Newly diagnosed

[Ianb11]

I'm newly diagnosed a keen marathon runner how will this affect this

All advice greatly appreciated feeling very depressed with it all

[Hidden]

Sorry Ian, but we often hear from folk who are heavily committed to "extreme sport" and have been diagnosed with AF, normally because of the effect their sport has had on their heart. You really need to discuss your condition with an Electrophysiologist who is a cardiologist specialising in arrhythmias. Depending on the circumstances of your condition, they should be able to come up with a treatment plan which will help you move forward but you need to bear in mind that if you attempt to continue with the activity which probably brought on your AF then it is very likely to return unless you make some significant changes to your sporting activity. This is a personal opinion based on some years experience of hearing from folk in a similar situation to yours but others here may have other views which might help. I'm sorry if this has sounded negative because I have probably depressed you further. The important thing is that much can be done to reduce the effects of AF and many go on to lead fulfilling lives albeit not necessarily competitive marathon running.

[CaroleF]

Being diagnosed with AF is depressing and scary for everyone no matter whether they are young/old, fit/not-so-much, healthy/suffering from other conditions … so be rest assured everyone here can empathise with how 'down' you feel right now and we are here for you to ask any questions you want, offer support and encouragement etc.

As Flapjack says, though, it is unfortunately true that those who exercise excessively are amongst those most likely to develop AF. (People leading a sedentary life style are also at risk). Flapjack has offered good advice so do try to see an EP (privately if you can afford that so you don't have to wait for ages) and get yourself a treatment plan that works for you.

Where any level of exercise is concerned (marathon-running, or a gentle stroll) all one can really say is 'listen to your body'. If it's telling you to stop then I'm afraid that is what you should do. Marathon- running is not my thing, but I do empathise with having to stop doing something you really enjoy - but then I've found alternatives that I can manage OK. I know I'd rather do less-energetic things than I used to do than experience the sort of full-blown heart-racing episodes that landed me in A&E.

There is life with AF even if it might not feel like it right now. Much of the 'dealing-with-AF-thing' is about developing a positive attitude rather than railing against the condition. (Sorry if that sounds harsh)

We're all here for you Ianb11

[etheral]

Where are you located? Treatment options and workup seem to differ greatly by country.

[Hidden]

Hi Ian,

Totally agree with all that Flapjack and CaroleF have written.

Y'know, if I had a quid for every person who posted on here and who commented that they indulged in some sort of healthy lifestyle/activity I could afford to buy my very own EP. Unless there is some sort of underlying heart condition it's almost a given.

Please consider seriously what Flapjack and CaroleF have said. Also be aware that at least one Olympic grade cyclist has developed AF! By way of a reminder just recently in a Cardiff marathon two athletes died of cardiac arrest ( however we don't know what preexisting cardiac issues they had ) - it is always possible that they had AF and didn't know it. Several years ago now an athlete is reported to have died during the London marathon. It was also reported that she was being treated for AF.

Another group reported to develop AF are fighter pilots - arising from the impact of G forces. Thing is, these people represent very small percentages, very small - but - that's small comfort if you're in that percentage!

So, not everyone develops AF. It is likely if you have developed it there is some trigger, maybe you have some predisposition to it - that predisposition could be genetic or from other lifestyle issues such as a dysfunctional vagal nerve (sorry, just Google it for more information).

Methinks, any athletic activity should only be continued after advice from your healthcare professional and after at the very least an echocardiogram ( not to be confused with an electrocardiogram!). AF can have two components which your healthcare professional would consider. 1) the dysfunctional electrical activity of the heart and 2) the extent to which there any mechanical problems with the said heart, ie, valves, atria and ventricles.

All of this would need to be considered in the context of your future athletic lifestyle.

Don't mean to be a prophet of doom, just down to earth realistic.

May the force be with you.

John

[Mogold7tamm]

Hi, some excellent responses. Easy to say, however , try to stay positive, adding depression to your already less than perfect situation, impacts your physical wellbeing. Remaining strong psychologically will help you to feel more relaxed, and put less stress on your heart. Perhaps biofeedback would be helpful? my thoughts are with all those with A.F. Ianb, I'm five days post op, ( a.f carto ablation,) and I'm 83!!! Been unwell since 2013, so have some experience. We all manage, however difficult life is. Surround yourself with positives, loving family, friends, all the good in your life. Perhaps the inability to run marathons, will send you new and different challenges? Best wishes Mogold 7 tamm. (Shirley.)

[jwsonoma]

I have to concur with everyone.

From what I have read, watched and been told a lot of cardio results in a larger heart and slower resting pulse. I always thought that was a good thing.I never stepped on a stair master or climbed a hill on my bike that I didn't try to max out my HR. The heart muscle may get bigger but in some of us it can stress out and mess up the electrical circuitry and result in A Fib. Being really heavy does the same thing and the heart muscle also gets infused with fat. Drinking "opens pathways for A-Fib". I loved to drink as much as I loved to exercise. That is pretty much gone too. A Fib jams Ca+ ions into the tissue and makes it easier to have another episode. A Fib can progress until it is continuous. Talk to your Cardiologist but it may be time to switch sports. I still bike but no more 100 milers or even 50s. It's a bummer but forstalling permanent A Fib and possible alblations makes the choice easy. Not fun just easy.

Who knows maybe an alblation will do the trick and your Doc will clear you to continue marathons or 1/2s controlling your HR.

This board is great and full of info that you can ask your Doc about.

I have PAF and thanks to this board I asked to be switched to a rythem control drug when a rate control wasn't working which has made me A Fib free going on 3 years. I also followed a sugestion to have a pill in the pocket just incase as minimizing A Fib helps keep it at bay.

Good luck and welcome to the club.

I recomend this TED Talk, take it as a silver lining:

youtube.com/watch?v=Y6U728A...(Not working as expected?)

[Ianc2 in reply to jwsonoma]

Thanks for posting this thought provoking piece of information containing useful and relevant information. Moderation in all things with good advice regarding exercise levels.

[Marathonrunner]

Hi Ian,

Am also a keen marathon runner and was diagnosed in August of this year and initially very down about it all but am back running already after treatment

[AbFab62]

I had my first AF episode 30 years ago and have suffered paroxysms of AF ever since. Over the years the attacks have become more frequent and they last longer. Despite this it hasn't stopped me leading a very active life, running, cycling, climbing, surfing and having a career in industrial rope access (abseiler).

Hopefully your condition won't stop your running, but as adviced by others, please discuss things over with your consultant first. And as others also say, please listen to your body.

Good luck.

[CDreamer]

At the Patient conference recently we were told that the 2 extremes - those who don’t exercise and those who do long distance are the most likely candidates for AF. Endurance exercising causes AF by remodelling the atria. Stop and it may recover to some extent but we all know that extreme sports are addictive and it is mostly impossible for such atheletes to stop, but it may be wise to adapt, as suggested above.

We were also told that even with AF, if you continue exercising you will statistically live longer than those of us who don’t! But it will mean your won’t be able to run as fast and you shouldn’t run if you can’t run and talk at the same time - a very general rule of thumb of whether or not it is safe. If you get symptoms such as breathlessness or pain you must stop and recover. Your heart will need to be working much, much harder if it’s not in rythm so your normal heart rate will rise, Stress that further by pushing yourself is not a good idea. Run at a pace which is comfortable which may mean you PBs are in the past, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to run.

May I suggest before you see an EP (essential) you and read The Haywire Heart written by endurance athelete and cardiologist

velopress.com/books/the-hay...

Life does still goes on with AF.

Best wishes CD.

[KMRobbo]

See web site of Dr John Mandrola, he is an ELectrcardiologist AND a cyclist.

I understand he also has AF

He appears to talk sense, with both perspectives.

Cheers

Mark

[CDreamer in reply to KMRobbo]

Who wrote the book I suggested.

[KMRobbo in reply to CDreamer]

Sorry I had not read your post!

Still we are on the same wavelength

Cheers

[Mike11]

It might sound flippant but I think you just became a half-marathon runner. An ablation will fix the problem for now but if you carry on over-stressing the heart it will return. That pain you go through at 21 miles is the problem so doing half-marathons avoids it.

[runningaddict]

I am a runner with AF, but like CaroleF says below, you need to listen to your body. I did a marathon last year and made sure I was well hydrated. You may have to decrease your mileage and not push things too much. I had a really bad AF episode running in the heat and way too fast. You can still run! It is great for depression - but just take it easy.

[GordonS]

I am aged 67 and started my 2nd bout of AF in January, having previously had an ablation in 2010. After that treatment I took up cycling more seriously to get fitter and eventually joined the local club. since then I have completed about 6 100 mile events including 2 this year. I don't know what are the triggers for my AF because the episodes came at such random times, sometimes when cycling, sometimes with stress and sometimes just sat watching TV. ! had about 6 serious episodes of AF from January-June this year but none since then and I did a 100 mile ride in July and another in September. I had the 2nd ablation on 18/9/18 and have just returned to cycling albeit at a gentle pace. I am nervous about doing this but I am determined to stay as fit as possible. I shall be watching my HR very carefully and taking things slowly, the most important thing is listen to your body and that there is light at the end of the process. My AF appeared to get less the more miles of training that I did.

Try to stay positive, being as fit as you are will stand you in good stead for the journey ahead I'm sure. Best wishes Gordon

[Gincalpe]

I have persistent AF and prior to diagnosis I was a hill walker, cyclist including steep hills and a golfer. When diagnosed I was advised to reduce to moderate exercise, be able to hold a conversation and “listen to your body” also to reduce length of exercise and stop for a while if I got chest pains.

It has been a frustrating time as it has affected my active Qualty of Life. If you can afford a private consultation but have treatments on NHS it may speed things up.

I have had a cardioversion which did not last long so now waiting for an ablation -seeing an EP (electrophysioliogist) next week.

I find my body just “won’t go” any harder than the reduced activities I now do.

Good luck and listen to your body and take the medication if you have had any prescribed.

[AbFab62 in reply to Gincalpe]

I know AF affects people differently and perhaps I shouldn't do this, but I still go hill-walking even when I'm in AF. I have to walk at a gentler pace and going up can be a long hard slog at times, but my love of the hills outweighs the discomfort of AF.

Sometimes, however the exertion of hill-walking may trigger AF and at other times when I'm in AF, it'll kick my heart back into sinus rhythm. There seems no rhyme or reason to it.

[Gincalpe in reply to AbFab62]

Enjoy the hills even if it is hard work but to protect your heart keep the heart rate in the moderate range by going slower. The autumnal colours are stunning at the moment.