Exercising with AF

[homlyme]

Hi 68yr old female just been diagnosed with AF doc still trying to sort dose of meds out to slow rhythm up until a few months ago I was running 10/15 mile per week that's how I knew something was wrong could not run a mile anymore I have been on NHS site and British heart foundation to try and learn about condition but none mention any exercising with the condition

[BobD Volunteer]

Best advice if you really must exercise is listen to your body and act accordingly. One bit of advice I was given is that you should be able to have a normal conversation whilst exercising.

[Sean_C]

Hi there, I’m a runner and cyclist and continued to run throughout my periods in AF. I found it much harder to run at my usual pace and had to slow almost to a trot whenever the road went upwards.

My AF is of the persistent kind, not paroxysmal, which made it easier to manage and adapt to. You don’t say what form your AF takes, but either way, Bob’s advice is very important. Listen to your body. Many times I’d start out, get a half mile down the road and just walk home. Other times I could do 5 miles at a fairly decent pace around 100 sec to two mins slower per mile than my pace when in normal rhythm.

[10Snut in reply to Sean_C]

Hey you are still running. that put you ahead of a whole lot of people even those who are healthy. Keep up but kknow your limit. Watch heart rate. Time is not important it is the exercise.

[homlyme in reply to Sean_C]

thanks its the persist taking 250g Digoxin but pulse still over 100 going back to docs this morning not doing any exerciser at mo till they sort me out

[Ianc2]

Try gentle walking on flattish ground. Take a pair of walking poles so you can lean on them if you need to have a blow and try and get a daily mile in. Some days you may be able to do more. I assume that your weight is inside your BMI , no sugary food, coffee, booze, etc, and that you get to drink about 2.5 litres of water a day.

Has the possibility of a cardioversion or an ablation been mentioned? Have a look at CAC scans to check out your arteries? Have you seen a cardiologist or an EP? Gather as much information as you can, record it and act accordingly. Unfortunately you are a baby boomer and there are a lot of you going a bit wonky at the moment, so be prepared for a bit of a push to get to see the consultants but keep at it and you will get there.

[homlyme in reply to Ianc2]

not seen a specialist doctor been sorting my meds with local gp on Digoxin and just prescribed Lixiana 30mg daily he doesn't seem as though their is any urgency but I must say I was very shocked to find a problem with my heart as I have done all that running to try and protect myself as I have a big family history of heart failure. I'm afraid I'm about 4st over weight and suffer with diabetes 2 plus I'm asthmatic going for chest xray next week and basically finding out all I can

[Ianc2 in reply to homlyme]

Unfortunately diabetes 2 and heart problems go hand in hand for many people. The good news is that there is plenty of information on the diabetes.org website. It is something that can be stopped by a radical change of diet. If you want to watch the weight melt away ask your doctor about the 800 calorie a day diet that is best carried out under medical supervision.

However by doing it you will dramatically increase your chances of keeping your toes and lower legs and not lose your eyesight. Your diabetes 2 can be stopped fairly quickly. You are 68 so it is time to get your ducks in a row, 4 stones is about 28 bags of sugar that you are carrying around unnecessarily and that your heart is not too happy about it. Be determined and make the changes.

[homlyme in reply to Ianc2]

will do thank you this last diagnosis as frighten me into taking some action

[sportscoach]

Ask your GP about GP exercise referral I use to work with a team in my area they are qualified exercise specialists who can devise an exercise program and monitor your progress unfortunately, they differ considerably from area to area.

[homlyme]

yes I am aware of this program but its one hour per week costing 30£ per month and mainly for people who have actually had an heart attack in this area