AF and hot baths

[knitted-bunting]

I love relaxing in a hot bath in the evening but have been finding for a while that my heart rate shoots up when I get out to around 100 and I feel rough till I cool down. Common sense is telling me I should switch to showers. Anyone else made this decision?

[BobD Volunteer]

Haven't had a bath for about thirty years. Showers use less water and power so better for the environment ( and my pocket!) . There is a bath somewhere in our house I'm told becaues #2 son used it last night when the hose on his shower burst. Fixed it first thing this morning! lol 😁

[wilsond]

Try a slightly cooler bath and not in so long. Unlike Bobd, I hate showers !! Always get shampoo in eyes etc and feet get hard skin! When getting out...let water out,sit up slowly,get out slowly....dont rush getting dryed/ dressed

Worth a try at least once a week xxx

[10gingercats]

I am not keen on showers so often have a 'hottish' bath. However, I do make it fairly quick thus avoiding the opportunity for my heart to 'get wound up about it'.

[Finvola]

I take only showers now but still have trouble with heat and steam - raised heart rate and general feeling of being unwell. Before I started Flecainide a shower would trigger AF or tachycardia. We installed a shower seat which has helped enormously.

[Jalia]

Like Bob I haven't had a bath for about 30 years. Getting in would be ok but getting out a different matter....resulting scenario too awful to contemplate 😕

If you know that hot baths affect you like that you really should avoid. The same applies to saunas

[Tapanac in reply to Jalia]

Both my husband and I were warned against hot baths and definitely no saunas.

[Tapanac]

Perhaps water too hot possible answer Best wishes

[SingingT]

Yes, me too. Love having a bath but noticed bathing triggered AF. I now make sure water isn’t too hot and take things very easy and most times get away with it. What else will this dratted condition spoil!

[mumknowsbest Volunteer]

I love soaking in the bath but must admit I had a pace and ablate years ago so as long as it isn't too hot am OK. Certainly can't have the water as hot as I used to pre AF when used to step out looking like a lobster

[hopper99]

Interesting observations. As a 50M with paroxysmal AFib, my electrophysiologist says it’s fine for me to take hot saunas and baths as long as I stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. I don’t notice high heart rates from these activities but obviously every body is different so listen to your own body.

[ETFCfan]

Another one who has given up baths since developing AF. Admittedly I liked hot baths but after getting faint and dizzy I asked my EP and he gave me a definite no. Have also given up saunas and jacuzzis which I love on holidays.

[dedeottie]

Me too. For me at the moment : hot bath = high heart rate leading to AF. Showers are fine. I love lounging in a bath but it’s not worth the risk. Last year my husband who also has occasional AF, had a virus and to warm himself up he had a long bath. When he got out he he couldn’t breath and we ended up in A and E. Nothing was found to be wrong and so they said it was probably a Vaso Vagal response to the hot water. Result is NO BATHS in our house. It’s a shame as we had a super duper deep bath put in when we renovated our bathroom. Never mind, the grandchildren love it. X

[knitted-bunting]

Thanks so much for all responses. I found it helpful to read everyone's point of view . I knew it was sensible not to have long hot baths but somehow it's easier to carry out after reading other people's reasons. Thanks again....