Had AF cured by cardioversion over 2 years ago but training regularly I know my resting HR is a solid 52bpm and on the ergometer which I use 3/4 times a week my HR is 115-120 on a 45 minute steady state Ut2 but this has jumped to 130: and as high as 150+ which should make me anaerobic although I don't feel breathless.
Over the last 3/4 weeks resting HR has jumped to 65/70 + and it fluctuates over the 5 readings between as low as 30 and as high as 90+
Doctor says ECG is nothing to worry about but I know something is not right.
Am I being overly cautious/worrying unnecessarily about a return of Afib ?
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Hodgy1954
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Not sure this is going to help Hodgy, but most of us here are not medically trained but over the years, we pick up a lot of information from those who are and where possible, we try to use this information to help others. Assuming you had a Cardioversion because you were diagnosed with persistent AF two years ago, most doctors say that a CV rarely cures AF. Although they can work for several years, more often than not they last for less than a year but they are primarily used to assess whether or not an AF patient benefits from returning to sinus rhythm and therefore would benefit from other forms of treatment such as an ablation if or when it fails. It is also commonly known that excessive training, particularly for extreme sports can often cause AF so I guess there is a need to be cautious. If your Doctor is a specialist, ie Cardiologist as opposed to being a GP, then he/she should be able to accurately assess an ECG but of course, an ECG is only a brief snapshot of what is going on with your heart. Perhaps you are familiar with the Kardia and other similar monitors which enable you to check your heart’s performance at any time although the downside is that these can become obsessive.
I guess the answer to your question is yes, you probably are being over cautious, but you are also doing things which might not be helping your condition. It will be interesting to hear what others say ……..
Isn't it absurd... Following the idea of keeping fit and healthy, many of us have got to be in serious trouble with the most sensitive organ of our body - our heart. If you ask me, it is about the time to give a nation wide alarm about people endangering their health through the exercise ! I know that it sounds absurd, but there are sports which lead us directly into trouble, like running, cycling, rowing,...
Everything in moderation. For some people it is exercise, others alcohol, even others it may be gambling. The human animal has a huge capacity for excess and obsession.
Others more wise than me have alluded. Here's my take. Being fit and training hard with a low resting heart beat makes us (I include myself) candidates for Afib. Join the growing list of hard cyclists, marathon runners and over exercisers. My only self help advice is moderation. Enjoy your fitness but keep out of the red zone. Stay well hydrated, avoid stress, sleep well, eat healthy. Try Co enzyme 10 and magnesium even Hawthorn. Works well for some. Please note I have no medical training. Again, as others have noted reading so many posts where these have worked. Worth a try. Best wishes
Hate to disillusion you, but cardioversion is not a "cure" for afib. The fact that it put you back into normal sinus rhythm is a good thing, but you will undoubtedly experience afib again at some point. As others have pointed out above, you may find that your training is actually the culprit.
Hi, it may not be AF that is the problem. If you feel ‘something is not right’ I would go very easy on the training and get a Kardia to use when your heart feels uncomfortable. I am not sure what your device is but if you are in AF most devices that rely on ‘pulse’ are inaccurate. You can tell yourself if you are in AF by feeling the pulse in your neck as it would then be irregular. The usual criteria for insisting on further investigation is feeling unwell so if you do then do. Hope that helps.
A cardio version is no cure. Once you get AFIB you always have it or are susceptible to it (in most cases)
I had my first AFIB episode 6 years ago following one of my many century (100 mile) bike races. While I still exercise regularly, my rides are now about 30 miles and at a very reduced pace.
Following two failed ablations, my meds have kept me in sinus rhythm and I've had no AFiB events in over three years.
As noted , you can continue exercising with AFIB but at a much reduced rate depending on your circumstances.
Not sure if you are talking to a specialist but getting advise from a PCP is a waste of time. Best to consult with a cardiologist or better yet, an electrophysiologist.
I empathize with your situation as an athlete and wish you the best.
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