get a bit stressed (causes not clear, but lifelong exercise, age, virus are suspected) they tend to behave much like a muscle tic, sending out abberant signals, some of which are picked up by the atria and conducted into the heart, thus appearing as premature atrial or ventricular beats...mostly atrial. These PVs have been definitely identified by EP tests as responsible for PACs and PAF.
One cute characteristic of these excited PVs is that they are sensitive to physical changes, ie, changes in posture, movement of diaphragm (like when you get gas, or are bloated from a meal).
Apparently, changes in physical pressure on the PV system will change the characteristics of the hidden tic. This tic has been reported by many as a "nervous feeling" or "internal tremor" centered in the chest.
It is likely that most, of not all, atrial premature beats arise from these excited PVs and that pressure up into the thoracic cavity will alter how these PVs behave. I hope this finally answers the pervasive questions about GI and arrhythmias.
Most cardiologists may not be aware of this connection. Most electrophysiologists (EP) will acknowledge the possibility.
One cute characteristic of these excited PVs is that they are sensitive to physical changes, ie, changes in posture, movement of diaphragm (like when you get gas, or are bloated from a meal).
Apparently, changes in physical pressure on the PV system will change the characteristics of the hidden tic. This tic has been reported by many as a "nervous feeling" or "internal tremor" centered in the chest.
It is likely that most, of not all, atrial premature beats arise from these excited PVs and that pressure up into the thoracic cavity will alter how these PVs behave. I hope this finally answers the pervasive questions about GI and arrhythmias.
Most cardiologists may not be aware of this connection. Most electrophysiologists (EP) will acknowledge the possibility.
Lenore,
I will be glad to share whatever info I get. I am so glad I found this forum as I had a feeling my episodes of Afib were related somehow to my hiatal hernia and reflux but hadn't talked to anyone else who had both these symptoms. Other online sites I have read also confirm that a lot of people feel there is a correlation. I'm anxious to see how the gastroenterologist feels on this subject. Thanks and will keep you informed.
I will be glad to share whatever info I get. I am so glad I found this forum as I had a feeling my episodes of Afib were related somehow to my hiatal hernia and reflux but hadn't talked to anyone else who had both these symptoms. Other online sites I have read also confirm that a lot of people feel there is a correlation. I'm anxious to see how the gastroenterologist feels on this subject. Thanks and will keep you informed.
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