Skydiving with afib

[Enable]

I am in permanent afib but otherwise healthy and have the opportunity of going on a tandem skydive on holiday. Has anyone else in permanent afib done it and any problems. ?I'm 61 and want to live life but obviously stay alive at the same time lol.

[BobD Volunteer]

I have never seen the point in jumping out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft myself but whatever blows your frock up as they say! If abject fear doesn't usually worsen your AF I'm sure you will be fine. What's the worst that can happen? Lol 😁

[jeanjeannie50]

I'm in permanent AF too. I wouldn't give my AF a thought and do the tandem skydive. Who knows, it may even put your heart back into normal sinus rhythm!

Jean

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

HiHA HA.

But I'd rather do a registered BALLOON TOUR.

PHOTOGRAPHS galore.

cheers JOY 73 (NZ)

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

I've been up in a hot air balloon, it was amazing! I hope I'll never miss a chance to do something different.

I always regret many years ago at a dairy show not saying I'll do it, to having a go at leading large workhorses. I could curse now. An opportunity missed that I'll probably never have again!

I have hand fed a rhinoceros, put the food right into it's mouth. Who can say they've done that!

Jean

[Turquoise19 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Well I let a wild warthog sniff my hand once Jean. Not quite as impressive !

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

HiNo, and I wouldn't cause I'd be too anxious.

I'd like to do a BALLOON RIDE over a special place.

cheers JOY 73. (NZ).

[pottypete1]

Not for me, I can’t even watch Southampton FC play without getting severe palpitations.

Pete

[Stressbaker]

I am not in permanent Afib but my doctor told me never to go to high altitude again. I frequently visit a place that is 9,600 ft high. Today I am actually seeing an electrophysiologist and am going to ask him about high altitudes. Surely there is something that can be done prophylactically! There’s no way I’m just never going there again! So that is a question for your doctor. BTW I have skydived and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Terrifying but fabulous!

[dexter8479 in reply to Stressbaker]

Please report back what your EP says about high altitude places. I am keen to see Machu Pichu but wonder if it's asking for trouble. BTW, if it was a "regular" doctor, not an Afib specialist, I tend to take their comments on the finer details of it with a grain of salt - the contributors on this forum know far more about the details of this condition than the average GP - my (very good) GP freely admits that!

[CDreamer in reply to dexter8479]

For me it was taking exercise at high altitude, skiing became near impossible and although 10 years ago I managed it (couldn’t now) I was in AF every evening, but then I got altitude sickness at 1800m anyways.

[Stressbaker in reply to dexter8479]

My electrophysiologist said yesterday there is no reason I can’t go to 10,000’ elevation since I am on Eliquis. He says if I am going to have an episode at low altitude I’ll have it at higher altitude. Same guidelines apply for knowing if and when I should seek emergency attention. So I will give it a go and see what happens!

[dexter8479 in reply to Stressbaker]

Thank you that. Aren't EP'S the most sensible people? It's very reassuring. Hmmm, I might hit Machu Picchu after all. ⛰

[CDreamer]

Can’t see why it would be a problem, for your heart other than the adrenaline rush may (probably will) raise your heart rate.

My motto is never let an opportunity pass you by.

Have fun and let us know.

[Fullofheart]

I tend to agree with Jean on this one. You never know it might work the other way!! I've been in constant AF for many years and I think once you're in it the worry about "triggers" changes. Having recently undergone 2 unsuccessful ablations and being conscious throughout I'm noticing I'm much more likely to do things I used to be a bit fearful of. Like I've done worse!! 😉

And life is for living as well as preserving. 😊

[dexter8479 in reply to Fullofheart]

Yes, a lady I met on holiday was in permanent AFIB, she said she'd actually welcomed it, as the "fear" had been removed from booking lovely trips/adventures, so her attitude had completely changed. And she was coping with it splendidly, pretty much asymptomatic, pass me the wine...😉 Thanks for that.

[P0rtnahapp1e]

I used to do the odd half marathon and when I was diagnosed with a fib and HF my doctor said I could still run, but not competitively as the stress would be detrimental. (Mind you, I’ve lived with my husband for 40 years and the stress of that hasn’t killed me!)If you can do it stress free then fine!

Best of luck!