Scared

[newstimotor09]

All,

71 year old hard core runner, 51 years. Addicted

6ft 2 inches

Low blood pressure

178 lbs

Resting pulse 42 per Garmin 235

Healthy

But,

Believe I have afib, Dr’s appointment next week.

Free advice?

[RiderontheStorm]

Competitive senior here also. Relax, breath and come back with more info. Then we might have something to talk about.

[CaroleF]

There are quite a few people here who are/have been addicted to exercise of one sort or another who will be able to offer insights from their own experience; I'm not one of them I fear. However, let's see what the Dr. has to say, shall we? It would be foolish of us to say anything much until then. You'll be sure to get lots of support from the friendly bunch of people who hang out here.

In the meantime try not to be scared. It's not knowing what might be wrong that's the scariest bit. Once you have a diagnosis and treatment plan (if that's what's needed) things do start to look a whole lot better.

Chin up!

[Hidden]

Is there something in particular you are scared of?

[007talullah]

There are many of us living happy fulfilled lives with AF. Yes, you may have to make lifestyle changes, start taking meds, and maybe consider surgery but it’s quite possible that you can keep doing what you enjoy at the same time that you are managing AF. Stay positive and advocate for yourself. Good luck!

[secondtry]

Be wary of GP advice, it could be good or not good, be prepared to push for what you think you need (after you have done your homework on this Forum and elsewhere), be open minded about change - most of us can change our routines and lastly don't think AF is all negative. I am truly grateful for the changes AF have brought in my life once I got over the hard first year of tests and learning.

[Gincalpe]

If you do learn you have Afib then you may be advised to exercise more moderately. This forum will be very helpful if you do find you have Afib as there is no quick fix for it and you may need medication.

[jezzard]

Me 79 years Marathoner 60 kg 5’6 was brachycardiac with AF ( which for years I took to be anxiety). Pacemaker perfect two years, still walking one hour daily. Advice: read the NICE Guidelines on AF. Hearts need our understanding

[AFCyclist]

Hi. 70 year old exrunner with 250 half marathons under my belt. Knees knackered so now on a bike regularly. AF for past 10 years. Not stopped me doing things but have had to modify a bit. Come back to us when docs have had their say. Good book to read for us endurance athlete types is The Haywire Heard by Dr John Mandrola.

[Ianc2]

How much exercise should a 70+ man take?. AFCyclist recommends 'The Haywire heart'. I totally agree with him. I have read this book several times and it has given me a much better understanding of how my heart works. He has 9 very relevant real life case studies, one for each chapter.

Runners world comments 'A great resource to learn about warning signs and treatment options'. Washington Post 'This book could save your life'. Perhaps the best comment comes from Gary Neptune, a mountaineer, stated 'This book shocked me , I know too many of the athletes in this book, which flows and develops like a great novel, but it is not fiction.

Try the bookdepository.com, they usually have a selection of new/used copies available.

Suggest you take someone in with you to take notes so you can concentrate on the Dr's comments. If you have any records of heart rates, blood pressure records or other information take it in with you.

They will probably talk EchoCardioGraphs's, drug treatments, cardioversions and ablations and will probably refer you to a cardiologist. There is usually a fair old waiting list to see them so you may find it advantageous to enquire about paying for a private appointment to find out exactly where you are at?

As 'rideronthestorm' said come back to us and tell us how you got on?