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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Accuracy of Pulse for AFib and Exercise Stress
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Accuracy of Pulse for AFib and Exercise Stress
by rossi, Nov 20, 2002 12:00AM
Is an erratic pulse an accurate indicator that one is in afib - I still have problems distinguishing between Afib and PACs? I am assuming that missed beats indicate PACs while erratic equals afib. Correct?
Re: exercise - I believe that you mentioned before that it is ok to exercise while one is in Afib, correct? If the heart is already beating erratically, why wouldn't additional stress from exercising make it worse? (I read on the net that some people use exercise as a way to get out of afib - does this work?)
Re: exercise - I believe that you mentioned before that it is ok to exercise while one is in Afib, correct? If the heart is already beating erratically, why wouldn't additional stress from exercising make it worse? (I read on the net that some people use exercise as a way to get out of afib - does this work?)
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Nov 20, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Rossi,
If a person is experiencing an irregular pulse it can be very difficult to distinguish atrial fibrillation from PACs.
However, one could make the observation that atrial fibrillation is extremely irregular and erratic. Where as PACs may occur with some regularity, producing a regular irregularity. The best way to distinguish these 2 rhythm disturbances is with an ECG.
People with atrial fibrillation are able to exercise. You should be on a medication to control your heart rate and/or maintain sinus rhythm. One should also be on a blood thinner (coumadin). I would recommend discussing an exercise regimen with your primary physician.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
If a person is experiencing an irregular pulse it can be very difficult to distinguish atrial fibrillation from PACs.
However, one could make the observation that atrial fibrillation is extremely irregular and erratic. Where as PACs may occur with some regularity, producing a regular irregularity. The best way to distinguish these 2 rhythm disturbances is with an ECG.
People with atrial fibrillation are able to exercise. You should be on a medication to control your heart rate and/or maintain sinus rhythm. One should also be on a blood thinner (coumadin). I would recommend discussing an exercise regimen with your primary physician.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
