AF and exercise

[maclross]

I have had specific episodes of Atrial Fibrillation 1996, then 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006 and now. In 2005 I was cardioconverted after 3 days of AF but the other times converted naturally.  I am 51 years old and 3 months ago completed an ironman race quite comfortably. No AF.  I am 185 cm tall and weigh 85 kgs and consider myself in excellent condition.  A week ago after doing intense rowing I brought on AF. On Saturday I went to the clinic. They did an EKG and then sent me to the hospital where they kept me over night. I have been diagnosed with AF and put on wayfarin and beta blockers. I feel like **** now.
My question is, what should I do now? Is it foolish to do some exercise and try to convert myself? I know when my rhythm is normal I feel great.



This discussion is related to Atrial Fibrillation conversion with exercise.

[maclross]

I originally posted about periodic episodes of Afib since my 30's. I am now 56 and training for a marathon.
For a few years now I have had no prolonged episodes that I am aware of. But I do have brief periods at the start of workouts where it is out of rhythm.
About a year ago I started taking CoQ10 daily. It seems to have made a difference. When I begin running my
Heart rate goes quite high and I find I need to warm up for at least 15 to 20 minutes and begin a sweat. Then my heart rate comes down and I feel good.
I can imagine if I was put on a stress test they would pull me off too. I have found that I can bring my heart rate back to normal by increasing my heart rate but generally I try to warm up long and slow then gradually increase and not to strain. If it feels like work, slow down.
Best of luck and consider yourself an experiment of one. Go easy and light and see what works for you. But once in a while when things feel right, open it up and go for it.

[Gamehen1]

I am a 63 year old woman and was diagnosed with afib in 2009. I was always a runner, took aerobic classes since I was 29, etc.  I gave up running in 2006 after back surgery, but I am in good shape (5'4", 120 lbs.) and usually energetic.  I am currently taking Multaq and Pradaxa.  When I was initially diagnosed they gave me a stress test and pulled me off the treadmill fairly quickly, saying my heart rate was up to 200.  I did not feel it at all, nor was I breathless.  Since then, I have been afraid to do vigorous exercise because I fear my heart rate will go way up and I won't even know it!  I am a pet sitter/dog walker, so I walk a lot, but I'm afraid to use my treadmill, bicycle, etc.  Yet I keep reading about people with afib using hard exercise to stop the afib.  I am confused!  I normally have low blood pressure (90/60) and always have.

[JockinAFIB]

I am a 45 year old triathlete who is now in constant afib.  I have been a competitive runner all of my life and last year competed in 3 ironman races including the World Championship in Kona.  I was a USAT all American last year as well.  I have been struggling with paroxysmal (periodic) afib for the last 11 years but was always able to control it with increased exercise and maintaining a low body weight.  All that changed this winter when I went into afib and never converted back.  I have been cardioverted twice and was only in sinus for 24 hours both times.  I am scheduled for pulmonary vein ablation in 3 weeks using a new cryo ballon procedure.  Has anyone had that yet?  Does anyone know the success rate for CBA?  I am hopeful but guarded...don't want to get my hopes up.  Hope someone out there has some good news for me.

[Rafa33]

Hi I just wandered if you have any more experience with Atrial Fibrilation since last entry.The reason is that I have very similar pattern like you, and it started for me at similar age (I was 29). I was already cardioverted twice (succesfully) each time on warfarin for 8 weeks , first time on sotalol as well. But it keeps coming back. I have it again since last week. In my case, it is always triggered by a really bad dream, with my heart pacing very fast (as I'm scared) and after that - irregular beating starts.
anyway, hope to hear from you soon
R

[maclross]

Thanks for your feedback. I have again converted back but still feel the odd flutter, usually after eating. I am now on a calcium blocker and warfain and aspirin. They have done an echocardiogram but I have not been given feedback. i heard them saying my pipes were clear but i did hear the word regurgitation. Anyways I am exercising up to medium intensity and feeling good . I will have a consultation with the cardiologist next week. I will mention the pulmonary vein isolation. Thanks again. Good to hear that a fit young guy is coping with it.
regards,
maclross

[Grezza]

Just keep exercising!
I'm 34 and have had chronic AF since I was 27. I've been cardioverted 5 times and had a pulmonary vein isolation in Nov 2006. All was great until I moved to Denver 2 weeks ago. I flipped back into AF and have remained so (could be athe altitude?).  I'm very fit (gym most days plus judo and running) and was on the 2004 GB judo team.

Best thing to do is investigate other strategies and get off the beat blockers asap. I think that the success rate for pulmonary vein isolation is something like 80% after one and up to 95% after two. If you remain in sinus rythm there'e no need to be on meds (although your doc may prescribe warfarin, coumadin (same thing) or maybe just aspirin).

G