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What Causes Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation Associated With Laying Down And Burping?

Posted on Fri, 26 Feb 2016

Question: I have afib and have had 2 ablazions and yet i now have afib again. Everytime it seems that i have it burping comes with it just a constant burp also afib seems better when standing if i lay down seems to get worse any suggestions to get it to stop seeing my cariologist tomorrow

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

I understand your concern, and would like to explain that cardiac ablations success for treating atrial fibrillation varies from 50% to around 70% depending whether persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is present. When repeated ablations then the success rate is slightly higher.

So you don't be surprised by the fact atrial fibrillation is present again.

I would like to know whether those perceived episodes of atrial fibrillation are frequent, and if they occur only when lying down.

The way atrial fibrillation symptomatolgy is associated with laying down and burping raises some suspicions regarding a possible gastro-esophageal acid reflux (potential triggering factor for exacerbating atrial fibrillation symptoms) and may be the presence of hiatal hernia.

Coming to this point I would recommend using any available gastric anti-secretors drugs (like omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprasole, etc) to possibly relieve your symptoms.

Also, elevating to a few centimeters your head when sleeping (by means of a higher pillow) would be helpful at reducing possible acid reflux.

If other associated symptoms exist you need to discuss with your attending doctor for possibly performing a fibrogastroscopy.

In addition an ambulatory 24 to 48 hours ECG monitoring (Holter) would be necessary to properly investigate potential disturbing atrial fibrillation episodes.

You should discuss with your cardiologist on the above mentioned issues.

If you have available performed tests (like cardiac ECHO, previous Holter, medical reports, etc), I would be glad to review them for a second opinion. You can upload them here.

Hope to have been helpful to you.

In case of any further uncertainties, do not hesitate to ask me again.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (16 minutes later)

i am in afib now and with a sthescope sounds like it is bouncing all over thinking about going to er to get some relief

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend going to the ER.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Going to the ER would be the best thing to do in this situation.

A physical examination and a resting ECG should be done.

Let me know what is going on.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)

Right after I wrote again stopped seems to be better if I lay on my right side as of now I am in sinus rhythm so if it does not go back to ad in will see cardiologist tomorrow but will mention your advice thak you

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:

Hi Again,

I hope no any other atrial fibrillation recurrences will appear again (at least not frequently).

Nevertheless, I recommend you discussing tomorrow with your attending cardiologist on the above mentioned issues.

Please, let me know how things are going on.

Wishing all the best!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar