Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 > I'm having an episode right now. I have an appointment to visit my > cardiologist on Monday. This is very distressing. > Reply to Scared! I hope by the time you read this your episode has subsided. You asked about the Atkins diet? I think if you have any medical problems you should always check with your Dr. before going on any diet! I have several food triggers that can set me off into fib attacks. Spicy foods, onions and garlic, too much sugar. Every body is different. The Atkins diet is a little extreme, although my husband just lost 50 pounds on it, but I must add But, HE HAS NO physical problems at all, so for him it was OK. Check with your Dr on monday as to whether this is a safe diet or not for you. I know how distressing those attacks can be. Mine usually happen in the middle of the night which makes them even more scary. Thankfully they are infrequent. Blessings, Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 In a message dated 6/8/2003 5:47:23 AM Pacific Daylight Time, flowermound2000@... writes: << Is there any link between the Atkins diet and AF? I have been taking potassium suplements as well because on the diet you can devlope leg cramps. >> I posted to another group my opinion that the Atkins diet could have a link to afib because of the absence of fruit and significant vegetables, excellent conveyors of electrolytes like potassium which are essential for normal heart rhythm. This is just conjecture on my part because I have never tried the diet myself, but it just seems logical that if you cut from your diet foods which are a major source of electrolytes, you could be deficient in electrolytes unless you take supplements. I am probably not qualified to make this judgment, though, since I am not a medical professional and have no experience with the diet. Also, I think leg cramps can be connected with insufficient calcium. in sinus in Seattle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Hi Flower, I truly hope your a-fib attack has passed now since I'm posting almost 15 hours later. They are so scary and esp if we can't breath well and there is pain up into the jaw. Ellen always tells me to do some relaxation techniques. I can usually only remember the deep breath and blow it out slowly. Hard to sleep or concentrate on anything when having an a-fib episode. I was on Atkins for a while and had no problems, but we are all very different. You can get too much potassium in your diet and affect your heart negatively, so be sure to ask your Dr about that. I've been told to only take potassium supplement if I take lasix on that day. Potassium is a delicate balance... too much is bad, too little is bad. Come back and chat with us if the AF is not gone. We might can help you calm down by talking about similar symptoms. Cheryl > I'm having an episode right now. I have an appointment to visit my > cardiologist on Monday. This is very distressing. > > Is there any link between the Atkins diet and AF? I have been taking > potassium suplements as well because on the diet you can devlope leg > cramps. Could this be the cause. > > I hope this episode ends soon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 > I'm having an episode right now. I have an appointment to visit my > cardiologist on Monday. This is very distressing. > > Is there any link between the Atkins diet and AF? I have been taking > potassium suplements as well because on the diet you can devlope leg > cramps. Could this be the cause. > > I hope this episode ends soon... The Atkins diet helps you loose wieght by pulling sugar, water and electrolytes out of your cells. This is how they loose weight. I don't believe Atkins is good for anyone with Atrial fibrillation. You need to maintain electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium etc) However, a high protein diet does seem to help many with AF. I follow a paleo diet, but it is high in veggies, fruit nuts etc. I never go into ketosis. But I never eat grains, beans, dairy (well on the odd ocassion) or potatoes. To help you convert eat some fruit and veggies, and pumpkin seeds for there high magnesium and potassium content. Fran Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Thank you for kind replies. Episode subsided about 6:00am this morning, but it was a rough night. I don't know what is going on with me. This all started with me last week and I went to an ER just to have my BP checked. It was all over the place that day ranging from a low of 111/65 to a high of 157/98. The EKG showed the afib right away. The doctor told me to take an aspirin a day until I can get into see my cardiologist. I probably had a total of four episodes this week ranging from the lengthy ( about 12-24 hrs.) to a short 10 second afib. I'll be doing the stupid human tricks tomorrow for my cardiologist. I'm sure this is Atkins related. I've lost about 30lbs in just over two months, so I may have whacked my system. I love the weight loss, but if the good doctor tells me to lay off the diet, what do I do? I'm not obese -6'3 " and 223, but don't want to hit 250 again. I already take 50mg of toprol XL for hypertension. I, generally, have a hard time with stress and anxiety, so I'm sure this is all related somewhat. Thanks, again to all. Best regards, > > I'm having an episode right now. I have an appointment to visit my > > cardiologist on Monday. This is very distressing. > > > Reply to Scared! > I hope by the time you read this your episode has subsided. You asked > about the Atkins diet? I think if you have any medical problems you > should always check with your Dr. before going on any diet! I have > several food triggers that can set me off into fib attacks. Spicy > foods, onions and garlic, too much sugar. Every body is different. > The Atkins diet is a little extreme, although my husband just lost 50 > pounds on it, but I must add But, HE HAS NO physical problems at all, > so for him it was OK. Check with your Dr on monday as to whether this > is a safe diet or not for you. I know how distressing those attacks > can be. Mine usually happen in the middle of the night which makes > them even more scary. Thankfully they are infrequent. > Blessings, Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Dear , I agree it is stress related. Feeling the stress build up in my chest is a precursor feeling to my attacks. Have you had your adrenal levels checked? Also I'm working on trying not to get into those thought chains that build up stress in me. I am not familiar with Atkins diet but I find that diet is important factor in controlling AF. Right now I'm trying to eat every 1-2 hour a little protein, a little whole grain something, regular veggies and very little fruit. No sugar at all as for me eating sweets triggers sugar/insulin/adrenalin roller coasters which is bad for AF. Edgar flowermound2000 wrote: > Thank you for kind replies. > > Episode subsided about 6:00am this morning, but it was a rough night. > I don't know what is going on with me. > > This all started with me last week and I went to an ER just to have > my BP checked. It was all over the place that day ranging from a low > of 111/65 to a high of 157/98. The EKG showed the afib right away. > The doctor told me to take an aspirin a day until I can get into see > my cardiologist. I probably had a total of four episodes this week > ranging from the lengthy ( about 12-24 hrs.) to a short 10 second > afib. > > I'll be doing the stupid human tricks tomorrow for my cardiologist. > I'm sure this is Atkins related. I've lost about 30lbs in just over > two months, so I may have whacked my system. I love the weight loss, > but if the good doctor tells me to lay off the diet, what do I do? > > I'm not obese -6'3 " and 223, but don't want to hit 250 again. I > already take 50mg of toprol XL for hypertension. I, generally, have > a hard time with stress and anxiety, so I'm sure this is all related > somewhat. > > Thanks, again to all. > > Best regards, > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm having an episode right now. I have an appointment to visit > my > > > cardiologist on Monday. This is very distressing. > > > > > Reply to Scared! > > I hope by the time you read this your episode has subsided. You > asked > > about the Atkins diet? I think if you have any medical problems > you > > should always check with your Dr. before going on any diet! I have > > several food triggers that can set me off into fib attacks. Spicy > > foods, onions and garlic, too much sugar. Every body is different. > > The Atkins diet is a little extreme, although my husband just lost > 50 > > pounds on it, but I must add But, HE HAS NO physical problems at > all, > > so for him it was OK. Check with your Dr on monday as to whether > this > > is a safe diet or not for you. I know how distressing those > attacks > > can be. Mine usually happen in the middle of the night which makes > > them even more scary. Thankfully they are infrequent. > > Blessings, Mandy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Even on the first 2 weeks of Atkins diet, those on the diet are to eat vegetables in small amounts each day. On 3rd week and each week thereafter, more vegetables and some fruits can be added. But, yes, Dr Atkins recommends supplements. Just be careful and not become overdosed on supplements such as the potassium which can be harmful. My Dr recommended the diet cause he lost weight on it, but he also recommended a modified Atkins with more veg and fruit. So, be sure to check with your Dr first. Cheryl > In a message dated 6/8/2003 5:47:23 AM Pacific Daylight Time, > flowermound2000@y... writes: > > << Is there any link between the Atkins diet and AF? I have been taking > potassium suplements as well because on the diet you can devlope leg > cramps. >> > I posted to another group my opinion that the Atkins diet could have a link > to afib because of the absence of fruit and significant vegetables, excellent > conveyors of electrolytes like potassium which are essential for normal heart > rhythm. SNIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 A very low carb/high protien diet for two weeks triggered my first episode (and only one so far thank God) of AFIB - my potassium level was low at the hospital. I have since modified my diet somewhat since I still need to lose 40 pounds. I don't eat white flour or sugar, but I do eat plenty of fruits, bananas, apples, oranges, grapes and veggies. It may take me a bit longer this way than with the stricter low-carb diet, but I would rather keep my body chemicals in balance, thank you very much! I am also taking vitiman E, calcium, magnesium and fish oil under my doctor's supervision. The biggest thing I need to overcome is my fear of exercise. Even though I was not exercising when I had my AFIB, and I am on a beta blocker that is keeping my heart rate regulated, I have a fear of exercising. Tomorrow morning I am going to start it up again, but very slow going - just walking or riding the exercise bike. My anxiety level has been off the charts in the past couple of weeks, and I have had to start on a SSRI drug (Lexapro) and tranquilzer (Klonopin). Even with both of these drugs on board, I still get feelings of hypervigilance and anxiety about my heart rate (which is nicely controlled between 60-80). I am going to start yoga as a stress relief. Good luck with your AFIB - I hope you have long periods of sinus rhythm soon. Annie > > > I'm having an episode right now. I have an appointment to visit > my > > > cardiologist on Monday. This is very distressing. > > > > > Reply to Scared! > > I hope by the time you read this your episode has subsided. You > asked > > about the Atkins diet? I think if you have any medical problems > you > > should always check with your Dr. before going on any diet! I have > > several food triggers that can set me off into fib attacks. Spicy > > foods, onions and garlic, too much sugar. Every body is different. > > The Atkins diet is a little extreme, although my husband just lost > 50 > > pounds on it, but I must add But, HE HAS NO physical problems at > all, > > so for him it was OK. Check with your Dr on monday as to whether > this > > is a safe diet or not for you. I know how distressing those > attacks > > can be. Mine usually happen in the middle of the night which makes > > them even more scary. Thankfully they are infrequent. > > Blessings, Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 >To Scared. I too know the feeling of anxiety about fib attacks. Its been two months since my last fib attack and since then I've been in NSR and doing fine, But, tonight I felt a fewmissed beats, and immediatly became quite nervous and tense. I watch what I eat most of the time, and try to go to bed with an empty stomach so as not to have any gastric reflux which can trigger a fib.! Do we ever get to the point when we can forget about the fib? I certainly hope so!!! I once went for two years without a fib attack and believed that it was gone. Its good to have others to compare notes with. Keep the Faith and keep looking UP! Blessings, Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 was on the atkins diet for one month,went into afib because potassium levels dropped very low, will not go on that diet again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Lost 40 lbs in around 9 months on Atkins. No afib here. Re: Re: Scared was on the atkins diet for one month,went into afib because potassium levels dropped very low, will not go on that diet again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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