Cardio exercise reducing AF

[john-boy-92]

I recently doubled the dose of my blood pressure medication, and lo and behold, my heart rate is lower and less spiky during vigourous 5Km sessions on the rowing machine, although my 500 metre splits are quicker. A Bruce protocol test a few years ago shows that my heart flip-flops between fibrillation and flutter when pushed. Additionally, I've been doing a 5km or 10km session on the rowing machine on most days. That could reduce my overall heart rate as per regular running. Of course this may just be association. Dr Phil Hammond described association like this: "99% of people in car accidents were wearing shoes, therefore shoes cause car accidents" However, there's a possibility for a study; can regular cardio execise reduce the severity of AF?

[BobD Volunteer]

Or cause it? We are all different.

[john-boy-92 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob; I've had AF for a long time. A long, long time ago it was all night discos (remember the precursor to clubbing?) and dancing in a sweaty, loud room. My heart rate was high then, way before the years of running, orienteering, spin classes and gym workouts. I really have to work to hit 150 bpm on the rowing machine now, as otherwise it drops to 115 to 125 bpm.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to john-boy-92]

My all nighters were building race cars. Never had time for a social life!