Using arms a lot causing ectopics?

[dmjtanner]

Just wondering if anyone notices more ectopics after using their arms a lot, for example certain yoga poses, vacuuming and cleaning, etc. Some people have talked about kayaking (using the arms) in this forum...curious if you experience more palpitations when you do this. I have noticed a relationship, not while doing the arm movements, but afterwards or even later that evening or the next day. Years and years ago I was cautioned by a cardiologist to not do much weight lifting with mitral valve prolapse as this can increase pressure in the heart (I guess raise your B/P). Thanks for any insight.

[Izzle]

Hi.

Last weekend I was vigorously shaking the duvet liner into it's cover using a lot of arm movement, I went into AF. Never happened to me before, but it's probably only a stage above your ectopic beats.

My AF lasted 28 hours, which is typical of my episodes.

Good luck

Alan L

[wilsond]

Well,I set my AF off last week by stripping wallpaper,reaching upwards for quite a while doing it,so shan't do that again! Perhaps just too much for our systems?

[Ianc2]

Hi

Last time I saw my cardiologist I asked him how my heart is attached to my body, i.e. how it is held in place. He said that basically it isn't - it just hangs off it's veins and arteries.

[dmjtanner in reply to Ianc2]

That’s so interesting and explains a lot.

[Hidden]

Clipping a big hedge with shears will do it for me... Maybe it irritates the vagus nerve?

[dmjtanner in reply to Hidden]

Yes, that activity bothers me too.

[Maggimunro]

Yup, I have to modify my yoga moves and find alternatives to any position, such as downward dog, which takes my head below my heart. Using a hedge trimmer etc doesn’t seem to affect it though.m

[dmjtanner in reply to Maggimunro]

Thank you, I mainly have to be careful in strength yoga moves, like planks....I don’t try chataranga anymore either. But on the whole, I feel that less vigorous poses and restorative poses help me.

[mikelocke]

Yes, you maybe right about the connection, I hadn’t thought of it before. I’ve been enjoying a good run of being AF free and regularly walk quite vigorously, no problem. Recently however I’ve been having to do some heavy tree pruning and have had a short run of AF straight afterwards.

I’m getting a quote from a contractor to finish the job!

[dmjtanner]

Thank you....so interesting!

[hydrangea]

Hi

I was going to ask a similar question. I have been pulling up weeds, cutting brambles and lifting bundles to take to the tip and for the first time in months have had ectopics -sometimes several times a day. At first they came at night and lasted nearly an hour, but later several times a day and usually after work, when I stopped for tea etc.

Yesterday was the first time in a month that I'd had none and I'd stopped the gardening for a few days, so I would definitely say there's a connection.

Twice it led to palpitations so bad I thought I was going to faint. I felt sick and shaking. Did this happen with you?

Does anyone out there know what one should do in this situation? I am going to India in 5 weeks and it's going to be hot, which won't help!

Thanks

[dmjtanner in reply to hydrangea]

It seems to happen to me after the fact, perhaps several hours later, that night, or a day later. And it seems like for several days after I have used my arms extensively, the ectopics will bother me. I didn't feel sick or shaking, but anxious once they started. It seems to take a few days for them to settle down, so I try to limit my time doing yoga, trimming, vacuuming or scrubbing etc. Anything that involves vigorous arm movements over several hours...resting in between helps or letting a day or two pass in between helps. Yes, they do seem to appear when I stop the motion and am resting. I really try to stay super-hydrated when I am outside in the heat during August here in Florida!

[Buffafly]

If I work above my head - pruning climbers for instance - I often have an episode of AF the next day, so I try to avoid it now. The use of arms generally is a good tip!

[hydrangea]

Hi

Thanks for that. Do you know if prolonged ectopics damage the heart? I woke with it at 2.30am and it still hasn't stopped (10am). If I was in UK I'd see my doctor, but am in the middle of nowhere for another 2 weeks. I am sure the worry about it makes it worse!

[dmjtanner]

My cardiologist says they are not harmful, more bothersome than harmful. I think Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks about this. Sometimes I take an extra magnesium and potassium when my heart is really acting up. I have even found a certain brand of orange juice that has calcium and vit D in it helps me. Plus orange juice has lots of potassium. Don't forget about hydration.