heart rate variability

[MummyLuv]

hi folks, for everyone who has had ablation (catheter or surgical), how long did it take for your HRV to return to the normal range. Mine is still low after a year although I have not returned to regular cardio exercise (I’ve been doing a lot of walking), maybe a need to add in more aerobic exercise.

[Rainfern]

Hi MummyLuv, you have done so well and I would say proceed with aerobic exercise cautiously. Studies have shown walking to be the best of exercises and you can always increase the speed of your pace a little. Aerobic exercise is a modern obsession and was not even in the lexicon of my mum in law who lived to over 100 - she walked everywhere despite her numerous medical conditions and maintained a sharp mind!

[Mugsy15 in reply to Rainfern]

You highlight something I've pondered on for years. I grew up in a mining village; the type of place in which the very young and very old, and everyone in between, know each other. During my childhood I saw the men, who all worked hard and many played sports, generally die in their 70s/ early 80s, whilst their wives, none of whom ever did any exercise other than housework and walking to the village shop, generally lived to a ripe old age.

I'm sure there's a lot to be said for staying active in later years, and I myself am a keen fell walker, but I view the current fad for daily strenuous exercise with much suspicion.

[Rainfern in reply to Mugsy15]

Thanks Mugsy you made me smile! I think those miner’s wives worked pretty hard though with the laundry, kids and keeping the home spick and span so careful what you say! I would think work conditions in the pits played a big role too. Who knows, but what a shame so many of those communities are now scattered! Enjoy your fell walking!

[Mugsy15 in reply to Rainfern]

Yes, I agree with all of that, and certainly am not disrespecting the role of a housewife at the time! What I meant was, none of them ever joined a gym, did yoga, went for a run or owned a cycle.

Getting to a good old age did not require Lycra.

[Rainfern in reply to Mugsy15]

“Getting to a good age did not require Lycra” Wonderful, I shall be quoting that! Makes me think of those hill farmers out all weathers in their old tweed jackets. Or climbing Cader Idris in my plimsoles age eight, which was rather more foolhardy!

[Afibflipper]

Hi, having had my 3rd ablation in Nov and sustained period of illness throughout last year my HRV plummeted suddenly the day I returned back to NSR in March. Obviously after the poor health fitness was zero and only very recently had it started to pick up when walking but still very low. Walking is my only exercise, no way capable of aerobics classes but I feel great and am happy - no longer paranoid about checking vitals, keep notes anymore - still feels odd to be able to do stuff without expecting AF attack any minute! Cheers to happiness & health for all. (Including your little man - hope he’s feeling much better x)

[MummyLuv in reply to Afibflipper]

thank you re my son 😘

[Tangalle]

Hi Mummyluv, I agree with Rainfern that caution is required when looking at aerobic exercise. As you know I am waiting for my surgery so do not have any knowledge of how I will feel afterwards. I believe that we as individuals know our own body so if you feel ready for something a bit ‘extra’, have you considered line dancing.

I do a line dance class once a week and have been doing it now for about 5 years. If you can find a good class with a fun teacher, as we have, it is great exercise without going into full aerobic mode and a lot of laughs as well. It is not all yahoos and slapping your thighs, we dance to all sorts of modern music, slow, medium and fast and you can choose to sit out at any stage.

Whatever you choose, take care of yourself.

[Jalia]

Can you tell me how you are measuring your HRV please?! Sounds interesting. Pleased that you are doing so well after your mini maze. If I had been younger I would have looked into this.

[MummyLuv in reply to Jalia]

thank you, you are never too old, there are members on here late 70s just had mini maze 😍

I use an app called Cardiogram which uses the readings from my Apple Watch x

[DizzyD in reply to MummyLuv]

Not sure if you were put on Amiodarone for six months after the mini maze procedure. If you were then a follow up observation period, for another six months, without Amiodarone is the time period (half life) estimated for Amiodarone to leave the body. So I assume one is observed to see if any AFib occurs as the medication wears off for said 6 months. There is information out there which reports that Amiodarone can stay in your body way beyond six months. If this is the case it may take some more time for your HBV to return to normal regardless of any type of exercise.I presently take Amiodarone, been on it since 17 April (last resort medication) after severe, near death AFib attack which happened two days after an a+e cardiologist, who went against my regular cardiologists wishes, prescribed me Flecainide. Lots of cardiologists in the past ruled out Flecainide until the extent of blocked artery was determined. Sorry went off track.

On Mr Hunters list now for mini maze about November.

Anyway despite the Amiodarone I do long walks most days. Fitbit does show that I reach cardio level for 15/20 mins daily which I am ok with for now. I am 71. Don't know if this helps but I suspect Amiodarone may still be in your body. Just wondering if there is a certain type of blood test which can show if any Amiodarone is still present.

[MummyLuv in reply to DizzyD]

fingers crossed for you with mini maze 😍. I was on amiodarone 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery. It’s possible it still lingers due to it’s long half life but it won’t be much now I am 14 months on. X

[DizzyD in reply to MummyLuv]

Ohh that's brilliant...ten weeks in total on Amiodarone is not that bad. I thought Mr Hunter said put on it for 6 months after procedure. Phew so hope I got it wrong and it's 6 weeks for everyone. Enjoy your exercise be it walking or aerobics

[MummyLuv in reply to DizzyD]

everyone is different, I think the standard is 3 months but does depend how you are doing x

[mav7]

I’ve been doing a lot of walking

Never had an ablation/surgery, but would continue to walk only and consult with Dr Hunter or his staff.

Best to You in managing your health.

(As a former runner, I know the pain of not being able to do a good workout. Patience is the key)

[Halfheart]

My HRV went from around 50mS pre-ablation to less than 10mS post-ablation. Stayed there for over a year and is only now starting to go up after 18 months.

[MummyLuv]

thank you for sharing