Skiing

[Kbuck1234]

Hi all. I have PAF. I am off skiing in early December and wondered if anyone has any tips or has experienced any issues with AF when skiing or at altitude? I am hoping all will be ok.

[BobD Volunteer]

Love you style Kbuck. Just listen to your body. Remember that when you are in AF there is less blood flow so less oxygen and at altitude that will be exacerbated. Take it easy and enjoy. Where are you going?

[Goldfish_]

Yes you may precipitate an episode. Make sure you have pill in the pocket treatment such as flecainide with you.

[AFCyclist]

I was cycling in Colorado (they voted Clinton don't blame them) in September 6,000-12,000ft. Certainly noticed the altitude. Had one bout of AF, not sure if it was a tough cycle or stressful situation, but then backed off the big hill climbs and all was well. As Bob says, listen to your body. I took a heart rate monitor which was helpfull to monitor how I was going, but found it difficult to keep heart rate down to my target of 120bpm at altitude. Keep well hydrated.

Enjoy your holiday, don't be beaten by the pesky AF.

[MarkySmith]

Make sure your travel insurance really will cover you and enjoy the trip!

[EricR]

My cardiologist gave me the thumbs up to ski early this year after a full recovery from a sudden cardiac arrest caused by asymptomatic afib in April last year. I agree with BobD. Your body will tell when to ease up. If you are older (60+) , you obviously can't push it as much with afib if you are 60+ without it - especially when taking beta blockers or other heart regulators. I ski at about 10,000 feet twice during the one week we are in the mountains. When I get a little tired, we stop and enjoy the scenery with a hot cuppa. Enjoy your skiing.

[Kbuck1234 in reply to EricR]

Hi - was your cardiac arrest caused solely by AF?

[EricR in reply to Kbuck1234]

It was undiagnosed afib that evidently strained my heart to the extent that I went into ventricular tachycardia and my heart just stopped while asleep one evening. I am one of the fortunate 5% of those with otherwise healthy hearts who survive unexplained sudden cardiac arrest, are saved by spouses and/or emergency medical personnel, and live to tell about it.

[PeterWh]

Double check your travel insurance because you may not be covered skiing with a heart condition. The same applies to thriller rides.

[Hidden]

I found I had to reduce the leg burning runs, more stops at the mountain restaurants for hot chocolate not Bombardinos (there are advantages to AF!) and don't walk up long steep slopes at altitude in the evening even if the food there is fantastic. In summary ski like you were 20 years older, still very enjoyable.

My son is now dating a girl from Zillertal in Austria and her parents have B&B so I feel a holiday coming on!! Enjoy yours.