Yoga?

[northernsoul1]

I've been in persistent AF for about 11 years and thankfully mostly asymptomatic. However I become very breathless once my head starts to get level with my heart (tying shoelaces etc). I really want to do yoga but my one and only session was made almost unbearable when some of the exercises made me feel very uncomfortably breathless. Does this resonate with anyone and has anyone got any tips?

[10gingercats]

Yoga teachers vary enormously .The person who is teaching you needs to understand your health background. Also there are many different disciplines in yoga so maybe you need to find a beginners class.I find gentle yoga helps with relaxation .I have uncomplicated perm. Afib.You may find Pilates suits you better? Again, be sure the teacher understands you health situation and gently lead you in to your yoga/Pilates practice.

[Hidden]

I avoided yoga classes due to my arthritis. I found a class that was mostly women older than me but it challenges me. It is a chair yoga class. I dont understand how I can feel worked out after 45 min of sitting in a chair, but it works for me

[Hidden]

Not sure if it well help much but what medication are you taking. Some betablockers can cause side effects very similar to symptoms caused by AF, ie breathlessness, tiredness and general lethargy so if appropriate, an alternative may help to resolve your problem......

[northernsoul1]

Bisoprolol and thanks it's worth considering

[Fruitcake100 in reply to northernsoul1]

I was like that on Bisoprolol , changed to Nebivolol and within a week felt a lot better. Still get breathless leaning forward to do up shoes etc and then start coughing,

[Izzle]

I'm 75 and have PAF, so not quite the same as you. I've been doing basic yoga for 3 years but only when in NSR. During PAF my systolic BP component can drop into the 90's and therefore I'm at risk of falling particularly during head down positions....so not good at my age.

My suggestion to you is to try a basic class of yoga and avoid the movements where the head is below the heart. There's lots of them incorporating breathing exercises, balance, use of sticks etc. Consider leg/ankle exercises whilst seated. Take note on how to breath correctly during yoga plus make upward head movements SLOWLY.

Also learn meditation, there's a lot to be said for mind over matter. A hand over the heart can create a very positive focal point during relaxation and meditation.

From the classes you'll learn many movements which you are capable of performing and you can select the ones you enjoy to create your personal half hour session that you can do every day. I promise you it does not have to be boring.

Good luck.

[northernsoul1 in reply to Izzle]

Thanks for your wisdom. I will try it

[doodle68]

Hello northernsoul1 I wanted to increase my level of exercise and read about Yoga being good for P-AF but I was reluctant to join a class.

Instead I bought a Yoga mat and carefully studied some Youtube videos of Yoga for beginners and formulated my own programme of easy positions which I work through every day. I go at my own gentle pace.

I thought I might join a class when I had learnt a little and may do so in the spring ,

I have bad episodes of P-AF lasting many hours every few weeks and find laying on the floor and doing controlled breathing and some Yoga positions helps to keep me calm.

I have asthma too so was prescribed the beta blocker Nebivolol which is usually better tolerated than other BB by those with chest conditions and it seems to cause less side effects over all but is a lot more expensive than other BBs so not widely prescribed .

[pattiannj]

Chair yoga would be perfect as you wouldn’t bend your head - our chiropractor runs such classes so that would be ideal for you

[Roto]

I've been doing yoga for some 10+ years...I love it

don't recommend you do this if your in Af certainly not ...

fortunately I had an ablation some years ago

I do most things including headstands etc

go at your own pace its not a competition what's important is that you do it if possible

in an average yoga class there are people of mixed abilities and ages ,

find your pace and enjoy

[dmjtanner]

You might look at Yoga International online. The first 30 days are free or you can get a few classes for free to start. Search for gentle, meditative classes. Also, Yoga U online is another resource. Dr. Baxter Bell and Melina Meza are starting a new two night course entitled, “Preparing for Your Third Act”. Our third act is 60 plus. 😊

I once attended a yoga seminar, teaching how yoga can help reduce A-fib occurrences. There are some studies out there showing this if I remember correctly. Very important to find experienced teachers.

[dmjtanner]

If you google “yoga for afib” lots of info comes up. Here is one:

cardiosmart.org/News-and-Ev...

[dmjtanner]

Here is another one;

hcamidwest.com/blog/entry/y...

[doodle68]

Northern soul I have asthma as well as AF and find the breathing techniques/controlled breathing used by the BLF help with my breathlessness for both conditions ....

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[brit1]

have you looked into QiGong? Its a wonderful exercise

[macdongr]

Do you take anti-arrythemics with your persistent AF?

[northernsoul1 in reply to macdongr]

No just beta blockers

[marcyh]

Have you had an echocardiogram? What is your ejection fraction?

marcyh

[northernsoul1 in reply to marcyh]

I have had one many years ago but I don't understand what an ejection fraction is

[marcyh]

It is one way to know how well your heart is functioning - how much blood is being pumped out. mayoclinic.org/ejection-fra...

A low EF can lead to symptoms of:

Shortness of breath or inability to exercise.

Swelling of the feet and lower legs.

Fatigue and weakness.

Rapid, forceful, uncomfortable or obviously irregular heart beat.

Abdominal discomfort such as swelling, pain or nausea.

Mental confusion.

google.com/search?q=what+is...

Sometimes I get breathless if I lean over.

marcyh