Outlier with Atrial Fibrillation

[eyebeams]

Hi there I'm new here - I'm 61 with A Fib diagnosed about 8 years ago. I also have Von Willebrands disease (slow clotting blood basically). Doctors have told me that these 2 sort of even each other out in terms of risk etc.

Recently I took up running and weightlifting again. I'm losing weight and enjoying it immensely - I don't seem to have any sort of shortness of breath and I do do some sprinting. I spend about 3 - 4 hours in the gym every day. I've been doing this for about 6 months now.

However my doctor has advised me to take it a little easier. Trouble is I feel great, better than I had done in years and the weight is dropping off.

He's advised a 24 hour heart monitor to see what's happening.

Obviously I can't use the monitors at the gym as they just give ridiculously high levels (200 bpm+ sometimes - I'd be dead!) even when I'm cruising.

Anyone have any experience of this combo of conditions and know the risk factors for stroke / heart attack. I'm feeling great but the advice is to take it much much easier!

I always seem to be an outlier in these things...

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Hidden]

Hello there - sorry you feel like an outlier, but I can certainly understand why! The trouble is that there isn't a huge amount of research into this combination of risks, so we rely on calculations and experience to guide us a lot of the way. I've encountered one patient before in your position, and after discussion between his cardiologist and his haematologist it was suggested he didn't need to take any anticoagulants.

If you're not sure if this conversation has taken place you can always make a telephone appointment with either consultant and run this by them.

Sorry I can't help any more,

Chris

[eyebeams in reply to Hidden]

Yes -that is the impression I was given it was just if I should continue the exercise at this level