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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Common To Have Atrial Fibrillation After Vomiting?

This is the second time it has happened to me and I was wondering how common it is. Yes, I do have a history of heart disease, and I do see a Dr. about it, but I always forget to ask this question. I am 28, the first time I was 20......I DO NOT USE DRUGS OF ANY KIND I would like to thank you all for your responses, I have been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and have had no symptoms for 5 years now, my ejection fractions have been excellent. I did go to the ER and they told me I am in A Fib, they did not convert me this time, they are hoping that my body will do it natrually, it hasn t yet.....we ll see, last time they had to convert me......
Thu, 30 Dec 2010
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  Anonymous's Response
's  Response

I am 31 in a month and have had 3 episodes since around the age of 18


All 3 were caused directly and immediately after vomitting.

Case 1: Dehydrated, played baseball, got a migraine, threw up - heart was beating fast, didn't know at the time I had a-fib until I woke up and my heart was still racing.

Case 2: Drank a lot, vomitted, immediately heart went into a-fib


Case 3: Drank a lot the night before, woke up feeling ok, then felt nausea.  Threw up and then went into a-fib.

Quite honestly, it's been about 5 yrs since that last case and I don't think I've thrown up since then.  I am actually now afraid of vomitting purely because of the fear I have of going into a-fib as a result.


My suggestions: Keep away from caffeine (all of it), limit alcohol intake and keep hydrated if you do drink.  Keep hydrated in any type of heat/sports.
  User's Response
antonio's  Response
It is a possibilty because you heart sits right above your diaphram, and your stomach is under your diaphram. Your diaphram is kind of like a seperator I guess you can say. So with your stomach all twisted and your vomiting this can cause it. Just because your heart is getting pushed against. Make sure that you are sure that it is atrial fibrillation. You might just get a few ackward pulses because of your heaving.
  Anonymous's Response
Anonymous's  Response

i am 31 and just recently discovered that i have afib. it was most definitely brought on as a direct result of excessive vomiting. i told the doctors this but they just seemed to ignore me. but i would definitely confirm your suspicions.
  User's Response
shane's  Response

i have had this happen to me about 5 times within the last 2 yrs. and its always after i vomit but i swear i feel like something bumps against the bottom of my heart as i wretch. still no direct answer from the docs other than i irritate my vagal. i have passed all the tests that they have thrown at me.
  User's Response
vbaranowsi's  Response
My husband has CAD but never had afib.he vomited violently last night, was nauseated and then went into a fib. Heart pounding lasted several hours, stopped while at doc but was seen on ekg. Then he ate lunch and felt it again. Metoprolol was increased to 100 twice a day. I think that the vomiting caused the a fib and his heart is still irritated by full stomach pushing up diaphragm. We will return to doc for another keg tomorrow and we will see if converts naturally. No caffeine and plenty of rest tonite!
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Is It Common To Have Atrial Fibrillation After Vomiting?

I am 31 in a month and have had 3 episodes since around the age of 18 All 3 were caused directly and immediately after vomitting. Case 1: Dehydrated, played baseball, got a migraine, threw up - heart was beating fast, didn't know at the time I had a-fib until I woke up and my heart was still racing. Case 2: Drank a lot, vomitted, immediately heart went into a-fib Case 3: Drank a lot the night before, woke up feeling ok, then felt nausea. Threw up and then went into a-fib. Quite honestly, it's been about 5 yrs since that last case and I don't think I've thrown up since then. I am actually now afraid of vomitting purely because of the fear I have of going into a-fib as a result. My suggestions: Keep away from caffeine (all of it), limit alcohol intake and keep hydrated if you do drink. Keep hydrated in any type of heat/sports.