Line dancing with AF

[Myflowers2]

Does anyone go line dancing with AF. Is it ok to do so ?

[Murphy10]

I could not see a reason why you could not do this as exercise is encouraged. I would however check with your doctor who should encourage exercise.

[Myflowers2 in reply to Murphy10]

Just wondered if anyone else does it. I have been doing it for a few years now before I was diagnosed with A F. Did it Friday felt awful. Does anyone else get pain like being punched in the upper stomach just belt the ribs.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Myflowers2]

You aren't listening then !

[mjames1 in reply to Myflowers2]

Sounds like what happened is called a "side stitch" when your diaphragm goes into spasm.

Very common and has nothing to do with atrial fibrillation or "over doing" it.

Recommendations are not to exercise right after eating, warm up before and maybe do more core exercises. In general, moderate exercise is good for afib and Line Dancing falls into that category.

Needless to say none of us here are doctors, so if you are concerned, or it keeps happening, speak to your doctor to rule out anything more serious.

Jim

[iris1205 in reply to Myflowers2]

I get those sometimes... this works for me, maybe worth a try!

Deep breathing, emphasis on belly breathing (diaphragmatic), so focus on inflating the lungs and the belly.

Stretching backwards - gently with awareness of not hyper-extending the neck and if comfortable to do so, gently rotate opposite direction to the side you feel the spasm. The sooner you do this, the faster it will release. If you wait longer, it will take longer to release and on occasion the spasm can even leave one a bit sore!

[Omniscient1 in reply to Myflowers2]

Just because we have AF doesn't mean everything that goes wrong is AF. It does sound like a bit of stitch?

[BobD Volunteer]

Why not but please listen to your body.

[Cavalierrubie]

You can try. Don’t think line-dancing is vigorous anyway is it? You can always stop if you feel it is too much. It’s a case of being sensible l think. Hope you get on ok and enjoy yourself.

[Hidden]

Good morning Myflowers2

Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and exercising at a level with which you are individually comfortable is sensible from a cardiovascular perspective in order to keep fit and healthy.

Our booklet 'AF and You' has a section on exercise which you may like to read here: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

I hope this helps, please feel free to contact our Patient Services Team on 01789 867502 or email [e-mail] if you would like to speak with one of the team.

Best Wishes

Katrina

[Goosebumps]

There is always the question of whether your heart being out of rhythm also affects your ability to dance in rhythm. Only you can answer this, but I’ve taken up Argentinian Tango since getting AF and I’m busting moves that people haven’t seen before.🤓

[Myflowers2 in reply to Goosebumps]

Good for you. We do leroc have done for many years but find I can't do as much as before. With the line dancing again done for many years on Friday I felt awful afterwards with flutters heart felt juddery and unstable.

[Goosebumps in reply to Myflowers2]

So sorry to hear it was a struggle for you, but lots of people on the forum live very active and energetic lives, it affects us all differently. I have to ensure I am very well hydrated. Every one else is sipping wine and I’m guzzling from an Evian bottle ( old bottle filled with cheap spring water, can’t afford the real stuff…..🤓)

[Jetcat in reply to Goosebumps]

I love that saying,busting moves.!!! 😜

[ozziebob in reply to Goosebumps]

Busting moves that no-one has seen before? 🤔

Useful advice for when Admin or others next try to censor my own unique "dancing rhythms".👍🤫😄

[Blearyeyed]

Dancing is a really fun way to get your exercise.Just take it at an easy pace at first and have lots of little rests with a drink and a chat between routines .

Dancing and the rhythm involved much like slow to moderate walking can actually help you improve your breathing rhythm and oxygen intake which is also good for helping to manage your heart rate and blood pressure.

I don't like dance , but I do dance when I can. My Mother in Law and Sister in Law go to a club every week and really love it , so I'm sure it will be great for your confidence and positivity as well.

Let us know how you get on , Bee

[CDreamer]

listen to your body, if it’s not ok for you your body will soon let you know. Rest when you need to and keep well hydrated but most of all ENJOY! Life’s for living.

Exercise is encouraged but keep it moderate. Running a marathon at full out pace is much too much

[Peacefulneedshelp]

Absolutely. Get exercise just don't over do. Great for the brain too.

[opal11uk]

My belief is that you can do anything you like with A/F and if you find that something to trigger your A/F you then know that its not for you. Life has to go on, we make changes along the way depending on our experiences so give it a go and yes, I have enjoyed line dancing till my bunion decided it was not for me!!!

[fibnum]

Just check with your doctor and study the extensive research on safe activity levels while experiencing Afib. Oh, wait, they don't know, and there isn't any! It is baffling that so many have dealt with Afib for so many years, and we get so little practical guidance from the medical establishment.

I would move about and be somewhat active as long as it felt okay, but avoid stressful activity and take a lot of breaks. I don't know how tiring line dancing is, but you don't want to do too much. Some say that strenuous exercise helps them return to NSR. I usually feel ill at ease in my chest and short of energy most of the time and sense that I should not stress my heart while it is functioning erratically. That may or may not be necessary. I wish there were professional advising available, but this forum seems to be the most helpful resource at present.

[Tangalle]

All bodies respond in different ways to different things so it is wise to listen to only your own. I do line dancing, have done so for 5 years whilst in AF with no issues but if an occasional dance was very complex and fast, I would sit out.

If you feel your pain is associated to your AF consult with your doctor, they will also be able to tell you if it is muscular pain and nothing to worry about.

[Dodie117]

I dance at home for exercise. I have a favourite “dance”playlist and whizz round the room. It gives a great lift to the spirits but slow down if getting too breathless etc. be sensible and enjoy.

[FSsimmer]

I think your cardiologist may say try it and see. Exercise is important, and line dancing is hardly running a marathon. That said I was a distance runner before I got Afib 3 years ago. I regularly ran 5-10k non stop. I am now in Afib 24/7 and waiting for a cardioversion this month. No one has told me not to run, but I don't now, I do brisk walking, about 2 -3 miles on average and have no problems...Sure you will be fine

[Linesteps]

I have had PAF for approx 8 yrs that I know about , I take no rate or rhythm control meds as my episodes are about 1week for no longer than 12 hrs and never above 90/100 . I have linedance throughout , sometimes during an episode , I only feel a little more out of breath , never any pain and sometimes I’m sure the excersise flips me into SR go figure . My cardiologist says if you feel well just ignore the heart noise , obviously if you feel unwell rest . I find dancing is great for mindfulness , especially anxiety .

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Come on!

Dance as if your life depends on it.

Ballroom,Jive, Rock, and not excluding Line Dancing.

Movement of Dance is great for your AF. Cardiologist says gently exert yourself as well.

Go for it.

Walking up stairs, and elevated ground - hills.

Your heart is a muscle. If you don't move and move sometimes to exertion your heart will be more stressed. I have AF continually. The rapid AF is now controllec on Diltiazem 120mg AM, Bisoprolol 2.5 PM. Synthroid for Ca Thyroidectomy 125 to keep me at TSH 1.5-2.5.

I'm OK.

Turned 75 in January and lined up for Neck Scan 15 February. 4 years since operation and 4 years 9 months since Stroke.

I dance with my dog! Little JAZ. I'm into the losing a kg over time. Lost 6kg over last year.

cheri Joy. 75. (NZ)

[1969hippy]

Line dancing is not my scene but a few years back whilst dancing vigorously I did faint. I woke up in the recovery position then an ambulance crew arrived. They did not take me to hospital. Since then I still dance but a bit less ambitiously & have had no more blackouts.