A/Fib and Exercise.

[Caratacus]

I am a new here, but not new to A/Fib or A/Flutter. After 4 decades of distance running I ended up with a heart attack and quadruple bypass at 65. (12 years ago) Back to running within 6 weeks but 5 years later A/Fib struck, followed a year later by A/Flutter. 2013 and a RF Catheter Ablation restored Sinus rhythm. Yay, back to running. I was devastated earlier this month (Dec) when after 5 years AF returned. I am 'hard wired' for exercise even at 77 and being grounded does not sit well with me. Anticoagulants is the first step in the plan, followed by an Echocardiogram on 10Jan - depending on the outcome of that a Cardioversion whenever the NHS can fit me in. This has knocked the edge of Xmas but hey I'm still here. Anxiety and inactivity are my 2 main concerns - apart from the obvious!! - I read somewhere that 'A/Fib begets A/Fib', is that the case?.

[BobD Volunteer]

Sadly you must know that your past life has caused the problems you now have so it is hard to see how you are going to change your ways so yes you do seem to be stuck with AF. The fact is that the very action of AF changes the internal structure of the heart making it more likely hence AF begets AF.

Research has shown that athletes who retire gracefully at around 40 often avoid the dreaded AF but those who continue do risk serious problems including heart attacks as you have found. Amazingly another group with a disproportionate risk of AF are fighter pilots fighting high G levels all day. Of course plenty of people who do niether get AF and some of those for the very opposite reasons. BMI in excess of 25.,alcohol over use, lack of exercise all contribute in those cases but can be mitigated by changes in life style. Remember exercise is good over exercise is not.

I am amazed that you have only just started on anticoagulation as with your history I think most of us would have been taking them since your first eopisode regardless of the ablation. There is no evedence that this reduces stroke risk in people with AF.

Whatever you decide for your future I wish you good luck but do remember that there really is n i cure for AF. My last ablation worked for ten years but now I am getting symptoms back again and looking to no 4!

[Caratacus in reply to BobD]

Well, I reached the age of 65 without A/Fib. It developed two years after quad coronary bypass and from what I'm reading A/Fib is an outcome of up to 40% of those undergoing CABG surgery. So, I'm blaming that and not running. Nonetheless, it's here no matter what caused it and I'm optimistic it can be put on a back burner for a few more years. Rest and reset as they say. Good luck with No 4, Bob

[Globe-J]

Hi Caratacus

I had had the mongrel of a thing for years but have been free of it for the last two. From my limited observations, ablation is no more than a 'fifty-fifty chance' intervention. I elected an open-heart surgery, 'Maze Procedure'. Being a major surgery, the Maze must not be taken lightly. On the other hand, I am not the only person to overcome the problem, hopefully for good.

Best wishes, keep on going

J (-:

[EngMac in reply to Globe-J]

See my post on MartinWillmot below. I suspect you have negatively impacted your spine.

[Hidden]

Hi Caratacus. I'm sorry you are now a lifetime member of our AF club.

And happy you joined. There is so much help om this blog.

I was a nurse but continue to learn something new from someone almost everyday. There seems to be many more knowledgeable people on this forum than others I checked out before joining.

Welcome and Happy Holidays and a comfortable stable 2019. irina

[Ianc2]

Hi Caratacus

Heart attack, Triple bypass and an ablation.. You have identified inactivity and anxiety as you main concerns:

Inactivity you can, to a certain extent cure by walking for a couple of hours a day - ok you won't get the rush you get from running but it is still activity. If you want a competitive edge try taking up golf. If you want variety try hillwalking, especially in the Alps

With regard to your anxiety one of the things that AFIB does is to remind you that we are all mortal. The Roman Emporers had a slave who walked behind them saying "Remember you too are mortal". You have run like a God for a long time - perhaps now is the time to dial it back a bit?

[MtLSteven]

You may have a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease hence a heart attack and the need for cardiac surgery 12 years ago. That you have continued to run shows the success of the cardiac surgery and you are claiming the rewards of investing in your physical health earlier in your life.

[Caratacus in reply to MtLSteven]

Good advice. Many thanks.