Dear Sharon

A comprehensive survey of afibbers carried out by THE AFIB REPORT (well
referenced)
demonstrated that the most common trigger of the initial episode was
emotional or work-related stress (26%) closely followed by physical
overexertion at 24%. Caffeine, alcohol, and ice-cold drinks were next at
10%, 6% and 8% respectively. Other less common triggers were severe illness
or a viral infection (experienced by 6% of respondents), dehydration (4%),
and rest (4%). Digestive periods, coughing and burping, pharmaceutical
drugs, surgery, electromagnetic radiation, and toxic chemicals round off
the list of initial triggers with 2% (1 respondent) each. 
The triggers of subsequent episodes follow in the footsteps of the first
one. The overwhelming favourite for the title of most important trigger is
emotional or work-related stress. A full 50% of all respondents listed
stress as a trigger. Physical overexertion was next at 24% closely followed
by alcohol (including wine) and rest at 22% each. The digestive period
following a heavy meal was a trigger for 18%, caffeine was mentioned by
16%, and an ice-cold drink by 12%. Ten per cent reported that MSG
(monosodium glutamate) was a trigger for them and 6% said that lying on the
left side would set off an episode. Aspartame (NutraSweet) was mentioned as
a trigger by two respondents (4%) as was chocolate, coughing and burping,
and flying (at high altitudes). Three men over 30 years of age (6%) felt
that their episodes were cyclical in nature and not related to any specific
trigger. Other triggers mentioned were aged cheese, sugar, food additives,
acid indigestion, a hot bath, NyQuil (a cold remedy), electromagnetic
radiation, toxic chemicals, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, and changes
in weather patterns. Please note that the percentages do not add up to 100
because many respondents listed more than one trigger. 

It is clear that the triggers for LAF are many and varied and highly
specific to each individual except for excessive emotional and physical
stress which are pretty well universal. 

Given this information plus the emergency response job description, I would
temporarily redeploy pending ablation/seek
medical evidence from Cardiologist if you feel this is required.

Best regards

Catherine



On Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:24:52 +0100, "Naylor, Sharon [HMPS]"
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Looking for guidance on deployement of otherwise fit individuals with
> paroxysmal AF, not brilliantly controlled with
>  medication , awaiting cardiologist/ablation who is their normal job may
> be rquired to do C&R/emergency response. Having a bun fight re whether
> this person should be fully operational or not
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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-- 
Catherine Mackay
MSc (Work Psychol.) Grad.IOSH
l: +44 131 445 4448
m: +44 7956439163
e: [log in to unmask]
w: cmkhealthatwork.com (under reconstruction)

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