Exercise, AF and Hydration

[1xrower]

Hi all - just sharing something I noticed. I take flecanide 2x a day, and all good. Very normal beats. I'm very fortunate. I also exercise a lot, primarily biking, with covid and all. Have noticed that on very long rides (several hours) where I may not drink enough fluids, I get a little AF tendencies. A Kardia read confirms that. I'm really beginning to correlate the two - anyone else seen this?

[BobD Volunteer]

Poor hydration is well known as a trigger for AF and lots of other arrhythmias. You MUST drink at least two litres of water per day and much more in warm weather or when exercising.

[Barny12 in reply to BobD]

Any idea if it has to be water? How about things like green/fruit tea, decaff coffee etc. I've googled this before and can't find any clear info on it.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Barny12]

Water. Most other things actually increase urination and whilst they can be added over and above should not be included. .

[Paulbounce]

Yes - it's very important to stay hydrated. Buy one of those water bottle holders to attach to your bike. You'll pick one from eBay for 2 or 3 quid.

Paul

[PlanetaryKim]

I have absolutely triggered at least one AF episode due to insufficient hydration one day back in April when I was away from home for 8 hours, visiting with friends outdoors. When I got home I realised my only fluid in that time was a single travel mug of tea. The next morning I had a 4-day AF run.

[Pommylump]

For me I am very wary of dehydration as it has triggered me in the past, I probably drink close to double of all my friends on long rides. I drink at least one bidon an hour and always with electrolyte's, so a 6 hour ride I drink around 4.5 to 5 litres, even more on a particularly hot day, I also try to restrict caffeine.

[jondeanp]

I think it’s important not to focus on just putting fluid back in your body but replacing the electrolytes lost through sweating.

After any reasonable exercise or even on particularly hot days I take a drink made with an electrolyte tablet (High 5 Zero- caffeine free). I also take a magnesium taurate capsule most days regardless.

[Jajarunner]

YES! I think both my second and third sessions of Afib were triggered by dehydration. I now try to drink at least 2 litres per day including at least half of that as a hydration drink. I use water with salt and lemon juice and/or a High Five Zero half capsule in a pint (other makes are available !!). Once I increase my exercise I intend to add even more liquid!

I find a 'camelback' hydration backpack (again, other makes are available) a great way to carry 2L of water without noticing it. I also drink 3-4 pints of tea plus some milk on my cereal daily. My EP and cardiologist both nodded sagely when I mentioned dehydration.

It now appears to be a myth that tea and coffee dehydrates you in moderation, but personally I find it doesn't matter how much tea I drink I still feel tired and lethargic compared to if I drink the same amount of water. I do also use fruit teas which don't dehydrate. Coffee makes me feel like a zombie so I avoid that mainly...

[1xrower]

Thanks everyone -- dehydration is never a good thing, AF or not, but it seems especially problematic with a potential of triggering AF, and I'm going to start erring on the side of making sure I'm very hydrated on these longer rides -- the camelback is a very good idea as it, in addition to water bottles, carries a lot of water. Electrolytes never hurt in the mix either. Good to hear others' experience - be safe out there!

[bikergurl]

I, too, have found dehydration a trigger. As stated above, I wear a Camelback during long rides. Mine holds 3 liters, and is pretty comfortable. Hope this helps. 🚴‍♀️

[David1958]

Yes, dehydration is an AF trigger. Stay hydrated as much as you need to. I too gave up caffeine as it made my arrhythmia worse. Saddest two weeks of my life. Yes, there is life after caffeine. I can get up early in the morning without grogginess (for work) but it is not in my nature to do so.