Everything we read about AF and exercise seems to say reasonably moderate or gentle exercise is a good thing and strengthens the heart. So I can't really understand why even a gentle stroll is leaving me feeling as though it's straining my heart.
Five years ago just prior to being diagnosed, I was fell running. Last year I couldn't run but I could cycle 20 miles no problem. Today I dread taking the stairs.
I really don't think this is a natural afib progression - my heart just seems to hate movement. Hormones/adrenaline/cortisol maybe or a structural issue, perhaps?
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Barny12
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Just been on Bisoprolol 1.25mg for the last year. It's never made me feel tired as it does with some people - it's not that exercise is more tiring for me, it's that it often seems to put a strain on my heart, which in turn kicks off my afib.
just bisoprolol? That doesn't sound usual to me, are you going into AFib or something else when you get an episode? Have your consultant/Dr diagnosed Afib? Did they discuss any other drugs as options, PIPs etc?
Yep, diagnosed afib 2018. Flecainide as PIP. I'm not going into afib during exercise, but seem to get a lot of ectopics whilst moving/walking. It's the exercise that is causing the straining heart. Currently getting afib every night at bed time (relieved by PIP) after doing a gentle bike ride a couple of months ago where I got a heart twinge/straining feeling.
You need to get checked out. This doesn't sound right. Possibly something else is going on with your heart, or arteries. After 2 months I wouldn't be leaving this. Ask to be put on for a stress test at least.
Yes perhaps a stress test to examine what is actually happening when you are exercising. Also a home monitoring device would shed some light as well. Hope all goes well.
Basically, Bisoprolol does not suit you very well - the affects are negative for your lifestyle! Much more advisable is to arrange an appointment with a) your doctors to explain that you are enduring over-tiredness unreasonable so, and b) then go back to see your cardiologist and ask what steps to improve your health range more effectively.
Something is not right though isn't it. You can't exercise if you're feeling as you are and putting a strain on your heart can't be good. Have you had a blood test to check your thyroid function? I was feeling worn out like you a few years ago and mine was found to be underactive. Pills to rectify that gave me my life back, I thought it was all part of AF.
I would be pushing for echocardiogram, a lot could have changed in 4 years. When were your last FBC? Full blood test? I agree with Jean - full work up is required.
I had OHS in January and now I’m doing 8 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation. Jeez I’ve never worked so hard in my life. So they do want you to do exercise. Think you need to go back to your cardiologist because something doesn’t right.
From what you say the problem is more recent, so perhaps as people are saying you need some more tests. An echo 4 years ago may need updating. I was told when first diagnosed with AFib that exercise, particularly strenuous exercise would not help and could make things worse.
Can’t tell from your post if you’ve been checked for blockages ie have had an angiogram to rule out chest pain from blockages? Or one or more ablations? As Avery active person myself, when my AF progressed to daily, I was completely unable to exercise or even do mild walks. As you describe, I would get a chest pressure, kind of breathless, and either get ectopics or go into AF right away or later that day. An ablation May 31st has taken all of the above completely away. Hope your EP can reassess you soon!
I am sorry to hear you are experiencing difficulty, it is hard to tell if the source of this is related to the AF or prescribed medications. If you are unable to go about your usual daily activities or experience shortness of breath, please speak to your doctor for further advice.
I think a private cardiologist appointment, possible Flecainide daily (either 100 or 200mgs).
I have concluded (in my case anyway) the heart improves by constant moderation in all things - exercise, daily pills rather than PIP and level stress/emotions (eg no late night crime dramas 😱)
Keep a diary to discuss events with the cardio.
All that said, in my early days of AF diagnosis, I could hardly walk any distance and any incline seemed to threaten to trigger AF. After a period of stability including supplements and many improved lifestyle choices, I have a pretty normal active life but without the excesses.
Some sound advice here, and I agree with those who suggest pushing for further investigations. I'm not on Bisoprolol and never have been, but I've read this forum enough to know that it can cause various symptoms of tiredness, lethargy and cardiac disruption in some people. I know you say you don't feel tired as such, but the symptoms you describe may, at least in part, be your own individual reaction to that drug. We all react in different ways.
Certainly worth taking into account during your discussions with your GP, Cardio nurse or consultant.
goodness yes, my iron was very very low a few months ago and it triggered some crazy symptoms(tired feeling in my chest, headaches, shortness of breath) and heart palpitations.. I would take a few steps and HR would increase drastically. Started taking supplements and now slowly building back up my walking..back up to a mile without any crazy heart rate readings!
Sheesh, had a bad night. AF kicked off around 1am as usual so had the Flec PIP, fell asleep and woke up with tachycardia and cold sweats at 5am. Calmed down after about 30 mins but quite scary.
Just left a message with the arrhythmia nurse to call me back. I'll keep you posted.
The beta blocker you take should have the opposite effect i.e. more slow heart rate and not fast with cold sweats. Ask too why you are not on anti coagulants if indeed you have AF.
With afib diagnosis, we are usually put onto Apixaban or other anti coagulants as well as beta blockers (bisoprolol or the like), are you sure you have afib as none of this sounds the norm to me.
It affects us in different ways. Before diagnosis I was a keen hiker and an still able to walk ten-plus miles at a reasonably-brisk pace albeit only on the flat with only short, modest inclines do-able. I'm on a fairly high dose of Bisoprolol plus Forxiga and Apixaban.
Exercise is vital, if you want to live a healthy life. I never stop unless I'm very stressed. I have SVT and my heart rate can hit 190 bpm during exercise but as soon as I stop it drops back to about 70 bpm with a Blood Pressure of 102/67.
Have you tried supplements that the body likes? I take Q10, Taurine, Creatine, D3, K2, Kelp. Also B12 as I'm Vegan. Don't forget to eat onions every day as the latest research from Japan said that made a huge difference to health. The only medication I take is Apixaban.
Hi Joy My AF goes back to normal by the time I've taken off my cycling kit and had a shower. Guess we are all a bit different. I take my BP and HR every day for my app. I'm something of an obsessive by nature. My stroke only made me more so.
I don't remember the Japanese report saying the onions had to be raw though. I do remember it saying that all types of onions counted, so garlic, spring, etc.
I like the exercise though. It is my life. The only other things I like are talking about bikes, computer games, reading, and films. And the only reason for those is that I need some recovery time to avoid stressing my legs too much as that can lead to injury of muscles and tendons. I'm an avid member of the British Human Power Club. and on their forum and Strava a lot. I do my own stress testing.🤣
Went down to A & E this morning as very shaky after last night's shenanigans - had full blood count, ecg and x-ray. Doc also checked for HF. All came back clear, although the x-ray showed heart slightly larger than previous x-ray 2 years earlier. He didn't seem concerned. Said there didn't seem to be any sign of angina.
Doc didn't want to tweak my meds - he said my consultant could do that after I've had the 48hr Holter I'm due for next week and an echocardiogram he's booking me in for. Fingers crossed we may know more then.
Intense exercise also sets off my afib. Activites I've identified as triggers also make me worry, sometimes without being fully aware of it, as you mentioned, so it can be a self fulfilling trigger. Deep relaxation including generating some happy feelings is good prevention or even brings me out of afib sometimes. I'd suggest a slow resumption of exercise with deep relaxation and enjoyment mixed in during and/or after. Anyway, it helps me.
Yes, I can relate to part of your pattern. I too find even casual walking over 20 mins can trigger an increase in ectopics for me. When I start to see an increase in the frequency I either skip my walks the next few days or reduce the time to 10-15 mins. I have discussed this with my med cardio a few times, she seems to think it's a hydration issue. She always advises hydrating before the walks. I am well hydrated , easily 60-70 oz water a day, so I don't agree with her.
I think you may be onto something about the adrenaline as a factor. When I was weaned off Bisoprolol at my request due to the side effects I had a terrible period of hypertension which was totally out of character for me. I learned on this site that coming off the beta blocker too quickly was most likely the cause. It took almost two months for my BP to return to my norm. The beta blockers do exactly that, block your adrenaline. So I suppose stopping suddenly was like a rubber band effect. Anyway, I digress. All that to say I agree with you, anything that seems to raise my adrenaline does trigger my ectopics.
Hoping you get to the root of your issues soon. You are taking all the right steps, it's just sometimes takes awhile to put the whole puzzle together.
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