Why do I pee constantly during an AFib attack at 47?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 47-year-old man and have noticed something odd during episodes when my heart starts racing. Whenever I have what feels like an AFib attack, I suddenly find myself running to the bathroom every hour.

At first I thought it was coincidence or maybe anxiety, but it happened enough times now that I am starting to connect the dots. The whole thing feels bizarre because I go from focusing on my heartbeat to wondering why I am peeing so much.

Is there a reason people with AFib sometimes experience frequent urination during an episode, or should I be looking for another explanation entirely?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The answer is yes, there may be a relationship between the two conditions. In times of having atrial fibrillation and other fast heart rhythms, the heart may have higher levels of a hormone known as atrial natriuretic peptide that prompts the body to excrete excess fluid. That can lead to needing to urinate more often, sometimes even waking up to pee.

The stress/adrenaline response that comes with feeling your heart race can also make your bladder feel more active; frequent urination during episodes is not specific to AFib, so other things can also contribute, such as

Caffeine.
High fluid intake.
Diabetes.
Prostate issues (in men).
Bladder irritation.

If it happens mainly at the same time as your racing heartbeat and stops when the episode ends, it does fit with a rhythm-related body response.

It would be helpful to confirm what the rhythm actually is during an episode (AFib, another fast rhythm, or just sinus tachycardia). A wearable ECG (electrocardiogram) device or a longer heart monitor from your doctor can help capture it.

Seek urgent medical care. If you ever have

Chest pain.
Fainting, severe.
Shortness of breath.
A very fast heart rate that does not settle.

I hope it helped with the query.

Thank you.