AFib after exercise

[bowie88]

I hadn't had an AF episode for 6 months, then last night I had palpitations and was in AF for 13 hours with an HR of 127. As I normally do in these situations, I look for a trigger: the only thing I did differently was that I had a game of padel tennis eight hours before, the first time I've tried it. I go to the gym regularly but I suppose I hadn't done lots of short sprints like this before - do people think this is obviously the cause of it? And do you think that's a warning to not do it again, or might I be able to play again in future, being careful to take it a bit more easy? Thanks

[mjames1]

It very well may be. Over exercise is one of my triggers and it never happens during the activity, but always after and usually the next day, like in your case.

No universal answers what to do, but trying to gradually build up to a new activity might help although it may be something unique to paddle board, such as upper body motion, that may be the trigger.

Another strategy is that if you're on or have been on an anti-arrhythmic, to take it prophalactively before the activity, of course with the blessing of your doctor.

If you're on thinners, I also suggest you be careful with any paddle sport perhaps wearing a helmet, especially if playing doubles. A friend of a friend had a very unfortunate accident when his partner's racquet hit his head.

Jim

[BenHall1]

Hi,

This forum is ( as was the same forum in a much earlier incarnation) littered with anecdotal evidence to suggest that most sports, from basic to extreme and even olympic grade, appear to be breeding grounds for AF related problems and sometimes fatalaties, thank goodness few and far between.

A recent case here in UK some months ago ( if you remember ) was a footballer ( can't remember name or team ) who collapsed during play while being a patient and being treated for AF.

It's your call. For me, it's a no brainer.

[babs1234]

my AF was caused by over exertion. ( netball). I also do the pickleball which on one occasion kicked off an episode. I was told to make sure HR doesn’t exceed 140bpm. So wear my Apple Watch and keep checking. Once it gets to over 130 I slow down. I was told not to give up my activities, just be more careful

[secondtry]

I stopped playing tennis for that reason. You can always restart after a suitable AF free period. I haven't restarted but took up walking basketball instead - no short sprints.

[Popepaul]

I think that aerobic exercise for a moderate amount of time would be fine for most afibbers. I try to avoid anything that generates oxygen debt and I try to keep my pulse below 130 bpm.

[Sixtyslidogirl]

My own experience (PAF waiting for an ablation) like the others on here is to find a sweet spot, not too much- for me that would be sustained high heart rate, and not too little so you get completely out of condition. My main thing is low heart rate running, under 120. Over time, I have got faster but always able to chat or even sing while doing that. I do weights and swimming that take my HR higher but only momentarily , and I do get a few ectopics doing that but hasn’t turned into AF so far. So you might have to experiment. I keep a close eye on my overnight HR with a Garmin and/or Frontier X . If it is higher than the baseline then I won’t do anything taxing the next day. It does take a lot of attention unfortunately but if you want to continue with sporting activity, I would say essential.

[OzJames]

it wasn’t exercise that triggered mine it was consuming larger amounts of alcohol or coffee and then exercise within 6 hours. This was the cause over last 30 years up until end of 2022 and then this time it was Covid booster then exercise

[Peacefulneedshelp]

This is what I have been writing about, not having enough energy to fuel the body in these kinds of cases. did you have enough to eat to sustain that kind of energy output? If not, a cascade of release of stress hormones could have been released. If I am going to be doing anything like that and it could be an extra long walk, I make sure I have something to snack on.

[Cavalierrubie]

l have to do everything in moderation otherwise l am in AF. Too much excercise can give me awful problems, as can rushing around. I have learnt the hard way to slow down and accept l am no longer a spring chicken. Take it easy and not push yourself too hard. You don’t get any medals in this game lol.