coffee and stress

Hope one of you can answer this for me. Because of a severely enlarged atria and a failed ablation, I was given a AV node ablation. Before that, I had been in afib almost continually for several months and my heart rate would go from thirties to 140. My question is this. I do not feel it because my upper heart is blocked and the lead from the pacemaker goes directly to the ventricle (the atri nowl is always in afib). Will coffee and stress cause more problems to my heart now that I have my pm.? Thanks for being part of a great club! aldeer

5 Comments

no caffeine

by gevans - 2007-12-03 02:12:25

I too have had problems with afib (the reason I have this device and the situation that resulted in finding all you wonderful people). My cardiologist specifically said "no caffeine" which is no big deal for me because I never liked the taste of coffee, but I have cut back on soft drinks, and now only occassionally drink a caffeine-free diet cola.

This should be no more of a lifestyle change for us than passing up the french fries. But the caffeine in chocolate...that, I may have a problem in passing up. Is there a support group for chocolate lovers?

Addicted

chocolate!!!!

by aldeer - 2007-12-03 04:12:52

Thanks, boatman & Vai for your comments. Vai, I will be on Coumadin (my rat poison) for life because of the afib and do realize the high risk. Gevans, I am with you....How in the world can we give up chocolate!!! Fun group! Thanks one and all. aldeer

Effects Of Caffeine On The Heart

by SMITTY - 2007-12-03 06:12:16

Hello Aldeer,

I 'm not smart enough to offer any additional information on caffeine and its effects on the heart but I will give you the following to think about. This came from a long article on this subject and you can find in on Google. Just put in "the effects of caffeine on the heart."

"The following characteristics of coffee have an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system

Coffee Raises Blood Pressure

Coffee Drinking is Associated with the Presence of Heart Rhythm Irregularities

Coffee Increases Serum Cholesterol Levels

Coffee Drinking Raises Homocysteine Levels

Coffee Drinking Aggravates the Body's Inflammation Processes

Coffee Drinking is Associated with Increased Heart Attack Risk

Coffee Increases Blood Vessel Stiffness

Caffeine Causes Mineral Excretion

Coffee Elevates Stress Hormones

Caffeine Interferes with GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) Metabolism

The above was brought to you by Teeccino® the makers of caffeine-free herbal coffee marketed under the brand name of Teeccino®"

Now, I gotta go get me a cup of caffeinated coffee. I've lived this long drinking the stuff and I'm to old and stubborn to change now.

Smitty

Well...

by boatman50 - 2007-12-03 11:12:31

We have different situations so I can only tell you what my EP said. "Lifestyle Change". Stress was a huge contributor to my reasons for getting a pm and he said stress would trigger the episodes of V V S. I have cut back on sources of caffeine (never drank coffe) and drink mostly water and propels with an occasional caffeine free soda. It has helped me avoid problems.
Good Luck, Boatman

coffee and stress

by Vai - 2007-12-03 11:12:50

I am sorry to hear of your persistent afib condition. With such a high level of afib, there is an increased risk of stroke even though you do not feel it.
The caffeine in coffee may be a contributor to your afib level. Cutting it down to reduce the afib may be a good idea. Likewise for stress.
Whenever I consume any products than contain caffeine (coffee, coke, pepsi, mountain dew, chocolates etc) it does trigger an quickening of the heart rate which could lead to an afib episode. So such products is cut-off from my diet.

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.