Afib

[Andy-f]

Been told I’m in continuous AFib, with enlarged left arterial (hope I have that right )

Is it possible for the heart to reduce, also are you able to exercise safely

Thanks

[CDreamer]

Hi Andy -I think that is a question best put to your doctors because everyone has varying circumstances.

If you are in continuous AF and cardioversion didn’t work for you and you don’t want to take Amiodarone you are facing living in permanent AF. If you strain the heart by exercising over safe limits then no, your atria will probably not return to normal size and your heart will not be able to pump blood efficiently to the rest of your body.

Have you had an echocardiogram? If so - find out your ejection fraction no. If this is between 35-60 it would be considered within normal range and therefor if your heart rate is well controlled, you may be able to do some exercise but not something you should do on your own without expert guidance from a cardio rehab therapist.

Moderate walking for 20 minutes a day as long as you don’t become breathless is adequate exercise for none atheletes. If you have been an athelete in the past than I suggest you read The Haywire Heart - how too much exercise can kill you by Dr John Mandriva

The Haywire Heart shares the developing research into a group of conditions known as “athlete’s heart”, starting with a wide-ranging look at the warning signs, symptoms, and how to recognize your potential risk. Leading cardiac electrophysiologist and masters athlete Dr. John Mandrola explores the prevention and treatment of heart conditions in athletes like arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation and flutter, tachycardia, hypertrophy, and coronary artery disease. He reviews new research about exercise intensity and duration, recovery, inflammation and calcification, and the ways athletes inflict lasting harm.

[CDreamer]

PS - pre COVID your GP could give you a referral to local Leisure Facility for cardio rehab. Not sure that is possible now as they are all closed.

[Andy-f in reply to CDreamer]

CDreamer,Thanks for the reply

Makes sense, quite a manual job at work so that may be enough exercise for know until I find more out

Thanks