AF and jacuzzis

[Lakky12]

I’ve heard various things over the years regarding whether or not it is safe to use a jacuzzi if you have AF. I have baths way hotter than a jacuzzi with no ill effects, so the question is…. Can I use one? Or is it something to do with the water jets…. Any thoughts much appreciated !

[CDreamer]

I use them with no problem but not if they are too hot as that weakens me anyway, regardless of AF. I wouldn’t use them if in AF though.

[Lakky12 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks for your input. I suppose the answer varies from one person to another depending on past experiences.

[CDreamer in reply to Lakky12]

Pretty much.

[OldJane]

I have assumed it is the heat and sitting in it. It hasn’t affected me, and I am off to a holiday house for Easter with a nice big one. But we are all different

[Lakky12 in reply to OldJane]

Thanks for your reply - and have a lovely Easter!

[Model52]

I have a jacuzzi and a Finnish sauna (90 degrees C) and use both almost daily. The only thing I have to watch out for is not stepping into the hot water too suddenly. I immerse my body slowly. The sauna has once even stopped an Afib episode. thanks to the relaxing effect probably. My cardiologist agrees wholeheartedly that I use both, included the icecold showers that I do in between sauna sessions. But I have been used to all this almost all my adult life. So for someone only doing sauna or jacuzzi occasionally, I would advice to be cautious and check it out with care.

[Lakky12 in reply to Model52]

Really useful - thanks. I think I’ve possibly been a bit over cautious. ….

[Vonnegut in reply to Model52]

How interesting! It was after a sauna and then ice experience at a spa that my paroxysmal AF was finally diagnosed. How different we all are! Glad your docs appreciate that and that you are still able to enjoy such things.

[Abbyroza in reply to Vonnegut]

It probably has to do with the kind of Afib: adrenergic or vagal. Mine is predominantly vagal, and then triggers are sleep, rest, full stomach, bending over, burping. Adrenergic Afib on the contrary is more sensitive to exercise, temperature shocks, stress, dehydration…

[Vonnegut in reply to Abbyroza]

Well, whichever. Seems odd that sleep is a “trigger” for you- when I had episodes they did sometimes happen when I was asleep but I hadn’t thought of it as a trigger. I forgot to take my first Flecainde today and we are going to have lunch soon but I can always take one as a PIP should an episode occur!

[Janey1955]

hi

I recently went to a spa. Used sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. I hadn’t been for years I was fine. Everyone is different though

Jane

[Lakky12 in reply to Janey1955]

Brilliant! These replies have all been so useful!

[Ossie7]

I also love hot tubs , jacuzzis , steam rooms etc and don’t let my AF stop me . I can’t tolerate much in the way of the sauna but never have so just go in for a few minutes . All so relaxing !

[Lakky12 in reply to Ossie7]

I’m definitely going in one now!! Thanks for your reply!

[AAJJTt]

Hi, PAF and preceding heart attack. I have never had an issues with jacuzzis, steam rooms or saunas. The only caution I have received from my cardiologist is regarding cold plunge pools ( also cold water/wild swimming). Cold water immersion triggers the Vagus nerve, the largest component of the parasympathetic nervous system. My PAF does have a ‘vagal tone’, so I try to avoid any stimulation where I can.

[Lakky12 in reply to AAJJTt]

Thanks for this. I know the British Heart Foundation feel more research should be done on the pros and cons of cold water swimming and the effect it can have on the heart - it wouldn’t appeal to me anyway! Good to hear you are fine with jacuzzis etc.

[Sleepyzz]

I was told use with caution, not because if my afib but due to taking anticoagulants

[Lakky12 in reply to Sleepyzz]

That’s interesting - I wonder what the potential problem with anticoagulants is. Are you in warfarin or one of the newer ones?

[Sleepyzz in reply to Lakky12]

At the time I was on warfarin

[Lakky12 in reply to Sleepyzz]

I wonder if the caution was because of the warfarin - I know warfarin required extra care and monitoring. P

[wilsond]

I have been in many. I don't stay in too long and enjoy it. Not had any problems. Perhaps go in for few minutes and test?Not sure why it might affect us?

[Lakky12 in reply to wilsond]

I wouldn’t go in for long anyway - but nice to think it’s a possibility….

[LaceyLady]

I’ve used spa pool and jacuzzis for year no problem and use for long time. Belong to a Spa in Berks

[Lakky12 in reply to LaceyLady]

That’s good to know. I’m definitely going to ‘take the plunge’!!

[Rosie1066]

I have had AF for many years and I also have a Jacuzzi which I use and never had a problem. I’ve never heard of this before.

[LaceyLady]

we have steam rooms and saunas, I am careful of how I feeling with the heat.MOST IMPORTANT you MUST drink plenty of water because dehydration is not good💗