Atrial Fibrillation and competitive sport

[Robathan]

Just wondering whether anybody here competes in any sport at a high level whilst also dealing with atrial fibrillation. I have been a competitive Powerlifter for over 30 years and am asymptomatic apart from reduced cardio function. What are your experiences and did any particular medication hamper you. Thanks, Stu.

[Ridley60]

The only examples I know of are the two below. But there’s not much detailed on their medication or diagnosis.

I know Tom James the rower was diagnosed with AF in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. Didn’t stop him winning gold.

Robert Gesink the Dutch cyclist had an ablation but I don’t think the cause was documented.

[estrennen]

Hi Robathan, I am just about to post with a similar question. I am an endurance athlete (marathon distance races) and recently diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. I have AF episodes 1-2/week and am quite frustrated with the experience. I have had no success with drug therapies as my heart rate is quite low to begin with. In particular Flecainide made me feel quite sluggish and could not run on my non-AF days. I am now scheduled for catheter ablation in late September. My EP says that I can return to marathon training and races after the recovery period, however, he also stated that doing so will likely cause my AF to return sooner than if I do not. I will take it one step at a time and decide what to do if the ablation procedure is successful. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to estrennen]

It must be so hard for committed athletes to come to terms with the fact that their passion is probably responsible for their condition. Not only does AF immediately impact on their performance, it also means that there will some (no pun intended) heart searching necessary to manage the balance between continuing their passion and not wrecking the treatment and potentially adversely effecting their health for ever.

We know from the issues it raises on this forum that there are no easy answers and generally, but not always, most seem to accept that personal health is key and that the pursuance of their sport has to be modified to take account of their condition and minimise the risk of making things worse.

There are a lot of members who are or were involved in extreme sport activities and I’m sure they will add their views.

[estrennen in reply to Hidden]

Yes, the irony that my passion is most likely the cause of this condition is quite bittersweet. I am 58 and only started running 7 years ago. My first goal was just to get in good enough shape to run a 5K. I found so much enjoyment in running that I continued on with 10Ks and half marathons and finally full marathons. I loved the training cycles and felt so strong that I never would have dreamed that I would develop a heart condition. Now, I'm just grateful for the days that I am not in AF rhythm so I can do an easy paced run. I know there are much worse problems and conditions and I try to keep that in perspective. My first step is to see if the ablation procedure can successfully treat this. Once that is accomplished, I'll figure out what level of activity I should return to.

[Hidden in reply to estrennen]

Ablation is more successful for folk with paroxysmal AF (the type that comes and goes without warning so fingers crossed!

[whiteface in reply to estrennen]

Read "the Haywire Heart" it is really helpful. Sadly it does seem that if you didn't look after your heart when younger then any damage done is permanent -- as you have started exercise later in life you should take care.

I first encountered ectopic beats (very short bouts of AF) when I was around 10 years old so I'm probably pre-disposed to the condition. I now have permanent AF but my resting pulse is around 55 -- no change versus sinus rhythm. I'm 60, I was an Olympic Rower in 1984 (so not Tom James!) and I continue to cycle (pretty vigorously) every day for around 1 hour, but I've learned my way in to the lifestyle.

The most important questions are a) What do you want to die of; and b) when? I'd prefer to die now of heart attack, or stroke (whilst enjoying my life) rather than living a sedentary life on medication for longer so that I can get cancer or dementia.

Hope this helps - feel free to ask if you'd like to know more.

[Hidden]

I’m far too old to be involved in competitive sport (or almost any sport for that matter) but I stumbled across some articles which may be of some interest.

roadbikerider.com/a-primer-...

drjohnm.org/about/

Hope they help......

[Hidden]

I suspect some of the cause is people carrying on past the age when most retire from top level competition, alot of people develop it in 40s/50s when most retire from sport ! Very high level/intense sport can be inflammatory ! I have cut back from my high intensity exercise and shortened the sessions I do and replaced some of them with more moderate activity such as yoga and pilates and my AF rarely bothers me now !

[whiteface]

I have permanent (asymptomatic) AF. I'm 60. I've been a fit and healthy athlete for all of my life although I stopped competing 30 years ago. I continue to engage in medium to vigorous exercise (e.g. cycling) for extensive periods (up to 5 hours). I enjoy my life and don't take any medication. I don't push things any more so my max heartbeat is probably around 120. I suggest you read "the haywire heart" (it's the best guide there is for people like us) and also find a sympathetic doctor. Don't be put off by the number of people on this site who will try to suggested what you are doing is wrong.

[SportsHaggis]

Hi not sure of your back ground but I was diagnosed at 39 last year was fit and had a resting heart rate of 37bpm. I’m now 40 and post ablation resting heart rate is around 40bmp. Not sure I would class myself as competitive ( did race crew at university) but I was rowing for around 1:30hrs every Saturday, running once a week 10k and Training for the 24hour 3 peaks challenge till June 2018. It’s taken me 7 months post ablation to get back to any real hard exercise. I’ve managed 2hours mountain biking hard riding this weekend (I had ablation in January 2019). It takes a long time to recover, and I was too eager to return which set me back. I hate to say it but AF is not a quick fix and I have had to make big changes to be able to return to sport ( cutting out alcohol and cutting back on caffeine has helped). I can’t say this for everyone on here, but would just say to be kind to yourself, and take it easy. Adapting to a slower pace of life is very tough. I’ve found walking to be a great outlet both physically and mentally. I’m hoping to get back in a rowing boat in January. Good luck 😀

[F-M-C-MM]

I am somewhat surprised by the posts in the last few days by the number of AFib sufferers, the majority of whom seem to experience permanent AFib, and others who are practicing endurance sports and are happy to put up with heart rates well in excess of 100. There seems to be an aversion towards ablation as a treatment, however if one questions those who have chosen this route they will tell you that their decision wasn't only motivated by a desire to lower if not give up taking medication. One has to remember that over time there is the possibility of atrial remodelling resulting in an anlarged atrium. It may then be too late to choose the ablation option as according to cardiac experts it may then be ineffective. So putting off or postponing the ablation requires close consideration. It surprises me that people will advocate staying in AFib, as everyone is different and " what's good for the goose is not always good for the gander"!

[yanbart]

I have PAF, slow HR, been taking 50mg of flecainide twice a day for approximately 4 years. During that time I have run marathons, taken up triathlon and just completed Long Course Weekend in Tenby. I'm not a high level competitive athlete but for me, I feel exercise helps. For the past year I have reduced my flecainide to once a day, night time.

[Rbyy]

Hi. Yes I have been a runner all my life. 63 now and I was training for a sprint triathlon last Nov 2018. Week before the race i was in the hospital with afib symptoms. Never did the race. Had an ablation in Jan. July now and i am back to running but have lost some endurance. Slower by one to two mins per mile. Also do some weight lifting but for the most part i am able to lift. Cardio more impacted than strength training. As far as endurance running or triathlons my cardiologist says I can continue now but she stresses its not good for my health. I take that as dont do it. I would prob be more concerned if I hadnt had the ablation. Its been a slow recovery much longer than they led me to believe but i am able to do casual endurance work. I have not competed since last nov. i ran a five k early nov of 2018( even won my age group but it was a small field) but have been reluctant to compete because of my slower per minute times. All i read says weight lifting is safer for those with afib than cardio sports but def check with tour doctor. I am guess it also depends if u had an ablation or how well your meds are working. I refuse to give up but I am def more cautious and likely wont be doing longer endurance races in the future. But then again who knows! Good luck

[Ianc2]

If you would like some certainty you will need to have a heart scan to see if any/how much expansion has taken place. With a lot of professional athletes swelling of the heart is common. However when they pack it in, at about 35 years of age, the heart remodels itself and goes back to a more normal size. Apparently it does not do so when you are older.

[Robathan]

Thank you so much for the responses, I have taken my time reading each one to gauge solutions, I shall be reading "the haywire heart" today and am really pleased that others with same condition are still pushing themselves albeit in a controlled manner. It's an unusual condition, I have a fellow lifter struggling with stairs whilst I am able to win titles on the lifting platform, so everyone is affected in different ways. The specialist who spoke to me about ablation said that he would not consider me for this treatment as I was asymptomatic and in good health. I'll carry on with my own research, and give everyone on the forum my best wishes for continued health improvement.