I do only 2-3 miles walking twice a week
But this week I have found it difficult with having to stop every 400-500 yards on the last 2 miles really struggling for breath
Pulse was high 108/110 when I tested at home after getting my breath back and sat down could this just be the cold weather or do I have another reason to worry about this sudden decline
I am AF diagnosed on Bisropol and flecainide since 2022
Hi there. Cold weather and hot weather can bring episodes of fast heart, especially when heart issues are involved. I found out one morning when walking in cold weather, my heart rate went upto 167bpm, I managed to get back home so I could rest, even hot weather got my heart rate upto 220bpm temperature of 25 degrees.
Thank you for your reply
It is not recommended to walk in the cold if you have any kind of heart issue, it would be better to exercise indoors if possible. But if you are determined try to cover your face with a scarf and breathe in through your nose.
Agree with Buffafly. I walk every day, the first early morning and cold ones mean I breathe through my nose covered by a thin buff which warms the air a tad to make it more comfortable. I expect the cold does have some affect on those susceptible to AF. I know for a fact a cold drink quickly taken is an AF trigger for me, so no ice in them at any time.
Morning.. I do agree with what you have mentioned. I found out this morning when clearing the snow in the garden, after about 20mins out there I started to get a tight chest and started to feel lightheaded. I don't understand why this happens in cold weather or windy conditions. I have an Aortic Root dilation of 41mm and ascending which is 38mm. Please could you explain
‘How does cold weather affect your heart?’ Look this up on BHF.
Pure guess but I think for us folk with a sensitive heart AF can be triggered as the cold constricts pretty much everything but in particular the circulatory system.
Do you think all this happens because the cold shocks the Vagus Nerve? Thanks.
Possible??
Hi
That's a good walk.
I fail on 100m before I need to stop. It depends what is happening in your heart. Your ECHO/
I have a severe dilation of my Left Atrium.
So no cardioversion, ablation or Flec.
Bisoprolol is a BB and stops adrenalin from enering your heart.
Do you think you are overdoing it?
Your age will come into and weather.
Have. an ECG and heart monitor to check your meds.
A stress test tests how long it takes you to return to normal- below 100.
cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)
Hi Joy. Thanks for posting. I really look forward to your post because you always give out most helpful advice..I need to ask you something please, why does cold weather or wind conditions have an impact on the heart, I have an Aortic Root dilation of 41mm and ascending of 38mm. This morning I was out clearing the snow from our garden after about 20mins out there started to experience a tight chest and feeling lightheaded..I had this strange feeling in my chest like heart fluttering, and then start to feel really anxious and gitery. I checked my heart rate and it was only showing 78bpm. I feeling like there is something wrong, I went out side about 730am this morning. What's wrong with me, feeling like iam going crazy
See my reply above - you are not going crazy, you already are, doing that 🤪😂
Hi
Thanx. Being retired I have more time to reply. I have experienced a whole lot of happenings in my life to help others.
I would say slow down and choose a better day.
Sounds helpful wrapping a scarf around your face but you need to be able to access new oxygen.
We never have snow here in the Far North in nZ.
If I do go to the snow exertion in bleak times with no sun does make exertion harder,
Perhaps there are some helpful exercises. Anyone?
cheri JOY
Could you get someone else to clear the snow or help you. Combined with the cold that exercise will put undue stress on the heart.
I have mild dilation to the left atrium so you could be onto something
Hi there walking in the cold puts more strain on the heart, and especially when walking into the wind. If you must , cover your fa ce with a scarf. I compromise by join ing the local gym in the winter (6 months special deal) and do outside stuff in the warmer months. I am no gym bunny but find the exercise bikes and walking on the treadmill followed my some stretches works for me. Best of luck
I go up and down stairs 12 times and do 45 step -ups as my cardio exercise. It’s very good exercise for you. Don’t need to worry about the weather doing that. I also do about 20 mins of resistance training too, with weights or resistance bands. Good for your muscles. I try and do this at least 4/5 times a week. You can read about the benefits of it on Google.
No one can know. The chances are very much that this is down to the arrhythmias playing up, but I would be wanting at least my GP to reassure me.
Steve
Bisopolol could be the problem I was on it and the same problem, I’m no longer on it
It may not be related (directly) to AF. I've just been diagnosed (following an xray) with a long term chest infection. I first noticed it because I had a bit of a wheese while sitting. - Just a though.
In any case the scarf suggestion below is good advice - I find it helps.
I've found home BP devices (arm band with pump type) are useless for testing. The irregularity of the HR can fool them so they either miss detecting a beat or the strong ones get through after the flow has actually stopped.
I’m thinking there could be something else like a infection as I get really breathless
Had two echo and no issue with the heart apart from mild dilation which the didn’t seem bothered about
AF and Ablation
heart rate 134 when out walking
Cyclist's experience 11 weeks post cryoablation, and cycling at altitude.
High heart rate when walking. 
Hot and cold
