walking whilst in Afib

[foxglove1]

Im in the middle of an aft episode right now and due to meet friends to walk. We usually walk for several miles and with locked in I try to walk every day. I am paf with episodes occurring every few weeks and on apixoban only.

thanks for any advice

[CDreamer]

Hi - I’m not sure if you have asked a question or are commenting?

[foxglove1 in reply to CDreamer]

sorry I'm all over the place right now.

Was a question for advice.

Can I go for a walk of couple of miles today whilst in afib. Or should I rest it out. My bouts tend to come on during the night which this one did at 3.00am but usually end after a few hours. This one isn't.

thanks

[CDreamer in reply to foxglove1]

It really depends on how symptomatic you are. I couldn’t even stand when in AF but my friend who is in permanent AF walks 5-6 miles daily uphill and down dale. Just watch your heart rate doesn’t go high and be guided by your body. Everyone reacts very differently.

The general advice is if you can walk and talk, walking is great exercise. If you get breathless you need to slow down or stop and rest until you can breath normally. You are the expert on you but be careful not to overdo things.

Absolutely get out and enjoy your walks with your friends but be mindful you may not be able to do as much or as quickly.

[foxglove1 in reply to CDreamer]

thank you!

[Hidden]

Agree with CD but not wishing to be a killjoy, if you are in the UK, there is currently a lockdown so is walking in groups a good idea?

[foxglove1 in reply to Hidden]

you aren't being a killjoy Flapjack. I said friends with an "s" but meant friend. My bout of afib has made me a bit all over the place. I am pleased to say I am now in sinus rhythm.

I am only walking with one person outside which I thought we were allowed to do? I live in London.

[Hidden in reply to foxglove1]

Go and enjoy!!

[jeanjeannie50]

I'm a keen walker too and what I would do if I were you is go to the spot where you're meeting your friends, walk a little way with them and then see how you feel. You can always turn around and come back. Of course if your heart is beating extremely fast then I think you need to stay at home, after all you don't want to spoil the walk for your friends.

Jean

[doodle68]

Hi Foxglove 😊 another keen walker here.

Would I voluntarily go for a walk when in P-AF ... the answer is no.

I have to take my dog out, there is no choice and so I creep slowly down the lane praying I don't meet anyone who will require me to make conversation.

When in P-AF I am very breathless with a pounding heart and a bit fuzzy headed . I do the things I have to do but try not to give my heart any additional work or added strain by pushing things too far with strenuous exercise.

We AFers are all different , I would look at your level of symptoms then decide what is best for you.