Morning. I used to enjoy the occasional visit to a sauna but since being diagnosed with AF and HF I haven't dared repeat the experience. Has anyone in my position done so and, if so, what was the reaction?
My medication has been working up to now, enabling me to lead a relatively healthy and active life.
Thanks in anticipation for any replies.
Personally I wouldn't take the chance and anyway my Gym has removed their sauna since Covid so would have to find somewhere else to have one.
I use steam rooms but I avoid saunas, although used to enjoy.
I would caution and like Desanthony not chance it but only way is to suck and see.
I ditto there’s mixed advice and it’s so very individual - here my husband has enjoyed saunas with heart failure reduced EF) for years (but then I’m Swedish so very pro saunas as a health tool 
)
Now he’s not been in it with know a fib as it’s only been formally diagnosed post an ICD implantation this year and I’ve not been able to check the magnetic interference from the infrared sauna yet…
I wouldn't go any where near anything that could affect the ICD. I had to stop electric welding when I had my pacemaker fitted and am not allowed near induction hobs.
Yes they sure are tricky little things aren’t they. My favourite was - don’t loiter in shop doorways by the security pillars… I think that made my husband’s day and the perfect excuse for him to get out of shopping trips!
I’m sorry to hear you had to give up your welding.
I’ve waiting to get an emf meter so I can see what the specific infrared sauna is like, fingers crossed.
In 2010 due to prostate cancer I had to have a full body bone scan before which they injected me with a radioactive substance and told me to get lost for two hours. We went shopping! I set off every anti theft alarm in the high street just walking past. lol 😁 Great fun.
😂 oh dear I know I shouldn’t laugh but golly I can only imagine!
(…and as you are here and kicking with great attitude I hope it had a good outcome)
Presumably you mean a "Far Infrared" sauna. This if a reputable make shouldn't give off any more RF than other items in your home, especially if properly CE marked.
Thank you that is reassuring.
Yes it’s a far infrared sauna and a known brand that’s why I’m hoping it’ll be ok. Think out of caution I wanted to get a meter just to check the “reality”.
Thanks again
Our last house had an in built sauna. I only used it once and didnt like it, my husband used it on a few occasions. Since then having cardiac arrhythmia I wouldnt even consider having a sauna.
I do go in sauna and steam room, but limit to 5 minutes, I have been fine.I don't go into jacuzzi though as that affected me once so never again.
I used to manage a leisure centre and one of our facilities was a Sauna Suite, which I used regularly myself together with a cold plunge etc., would I use it now, no, would I advise customers with A/F to use it, no. All operators of these facilities, if properly managed, would ask you to sign a disclaimer form, disclosing any medical problems etc., and they would refuse you use of their facilities, any salon that doesn't then you should walk away.
Id try it for a few minutes, cool down, then a few minutes... I can't take more than 10-15 mins at a go anyway,I bake.
I've been using sauna after a swim for last 18 months with no ill effects. Been diagnosed with AF since 2021 (controlled by medication) and HCM since 2010 - this is only my personal experience but try it for couple minutes as you can always leave if you feel uncomfortable.
HF can make any humidity difficult to deal with. I would avoid saunas.
After almost 20 years of AF (4 x ablations, 5 x Cardioversions and just about every drug on the market including Flecanide and Amiodarone) ) during which I refused to let it impact on my way of life (unless I was hospitalised) I had a Medtronic dual lead PM followed by a Pace and Ablate procedure last year. As an active farmer and engineer I continue to MIG and TIG weld on an almost weekly basis, drive a range of chainsaws and a sawmill in my forestry business and run around the farm on a quad bike. At 76, I'm far from giving in to AF or any other malaise. Get out of bed in the morning (05:30), check that you are the right way up and get on with it.
Wow I admire you for your “get up and go”!
Might not suit everyone but really good on you and for me motivation to stick at it all and keep living, thanks.
I was told never to have a sauna or Turkish b, but depends on the advice of your EP or cardiologist
Personally, I haven't and wouldn't. I know if I'm too hot, it has triggered AF, similarly with being too cold. Moderation in everything I do now.
It was after a trip to a spa which included sauna that my paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was finally diagnosed! Not a great idea for us, sadly!
I have had AF for several years controlled by flecainide.I use a sauna and steam room at the gym every week but am careful to not overheat and to spend 5 minutes cooling off afterwards before showering.
These facilities tend to drop your BP sometimes significantly, making you feel a bit light headed.
I learnt by experience how long to spend in there, but I believe overall it is beneficial.
A sauna is fine for me. It's the Carbs. that we are not meant to be eating day in and day out that are a big factor in AF
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Coaguchek
