I am a competent swimmer - before a-fib I would never have thought twice about jumping into the water at most beaches, snorkelling in the deep, or swimming in dams etc. Since being in persistent a-fib this has changed and I don’t take the risk of being stuck in water where it’s likely I will have to be able to keep myself afloat for more than 10 seconds for fear of getting breathless in water I can’t stand in - which is a restrictive when on a holiday in a place like Bali. I have had some good snorkeling trips thanks to a life jacket or pool noodle. But I could would love to be able to jump in the water more often and am contemplating packing a pool noodle when I go on holidays like this in the future.
So I was wondering what other afibers do about this (flotation) when (if) they go in this kind of holiday? Are there any smart/convenient flotation options for traveling?
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Jonathan_C
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I had a heart attack (NSTEMI type II) - nearly 5 years ago and that was my introduction to Afib (paroxysmal); the eventual conclusion was the untreated and undiagnosed arrhythmia caused a small transient clot that entered my heart = slight lv impairment. Discharged with medication and exercise ( no other interventions, like stents, etc.)
I was always a healthy and active person, and thankfully I’ve been able to regain and maintain this post-MI recovery.
I enjoy travel and usually a trip to a warm destination will involve water. Last year, I was on Borneo and spent a day out snorkelling off a dive boat. I do have a self inflated buoyancy aid, which packs quite flat into luggage. It’s not cumbersome to wear and usually only inflate if I need to, dependant on conditions. Needless to say, I do take all the other precautions when travelling too for keeping stable - medicine, sleep and hydration. The device was from Amazon, I will try and find a link and DM you.
The only other consideration is duration and water temp. Cold water shock is a vagal response and Afib can sensitive to this, mine certainly is. Again depending on conditions, I may choose to wear a wet suit.
I also did a lot of scuba diving in the past too and have been longing to do that again. I do think I am capable of getting signed off on a dive medical at the moment. I discussed that this year with my cardiologist and he was ok with it. Caveats - no cold water and limit depth to 30 mtrs.
One thing to mention is that all of the above has been on the pre requisite I keep being ‘Afib free’ and maintain a high exercise tolerance; to date, I’ve managed to do this. I regularly run/cycle and diagnostic tests (echos/CPETs) show my heart is normal again.
I do have trip booked to SE Asia in Nov and I hope to be out again in the water.
As I had PAF which did not seem to be affected by cold water swimming/snorkelling I could not comment other than to say I think if in persistent, I get your concern about becoming breathless on exertion in the water and think snorkelling in a floatation aid a very good idea . I just did a quick online search and they have specialised snorkelling aids which seem to be waist belts. I once tried to snorkel in a dinghy buoyancy aid without much success!
I was also a scuba diver and did a few dives following diagnosis, again in relatively warm water and limited to 20m. One of the great sadnesses of life these days is that I could no longer do that - for reasons other than AF.
PS - My O2 sats were always low and on diagnosis of Myasthenia I undertook HBOT - titrating up to 2 Atomospheres - on 100% oxygen treatments for just over 12 months - taken weekly at an MS Centre. Worked really well for me although I was cautious about developing AF episode during treatment as it took 20 mins to depressurise but never happened and really improved my fatigue levels for the 3-4 days following treatment.
This is a good question, I do wonder about Scuba diving since I had afib, and as my entire family are ADHDers at the very minimum, my buddies always disappear to beyond 100ft, so I think my scuba days are limited. You specifically mention Bali (I was certified Padi in Indonesia) and I lived in Indonesia for a few years - I would do anything to avoid a medical event in Indonesia, trust me on this. But if you are going out on a boat, ask for a life jacket or a BCD? That way you wouldn't need to cart around a buoyancy device...
I’ve snorkelled and swam a lot and while it has sat the back of my head, I don’t normally pass out or anything when on land so I’m confident I’ll be ok. I still drive too.
I live in a beachside suburb and we regularly swim across a river to reach a lovely little beach. I often get tired when swimming so I rest when needed by floating or dog paddling slowly, and I take my time. My husband is also always with me. I also have the added fear of bluebottles to which I have a deadly anaphylaxis reaction to!
I’ve snorkelled in the Great Barrier Reef multiple times, and around New Caledonia and other places and I’m also heading to Borneo soon!
Life is worth living. You can’t keep worrying about dying. I agree you should reduce risks but don’t be so risk averse you forget to have fun.
Can't add anything about the diving but without my glasses, thought you said you were taking a pot noodle with you, which did confuse me somewhat 🤣.Enjoy your travels. 😊
I'd say it all depends on your symptoms - I have been in permanent AFib with bradycardia for 15+ years but, apart from awareness of the v irregular beat, no alarming episodes.
I was in Lake District last week - did 3 swims of about 2Km ea, no wetsuit - all fine - I swim with buddies and tow a small float (never needed). Often do similar and some diving down (only to a few m.)
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