Anyone else able to terminate AFib attack via exercise?

[brucegc]

I've read lots of info that says exercise can trigger an AFib attack, but in my case, I can actually terminate an attack with a short but vigorous aerobic activity (20 min stairclimber typically).  Following the workout, I sit down and wait for the conversion which almost always comes in the next 15 minutes.

At first, I thought it was coincidence; however, I've repeated probably 40 times now and all but one or two was successful within the 15 minutes of completing the exercise, the other two may or may not have worked.  I say 'may not have' because I did convert but it was a good hour or so later.

For me, this has worked even when I'm not on medication as is the case now (I've stopped in prep for an ablation).  I also had a 6 week medication reprieve between Amiodarone cessation and Flecainide commencement.

Of course, I'm pleased that I have this option, but it's not always practical as I have 1 to 2 attacks per day, typically.  If I don't terminate them, they can run indefinitely.  Both my med treatments have done little to keep me out of AFib.  

FYI, I'm a 50 year old male and my symptoms are fairly minor: 90-100 bpm, mainly shortness of breath during strenuous activity, feeling of nervousness.  I've had Afib for about 5 years, best guess, but only diagnosed it officially this past summer.

Has anyone else experienced this and on a regular basis?

Regards, Bruce

[brucegc]

Let me add I'm *not* advocating this by any means, just trying to find out if this is atypical.

No one should attempt any exercise while experiencing Afib unless they know their personal limits.  And I'd surmise if one knew their personal limits, they'd already know if this had the same effect on them.

Regards, Bruce

[brucegc]

My Afib HR when exercising is about 185 bpm and can extend into the 190's.  When not in Afib doing the same routine, it never exceeds the 135 bpm area.

The conversion never happens during the workout, rather the first 15 mins of cool down following.  I haven't measured it at the time of the conversion, but it's definitely lower than 185 but north of 100.

When in NSR, I clock in around 55 bpm.  After a lot of rest, of course.

[Jerry_NJ]

A new one on me.

What is your exercise HR when you trigger a conversion?  I hope it isn't over guidelines, but don't know how it could be if you are doing a stair-climber for 20 minutes - hard workout assumed, i.e., you have the weight set for hard work out.