arrhythmia and gastric distress

[Net11135]

I am a 73 year old female who suffers from significant bloating and severe gastric pain on a daily basis.  These events appear to be related to the onset of arrhythmia from time to time.  I have undergone GI and cardiology workups and numerous laboratory tests but no definitive diagnoses have been forthcoming.  Any advice?  Thank you.

[BokBlark]

There is a connection between gastric conditions and cardiac rhythm. It's sometimes referred to as gastrocardiac syndrome. Certain foods that cause reflux or trigger the vagus nerve can, in turn, affect the heart, leading to an abnormal rhythm. Usually it's temporary, though an episode can still last a while in some people.

If you find that your rhythm disturbance is not worsened by exercise and occurs shortly after eating, is relieved when burping, or is triggered by certain foods, then you may have a gastric cause for the rhythm disturbance. But I would recommend discussing this with your doctor just to rule out more serious problems since it's also possible to have both a gastric condition plus a separate heart condition.

Good luck to you and best wishes.

[jpek]

Many of us understand your frustration.  I  have only been living this for 2 years, and it drives me crazy.  I recently posted a couple articles, and there is a definite connection between gastic issues and arrhythmia.  The following quote says it all;

"Active AF management should include not only drug treatment (if appropriate), and of course the correct drug(s), but also correction of any underlying issues such as chronic gastric problems. "

In the mean time, track the triggers and focus on reducing the AFs.
Try this link, and look at the section on controlling AFs with diet/supplements.  It helped me.  MSG was a big hitter that I was  not focussed on.

http://www.afibbers.org/faq.htm#diet    

good luck.

[kingofswat109]

I also have severe gastric distress when my stomach gets empty which is about every two hours.  If I don't eat something right away, my heart will go out of rhythm.  My gastroenterologist blamse my gas, bloating and hunger on my IBS.  I have had this problem soine the summer of 2007 and asked every doctor that I see - cardiologist, primary care doctor and gastroenterologist - for help and no one has been able to give me any helpful medical advice, acting as though the problem was minor and not worth their time to seek outside help.  To say that I am extremely frustrated would be an understatemen.  I get the feeling that nobody cares because they don't think it is that serious.  I do have A-Fib with its accompanying arrythmias so they treat me like what I have is normal.  Believe me it isn't.

kingofswat109

[Madge270]

My PVCs are definitely more of a problem when my heartburn acts up. I have heartburn a lot, unless I take Nexium daily. Even then, I sometimes have heartburn and take some additional Mylanta. Also, irritable bowel and the gas/bloating it causes makes the PVCs worse. When the gas passes and stops pressing on my stomach and chest area, the PVCs lessen. They also lessen when I get up and walk around some after eating, and when I eat smaller, healthier meals.

[bundleblocker]

I often have heartburn with my Afibs.  It is usually after eating a fatty-type meal late at night.  I never get heartburn at any other time.

I have recently begun a healthier diet where I concentrate on vegetables and fruits and avoid spicy, fatty foods as much as possible.

I feel much better and am more energetic (I'm a runner) and have lost weight.


How is your diet?

[sb786]

Hi there
I too find that all heart rhythm problems are triggered by gastric/digestive problems.
I know if i can get my digestive system to behave my heart is fine.

[Jerry_NJ]

Given you haven't yet gotten a response, I'll respond with what crosses my mind.  At least you'll know people are reading your post.

As you have medical advice I wonder what they have prescribed.  I'd think you have the problem defined: gastric distress.  Or, yes, I think that could cause heart rhythm problems.

Are you on any medications or dietary regiments to reduce/eliminate the gastric problems?  That's the place to start... again, sorry all I have is the obvious.

Wishing you the best result, and soon.