I am new with AFib, just a week into it, 61 years old. I am very anxious now about this, as I am breathless even on an easy walk. I am taking bisoprolol after I ended up in hospital with a Heart rate that wouldn’t come down until they gave me this medication.
I have until this point always been super fit, really active with running, rowing, cycling etc. So now I am not doing these things as my heart won’t let me.
Does anyone have any handy ideas on how to keep fit without stressing my heart? Thanks for reading my post.
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intheweeds
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Ah a typical AF patient waiting to happen. Your age and exercise profile fit perfectly I'm afraid so some iife style changes will be needed. Generally exercise should be possibile but not if you can't talk at the same time.
Bisoprolol being a beta blocker will stop you overdoing things and slow you right down but there are other treaments. This drug does seem to be the first option for most doctors.
My advice would be to go to AF Assoication main website and read everything you can about the condition as knowledge is power.
It does depend on what type of afib you have. I have paroxysamal afib so when I'm in sinus rhythm I run between 5 and 10k every other day. During an afib attack I still run but it is more difficult. It is worthwhile trying to run as exercise with afib is better than no exercise . Check this video.
I was in a similar situation as you. When first diagnosed with atrial flutter I was prescribed Bisoprolol and at a later date, after an unsuccessful Ablation, another beta blocker sotalol. Previously I had enjoyed swimming cycling and running and participating in the odd triathlon. Once on these medications I found that they so suppressed my heart rate that I just couldn’t exercise anywhere near the level I previously did and this had quite an impact on my QOL. I was however, on a consultation with my EP, able to agree to come off beta blockers and manage my arrhythmia without them. My AF was paroxysmal and I was able to rely on flecainide only to manage the arrhythmia. It may not work for everyone but it’s worth having that conversation with your EP and seeing if you can manage your AFib satisfactorily without using beta blockers. Best of luck - I feel for you not being out there exercising.
I have had the same experience as Speed. At 60yo I was diagnosed with Lone (means no know cause) Paroxysmal AF (PAF), being quite fit with low pulse/BP and enjoying sports my cardiologist prescribed 200mgs Flecainide only. He said a BB/CB would make me feel unwell. Now 69, it has worked very well. I have also made many lifestyle changes which no doubt have contributed to this result.
I would point out that at the beginning, I couldn't walk more than a few hundred yards or up any slight hill without feeling like AF was going to start. Over time and adopting new exercise/sports without high exertion, I have now built back to excellent energy levels.
Lastly, anxiety is a key early issue. Find factors that work for you to reduce it. I 'threw the kitchen sink' at it adopting all common solutions including spiritual (prayer & Nature in my case).
I agree that I am also now fighting anxiety at this new version of me! I am determined to be positive but it’s hard when I have lost this important ability to exercise properly. However I am doing easy walks, even though they wear me out. And also yoga. Every little helps I think.
The BB is making me struggle but maybe keeping me alive?
That is very interesting. I will look into that. 2 years....thats useful for me to know. I have a tendency to try and go too fast so maybe I need to slow down.
Everyone is different. From being a regular fell runner for many years, I can now not even handle a gentle jog on the flat - it brings the AF straight back on. However walking and cycling on the flat are fine at the mo. I can also recommend nordic walking as a more full body exercise.
A period of "detraining" for a few months after initial diagnosis is often recommended.
Whatever you do take it slowly and build back up gradually. Your heart will thank you!
Totally agree with Barry. Stop all and build back slowly. You will soon find out what YOU can and can't handle. In general, for ME, steady exercise is the best eg daily x2 1 mile Nordic walking. No sprints whether, running , in tennis or skiing. Instead I took up walking basketball and loving it.
Big thanks to you for your great reply and really useful pointers. I am really hoping i can maintain my fitmes and enjoy some exercise, even if it not what i was able to do before. I will have to reinvent myself and stay positive. Thanks again
I am taking bisoprolol after I ended up in hospital with a Heart rate that wouldn’t come down until they gave me this medication.
Very important to monitor your heart rate and take an anticoagulant. Assume you are under the care of a cardiologist who can provide exercise recommendations based on your history.
I had a similar experience to you initially when I was diagnosed with AF and heart failure late last year. Hillwalking is my hobby so I was devastated when I found myself becoming breathless climbing the stairs at home to go to the toilet.
The good news is that managed medication (including bisoprolol) gradually made a big difference. Took a bit of getting used to (lots of light-headed spells) but they eventually reduced significantly. Like you I experienced breathlessness even on an easy walk but am now able to re-join friends in various walking groups and on a good day can manage up to ten miles (as long as it's on the flat). When not walking I also get upper body aerobic exercise using light weights and pulling and pushing them to music - but don't push it too hard.
I realise medication affects individuals in different ways but my experience may give you hope that you will be able to continue being active, albeit not to the say extent as previously. Of course, there is always the chance that the pills currently taken will eventually lose or lessen their effectiveness but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
this is excellent for me to hear, many thanks. It actually gives me some hope that I can still aim for that great quality of life that exercise gives me/us.
I am so pleased to know that you can still do some great long walks. Perhaps you will get up a hill again? That is my dream now.
Hi there ..you say you have just had afib for over a week and are now on bisoprolol ..your body could well need time to adjust and get used to the drug...i was told this by my gp and this turned out to be the case..it took 3 to 4 weeks for me to find it a lot easier to excercise and have the usual energy again once my body adapted , i know this is not the case for everyone and some people just cannot tolerate their chosen medication , but its very early days for you at the moment maybe give it a bit more time and if it doesnt get easier shortly then have a talk to your gp or cardiologist if you see one to look at alternative meds till you maybe have an abaltion if thats the route you choose...best wishes....
Hi no problem, it can all be very scary in the beginning and sometimes getting the right medication that suits can take a bit of trial and error , but as i say very early days for you yet so try not to worry , easier said than done i know , but you will get there im sure....i was also a very keen cyclist , swimmer and gym user who trained a lot , but i have cut it down a lot by at least a third which can also help over time...not over doing it is as important as doing excercise .. getting the right balance is something you will get used to in time but fear not you will be still be able to keep fit and execercise just dont over do it..i thought i would be devastated not being able to push it as hard as i did , but after a while i realised i didnt need to .. i was still enjoying it with out pushing to my limits...
Right now at this scary time, your words are doing me so much good. I cannot thank you enough and also i am happy to know that you have acheived balance and fitness. Gives me hope.
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