Further evidence that getting cold can trigger my AF.

[AFCyclist]

A couple of times during covid lockdown I had got cold after a winter walk with friends when sitting outside (not allowed inside remember) chatting and having a sarnie and I went into AF.

Well it has happened again this time whilst cycling in the Pyrenees and I have recorded it on my Polar chest strap heart rate monitor linked to my Garmin. See graph below. After 3 hours steady cycling up Luz Ardiden I was in NSR butit was cool and misty on top with no sun. I put on my kag and sat and had a sarnie and got cold. I then descended freewheeling on the bike and went into AF as seen by the last third on the graph. I did not revert to NSR when I got back into the sun at the bottom. This did not happen on other cols where the sun was out and it was warmer.

The graph also shows how my electric bike helps me manage to keep my heart rate below about 100bpm even on steep climbs.

Anyone else find that getting cold triggers their AF?

[Ppiman]

I wonder whether in getting cold you naturally tighten up your abdominal and chest musculature somewhat causing a direct mechanical effect on the heart that can set off ectopic beats and it is these that trigger AF? I suppose, also, that being cold would bring an adrenergic response that would also stimulate the heart, again possibly bring on an ectopic beat that might trigger AF?

Steve

[AFCyclist in reply to Ppiman]

Yes possibly. I can certainly now feel when it is likely to happen and I can avert it by immediately getting into a hot bath after a cold cycle. Less easy to do if you get cold in the middle of nowhere! The trick is to keep warm.

[Ppiman in reply to AFCyclist]

I envy your energy and the wonderful parts of the world you are seeing on your cycling trips!

Steve

[Auriculaire]

I once brought on an episode by leaning out the window and breathing in cold air .