hiking

[Jaket22]

hi everyone I’m climbing mount snowdon next week and I’m In a good shape atm. Wondering if hiking up there could trigger an episode ? I work out 4/5 times a week and I’ve been fine for nearly 2 years now, just worrying now the days coming to go. Cheers

[BenHall1]

Well Snowdon is a bit over 3500ft above sea level, so guess your high fitness levels are all based on activities at sea level or thereabouts. Just remember AF is all things to all people ... further, from comments I've seen on this forum over the last 15 years, AF is one of the most untrustworthy things on this planet - just when ya think you've got it beat it'll kick off again.

One more point is, how healthy are your lungs ? If you have any breathing issues you might find the additional effort of climbing high could might cause some problems in some folk. I have highly controlled AF, an event about once every 4 or 5 years, if that. So, whilst my heart ain't too bad for an 80 year old, I also have the burden of COPD - so although my GP says get exercise get yer fitness up now way would I attempt the climb, maybe the railway ride if its operating at this time of year.

There is always the heart/ lung relationship to consider at various heights above sea level. Enjoy the climb, if you make it up and feel unwell when you reach the summit - as I mentioned - if it is operating at this time of year there is always the railway to bring you back down. For an average person they reckon the round trip walking is around 7 hours.,

[Jaket22 in reply to BenHall1]

Hi Ben I’ve got Asthma but it’s been well controlled and yeah I had one episode which was early 2023 and been ok ever since touch wood lol but will let you know how I do

[BenHall1 in reply to Jaket22]

Thanks for that. I'd be interested in your climb. By the way, if I may ask - have you ever been diagnosed with mild COPD ?

[CDreamer]

The only way to know is to suck it and see.

It’s fairly low altitude but steep and shingle so it’s a difficult scramble, from memory about 50 years ago! It’s years since I’ve been and there is no way I would be fit enough for that these days. Take your time, take care and rest as when you need to and keep hydrated.

Enjoy and let us know how you got on.

[Jaket22 in reply to CDreamer]

Will do CD cheers

[BenHall1 in reply to CDreamer]

Yeah CD, I last did the climb age 17 😱😱now I'm 80 .... if I tried it now I'd need extraction by Medivac helicopter 😂😂😂

[CDreamer in reply to BenHall1]

Me too!

[BenHall1 in reply to CDreamer]

😂😂😂😂😂

[jeanjeannie50]

I've climbed the quieter Cadair Idris many times, along each and every route. You'll know you've done too much when you feel you just can't take another step and want to sit down right where you are. If that happens then sit until you feel you can carry on. Oddly it was more likely to happen to me on the descent.

Don't forget how dreadfully cold it will be at the top of Snowdon, compared to when you start off at the bottom and that there may be snow on the ground. Hats and gloves are a must.

I'm envious.

Jean

[wilsond]

Depends on your route,some are easier than others. If you feel too done in once at the summit, possibly come back down on the train if running yet.Do it in stages,rest carry on.

Enjoy the wonderful view if its a clear day xx

[Kent2007]

I've had PAF for nearly 20 years. This Sunday, I climbed Helvellyn (3118ft) via SyridingvEdge in full winter conditions, yomped across to Dollywaggon and down. 10 miles, 3000ft of ascent, 6 hours. Not a flicker of arrhythmia. My approach is- stay fit and walk/climb regularly

- no alcohol or coffee on the day

- take medication as normal (2×100mg Flecainide)

- stay well hydrated. I put rehydrate powder in my water, too (even in winter, I sweat a lot cos I'm well wrapped up).

- be careful with evening meal - nothing too heavy

- early night.

If I was worried about climbing Snowdon, I would start at Pen-y-Pass and take either the PYG or Miner's Track. Both are well graded and OK underfoot. Return the same way. Parking at PYP these days is a bit dodgy, so Park and Ride might be easier.

Of course, you could always take the train if its running ☺️.

[Jaket22 in reply to Kent2007]

Hi Kent I’m not on any medication for mine as it’s not come back since the first episode but they gave me 5mg bisoprol as a pill in the pocket, do you think I should take it before the climb or just keep it on me incase cheers for advice

[Kent2007 in reply to Jaket22]

I hesitate to recommend any medication for others, as we are all different in our responses. I've worked out over the years what I should do to reduce the risk. But, it's always a risk.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Jaket22]

Can l just butt in here please? I wouldn’t recommend taking your Bisoprolol before you climb. I use it as a PIP and it can make me very tired and l only take 1.25mg. 5mg is a reasonably good dose. You need to be fully alert with good reaction. Keep it on you just in case. Best wishes and hope the summit is not cloudy so you can look at the world.

[BobD Volunteer]

There's a perfectly good train surely?

[Tryfan]

As you may guess from my name. The Welsh mountains are on my doorstep. I have climed Snowdon many times. Pre and post Afib. My thoughts, but as has been said below, we are all different. First it will depend on the route. Have you chosen yet. If your anxious I suggest the Miners track as it doesn't start from sea level. Parking unless you have pre booked is a nightmare. Park in Llannberis and catch the bus which will drop you off at Pen Y pass start. That will reduce a lot of stress.

Presently the weather is ofnadwy, awful. Cold low cloud base with occasional rain, looks like it may stay until weekend. But check weather app useful, google Snowdon video weather camera st the summit. temp around 4c at sea level. Temp drop 0.65c per 100 metres, you work it out then add wind chill. Keeping warm and dry is crucial.

My Afib attacks seem to coincide with physical stress. My only advice is do it. It's a great day out. Start slowly the zig zags at the end are a challenge so b,e heart aware try to keep out of your red zone. Take time to enjoy,if not the views, low cloud, the experience. Stay hydrated, avoid high energy bars full of sugar. Stay safe and don't rush. You could follow the railway back to Llanberis to regain your start. But that is a longer walk. Enjoy. Let us know how you get on.

[MyCloud in reply to Tryfan]

yes I,m local too.! Full winter conditions at present, bitterly cold with wintry showers. Will stay below freezing at the summit right through the weekend with gales forecast. So if you do go you must be well prepared if you want a challenge.

[Jaket22 in reply to Tryfan]

Thanks for this

[Cavalierrubie]

WOW! Enjoy. Had many holiday breaks there (not climbing) but it’s beautiful part of the country.

Take it slow and easy and importantly relax. You have got the railway as a support. It will give you great confidence. It’s so good to hear when people fight back at AF., and have a determination not to let it define who they are. 👍

Lets us know how you get on. Sounds so exciting. ⛰️

[Jaket22 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Will update you on how it goes cheers

[MyCloud in reply to Cavalierrubie]

trains don’t run in the winter up yr Wyddfa -Snowdon !

[Cavalierrubie in reply to MyCloud]

No, of course, wasn’t thinking. It will be a challenge that’s for sure, so best wishes for a bright clear day Jaket 22.

[Popepaul]

I get fairly regular afib episodes now. I try to not let it stop me from doing the things I enjoy. I am currently in SE Asia. Recently walked up 1200 steep steps to the Tiger temple. Also walked up Penang Hill which took 3 hours. Both walks were in 30 degrees C and both without problems. You seem to have a low AF burden and you really should be fine. Enjoy the marvelous views. Regards.

[Cliff_G]

My advice would be - take it very easy.

Many years after my 2002 ablation, normally in sinus, I climbed Lochnagar in the Cairngorms. I was half way up and trundling along nicely. Then I got overtaken by a party of youngsters and thought although I'd be daft to try and keep up with them, surely I could go a bit quicker? It took about 2 minutes at a faster pace to provoke a good bout of tachy. I took a good rest and plodded back on with it, and got up and back with no further problems.

So just go at your own pace, don't be tempted to do too much, and do let anyone else you're with know that you need to pace yourself.

Good luck and enjoy the view.

[Peony4575]

I think it’s an individual thing . My last episode after an interval of 22 months happened on holiday in Yorkshire the morning after I had been hiking up and down hills . I was grateful it was the morning after rather in hard to reach wooded hills. But my exercise is normally walking the dog , gardening etc so the activity was more of a shock to my system than it will be to yours as you work out . Only one way to find out

[Jaket22]

hello everyone forgot to update you as I was going with all my mates they are all in good health I was racing to keep up with them but I managed it. We had a friend who was a lot slower as well so we managed to get to the top in 2 hours 30 min in ice and fog snow was on the ground to up there was harsh conditions but brilliant and my heart skipped a few times I could feel it but o spiked at about 160/170 then when I got home my heart stayed about 80 for a while then back to normal about 55/60 then 45/50 when sleeping so touch wood all good for now ! 😂👍👍