Bodybuilder Hospitalized Multiple Times Due to Mysterious Heart Condition Triggered by Drinking Water
In a shocking turn of events, a bodybuilder from Houston, Texas, named Franklin Aribeana, has been hospitalized more than a dozen times due to a mysterious heart condition that was triggered by drinking water. It took years and 25 hospital visits for both Aribeana and his doctors to finally trace the source of the problem. They theorized that the culprit behind his health issues was none other than ice-cold water consumed after a rigorous workout.
According to medical experts, when Aribeana drank freezing cold water, it irritated the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart. This irritation, combined with his already irregular heartbeat and enlarged heart, caused his heart to beat erratically, a condition known as atrial fibrillation. Aribeana described the sensation as feeling a noticeable thud in his chest while drinking water, followed by a double thud as he settled back down.
One incident that stands out in Aribeana’s memory occurred on a golf course. After taking a sip of cold water, he suddenly collapsed. His heart was visibly pounding out of his chest, and he lost consciousness. These terrifying episodes led doctors to take drastic measures to treat his condition. They cauterized the connection between Aribeana’s vagus nerve and his heart, effectively severing the connection.
The reason why cold water can trigger the vagus nerve lies in a response called the “diving reflex.” Typically activated by exposure to cold water, this reflex slows down the heart rate to conserve oxygen and tightens blood vessels in the extremities to redirect blood flow to vital organs. While these changes are usually temporary and resolve once someone is no longer exposed to cold water, individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as an enlarged heart chamber like Aribeana’s, can experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to collapse. Additionally, the diving reflex can cause the heart to beat erratically.
Since undergoing the procedure to sever the connection between his vagus nerve and heart, Aribeana has not experienced any complications and can now drink cold water without any issues. However, he still requires medication for his heart due to his genetic condition, which was diagnosed by Dr. Khashayar Mematpour, a heart disease expert at Texas Medical Center. Aribeana’s genetic heart condition is caused by mutations in the RBM20 gene, resulting in an enlarged left chamber of his heart. This enlargement makes atrial fibrillation more likely due to increased pressure on the heart and potential disruption of electric signals caused by scar tissue.
Dr. Mematpour emphasized that Aribeana’s condition is rare, affecting fewer than one in 2,500 people in the United States. He commended Aribeana for his resilience and dedication to his treatment. Typically, individuals with this condition experience subtle symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain. The vagus nerve, responsible for controlling involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing, can be stimulated by objects in the throat, including cold water, leading to erratic signals being sent to the heart and potentially causing atrial fibrillation.
Diagnosing problems with the vagus nerve can be done through a breathing test, which measures how much the heart rate changes in response to shifts in breathing pace. Complications with the nerve can arise from previous neck injuries or compression caused by surrounding tissue, such as enlarged blood vessels. Additionally, genetic conditions that affect the heart may also be linked to vagus nerve issues.
Franklin Aribeana’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of understanding our bodies’ unique responses. While his case may be rare, it sheds light on the potential dangers of seemingly harmless activities like drinking water after a workout. As medical professionals continue to study and learn from cases like Aribeana’s, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant about their health and seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms.
