AFib and exercise

[GrannyE]

15 months post ablation I am dropping in and out of A/Fib. If I walk even 9 holes on the golf course I get the A/Fib back which can last a few days. The day I do the exercise Kardia says my heart is all over the place even in the evening of that day. It calms down by the next day when my Kardia reading is more normal but still A/Fib. I know one should exercise and keep moving but when is too much too much? I am lucky I don’t become breathless with a dreadful pounding heart as per pre ablation cos I stop before that point.

I cannot just not do exercise, golf, gardening etc and sit like a couch potatoe but it is probably not good for the heart to get that far out of normal sinus rhythm either is it. What should I do?

[Hidden]

Always difficult to advise on exercise levels GrannyE because we all are different and react differently. The general thinking is to listen to your body and respond accordingly but if exercise is bringing on your AF then you need to be cautious. You say it’s 15 months since your ablation therefore, if I were you, I would certainly consider making an appointment to see your EP. If you had a cryoablation, it’s possible that a little touching up work may help stop the episodes you are experiencing. Even RF ablations sometimes need a second attempt to tidy up any loose ends and prevent the rogue impulses from breaking through........

[Hidden]

Are you taking rhythm and/or rate control meds?

[GrannyE in reply to Hidden]

No I am not taking anything except apixaban 5mg twice daily.

[Hidden in reply to GrannyE]

In that case I would suggest a 7 day holter monitor and take it from there.

[GrannyE in reply to Hidden]

My problem with those is that I am incredibly allergic to the pads, even the hypoallergenic ones. I have a Kardia and can see what my heart is doing, After my game of golf I am often in AFib for at least 2 days.

I have another problem. Normally my bp is just fine esp in the morning - around 120/55 ish (or lower)but slightly higher in the evening but after exercise or when very worried it can go up to the 150/70s. The lower number is never over 70 and is usually in the 50s and sometimes in the 60s. If I take bp lowering pills the bp drops unacceptably and I feel dreadful and have to have a sweet salty drink and my feet above my head.

[wilsond]

One thing my biologist brother told me,crucial to be well hydrated before exercise,and afterwards. C an t remember the special reason,might help you? Also maybe try shorter lengths and try to build up??

Best wishes xx

[GrannyE in reply to wilsond]

Thank you. I do drink quite a bit of fluid cos I know that being hydrated is important. I also eat an apple and often a banana on the way round the golf course. Being well hydrated is very good advice for everyone, I am trying to build up and had been playing golf using a buggy and can now do 18 holes like that but at the moment buggies are a no-no on the course (and are expensive) and I would like to be able to walk again. You would have thought that 9 holes would be OK.

[Gincalpe]

I would get an appointment with your EP as it sounds as though you need a touching up ablation.

[GrannyE]

Thank you. I don’t fancy that one little bit. My ablation was quite a dramatic affair and I really don’t fancy going through all that again