Afib and exercise

[dlanoR71]

Can I ‘workout’ (weights/uliptical) normally while on flecainide??

[Desanthony]

If you can get on a phase 3 cardio rehabilitation course - these may be run from the local hospital or local gym. Did me the world of good as run by physios and cardio nurses and blood pressure and heart rate checked at intervals throughout the class. I don’t take flex but just having AF made me very wary of any exercise and this course really helped. If you can’t get on this course then just exercise slowly working up gradually. Take it easy - if you can hold a conversation whilst exercising you are just right. Dont forget you are exercising for pleasure and your health it’s not a race and you don’t have to out do everyone else.

[BobD Volunteer]

Walk and talk at the same time is a good measure.

[secondtry]

For exercise I would say do half of what you used to do and at half the pace. Definitely avoid pushing for PBs!

[Hidden]

I spoke to a doctor from Barts about exercise last week and he said that it was very important for those with PAF. It can help reduce the number of episodes for *some* of those with PAF and helps to keep the heart healthy. He recommended exercise which raised the pulse, but not by too much. So , walking, jogging, swimming etc. I'm not sure what sort of weight-lifting you have in mind, but if it's lifting very heavy weights I would clear it with your cardiologist first and would suspect it's not advised.

[beach_bum]

Of course consult your physician, but he will most likely send you for a stress test. That’s where they hook you up to a ECG machine/ O2 sensor, and have you walk, then increase the pace slowly until you start jogging, then run...while monitoring your vitals. I was told afterwards to go ahead and carry on hiking, cycling, weights/resistance training.

[Jajarunner]

I've been on flecainide for years, no problem with it or effect on exercise tolerance. I'm not in permanent Afib though.