I’ve noticed a definite correlation between my now infrequent bouts of AF and high temperature/humidity/dehydration.
Where is live it’s hot and humid all summer.
I love outdoor hikes and short climbs but with temperatures in mid to high 30’s and 80% humidity it’s impossible for me to enjoy peak summer.
I can feel it coming, it’s hard to maintain an even temperature, any moderate exertion and I am sweating my like a pig, if I don’t cool off with a cold shower or swim pACs start, eventually turning into AF.
I noticed this last and this summer.
Of course I drink and dehydration salts etc etc. but it’s hard to avoid.
I went hiking at 7am today as it was 25c on the mountain as opposed 35c now.
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Japaholic
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Hi and so good to hear from you! How are you doing generally? Sounds as though you are doing great if you can get out hiking.
It’s going to be a hot one here, well for the UK anyways - it was 27C yesterday here but dry heat.
I think going out early or late evening for exercise is the only way to go in the conditions you are experiencing. Are those summer temperatures extreme for where you are?
I think we all need to be aware of Heat Stroke, personally I will be watching others sweat it out at Wimbledon in the air conditioned communal lounge. Not that I like being in air conditioned rooms for all sorts of reasons, but quite glazed of it in the heat with high pollen forecast.
Yeah generally good thanks, much more stable than I was with both Mg & AF. COVID set us both back last October and no meds for anno domini 🤷♂️
We moved recently into a retirement complex to be nearer family & have a little more support & to increase our activit and social activities as Lockdown was disastrous for my husband’s mental health. That seems to have worked.
PS - maintaining body temperature or lack of ability to do so, is something I’ve had to come to terms with, partly age and partly Autnomic dysfunction.
Hi Jap, it's good to hear from you and it sounds like you're enjoying life. I did quite a long walk yesterday with friends, but some of it was shaded by trees. Two of us get AF, but we were both fine. I'm hardly aware of my heart these days, but then I'm in constant AF now.
You are quite right about dehydration and we must drink plenty of water while it's so hot. In some parts the UK it's almost like your temperatures in Japan. I don't think the heat affects me like it does you. So strange how we are all so different.
Are your AF attacks bad when you get them now? I believe you've had one ablation?
Oh, I feel your discomfort! I too am ridiculously affected by the heat. Get very lightheaded, dizzy, blood pressure drops. I try to do my gardening work in cooler weather or during the cooler part of the day. Frustrating, I used to love to be out in the hot weather and working hard. Good thing I gave up on a career as an archeologist and became a librarian, always used to say it was a similar type of puzzle-solving career, but w good airconditioning and less dirt! 😂 Just last week, my EP warned me that I really need to watch out for the hot weather. Great that you can hike in the cooler part of the day.
I have always hated hot weather. With the PAF it makes me even more fatigued than usual and I worry it'll kick off a full episode of flutter or AF if I overdo it.
I am even more apprehensive when these days of extreme heat clash with 12 hour shifts on the ward wearing PPE and thick cotton uniforms.
When I'm at home I open all the windows until about 9am when the sun is over onto the house then the rear south facing windows and curtains get shut. Middle of the day ALL the windows and blinds get shut and then only when the sun is off the back after tea do I open up the rear windows again.
Dehydration has always been a trigger for my AF along with lack of sleep and stress etc so when I'm at work I can regularly sink 3 litres.
It's not fun being exhausted and having no energy at the best of times let alone in heat!
Hello Japaholic. I am in Greece 33C at the moment.I do 50mins on a rowing machine at 625 Kcal/hour effort and, like you, sweat like a pig and my T-shirt is drenched by the end.
Could it be the loss of electrolytes that is the cause?
If I maintain HR at 110max, and hydrate well before and after, I seem to be OK.
Japaholic, heat, fatigue and dehydration were always required to trigger AF prior to my ablation 16 months ago.Since the ablation zero AF.
Recovering my ability to work/exercise in the heat has taken a lot longer than I thought. I spoke about this with my EP and he opined that one of the indicators of a weakened cardio/ vascular system was a limited ability to work in the heat.
Confirming with confidence I would improve with time.
Always mindful of the importance of keeping well hydrated.
I continue to improve.
My general well being has improved so much from the ablation it's hard to believe.
Only wished I had been diagnosed earlier.
Like a TKR, after recovery you regret not having the procedure earlier.
Yes I too have problems staying out doors when it is hot. I have AF and taking Atenolol My cardiologist wanted me to also be on Flecainide. I am struggling with this combination as I get very dizzy heavy chest and very tired. I really do not know where to go from here to try to feel normal
Hi there and yes, unfortunately, the heat and humidity can have an effect on the symptoms of AF, it is good to know that you are taking all the preventative measures by keeping hydrated and and avoiding excess exercise, its important to listen to your body - AF can affect everyone differently. If you would like any support, perhaps visit our AF Association and download our AF Fact File heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
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