Cut a long story short - last week I was diagnosed with a flutter, a fibrillation, a left bundle branch block and a 40% ejection fraction...
It's unlikely to be lifestyle related but I'll give up anything the Dr says, no questions - my kids are my world, I'll do anything to be with them as long as possible. The only thing that upsets me is the thought of giving up wild swimming...
Does anyone swim in British seas, lakes or rivers with arrhythmias? Or even do a Christmas day harbour swim? Or is that a complete no go?
Thanks in advance x
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Alana84
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I was a bit shocked to see your question, really. I assume you’re an experienced swimmer. So I thought I’d do a bit of research. Here’s a quote from what I found
the cold shock response which consists of a gasp and uncontrollable rapid breathing, rapidly beating heart, rapid reduction in skin blood flow and high blood pressure. The response occurs as a consequence of rapid skin cooling and like many other ‘reflex’ responses does not appear to have a beneficial purpose. In fact, these changes result in greater strain on the heart and also increase the likelihood of taking water in to your airway.
I think that's why I was asking - please remember I was diagnosed a week ago and so all of this is very new.
When I Google things, the Internet suggests everything up to and including making funeral arrangements - so I've decided to ask people with similar symptoms instead.
I do love wild swimming, I've had to take several breaks during cancer treatment and through pregnancy and I have been desperate to get back into it but more than that, the idea of not swimming at the seaside with my children in summer is devastating to me. The life I'd imagined with them is camping near the beach, days kayaking, coasteering, days at the lake... We nearly moved to the seaside this year.
So I've asked because this is quite a huge adjustment for me and I was hoping to hear maybe it's OK to, I don't know, buy a dry suit and swim in a lake in summer.
I suggest you ask your cardiologist for a professional opinion on whether it is advisable for you to go cold water swimming. Personally I would have thought it was not worth the risk, but then I don't have access to to your medical records and I am not a health professional. Otherwise it has to be said that if you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition of any sort , you may have to abandon some activities you found particularly fulfilling. Certainly if they could be life threatening and you are advised to do so, and especially when you have a responsibility for others, for it is they who will be truly devastated, not just really disappointed, should things turn out for the worst.
Yes, of course I'll give it up if the cardiologist says I should - without hesitation. And yes, obviously I'll ask him when I next have an appointment. Your response suggests that I'm a competely reckless individual who'd rather go for a dip than be alive for her children.
I'm here asking if there are people who have been advised that there are circumstances where it's OK - perhaps that's abroad where the water is warmer, perhaps years after their diagnosis once they've met certain criteria. Maybe it's a complete no go but someone else struggled to adjust and has some wisdom to share. I don't know, that's why I'm asking. And yes, obviously I'll ask my cardiologist, but right now I'm not with the cardiologist. I'm with my two babies and I'm trying to adjust to a new vision of what our future might look like.
Just to clarify,I didn't imply you were being reckless. However your post is actually contradictory in places in that you are wishing to resume an activity that you probably recognise has risks associated given your new found health issues, and yet you are also feeling very close to your children, perhaps even closer than before. I also offer a word of caution in that in my time on here questions similar to the one you have posed produce a variety and range of answers and experiences, and my observation is that they gives no real clear picture of what is 'right' or 'wrong' and indeed only confuse the issue. We are all different and so the only true way forward in cases like yours is to seek the wisdom of a health professional who knows the unique circumstances of the individual. All that said I hope you find an outcome that allows you to continue your swimming in some form or other and enjoy it for yourself and with your family.
I had heart attack and stents followed by medication, was told should not swim in very cold water as can cause AF. I personally would not risk it but it’s best to seek advice from your cardiac team. Swimming in deep water causes a massive strain on your heart even in a swimming pool and was nit given to go ahead to swim in a pool until I had completed cardiac rehab.
Welcome to the forum and I’m sorry to hear your news; it can be a very big adjustment and I empathise with the grieving for a life you envisaged - it’s ok to do that.
I would echo what Lowerfield_no_more has suggested and seek a professional opinion to truly understand what may or may not be safe for you 🙂
You might not be able to swim but it might be ok to paddle still and find new ways to make the most of any water based activities; I really hope there’s a positive outcome for you 🤞🏼💛
Please let us know (if you want to) once you have clarity on what you can do.
Also, I wouldn’t take too much notice of Dr Google; it can cause far more worry than do good at times!
Thank you soap, I really appreciate your response. I think I'll take a little time to grieve the loss of what I thought life would be like while my husband and I try and paint a new picture of what our lives might be.
don’t give up on your dream life. It may take time but with medication some water activities may still be possible. You will need to be patient and take advice from your medical team. X
Thank you Jackabee - my husband's dad had asthma and every year they went to Austria where the air was clear and he could breathe well. My husband says maybe we just need to find my Austria - but he's also trying to help me visualise a new dream life. ❤️
You ask if anyone goes wild swimming here with arrhythmias….
What I do know is people do all kinds of other things with arrhythmias including flying around the world, taking risks with too much exercise, taking risks with not enough exercise, eating too much of the wrong food, risking alcohol, staying indoors on a rainy day, going outside to clear the drive in a blizzard, and to be honest only you know what kind of “shock” your body will be subject to when stepping into wild waters.
I’m a fan of Roger Deakin so really feel for you. There are so many great wild swimming places here in Devon and I’m by the sea where some brave people swim all year round. It’s out of the question for me as I suffer cold urticaria, but when I finally make it back to Crete I’m not letting my risk of persistent atrial fibrillation stop me going in warmer waters!
Thank you for your reply, I hope you get to crete and some safe warmer waters soon x
I grew up in Dorset by the sea, we nearly even moved back earlier this year because we wanted to be nearer the sea so I could swim year round. I'll adjust (and start saving for a warm but not too hot holiday next year if the cardiologist gives the nod)
Sorry to hear of the diagnosis. Everyone is different and responds differently to treatments etc. The general advice is not to do wild swimming, however there are some who do (afraid I don’t know their specific situations)
As I understand it (and don’t take what I know as accurate!!) it’s the shock of getting in. I had a HA nearly 5 years ago, have reduced EF. The general advice I’ve had is not to but easing myself in with a dry suit would be the best way. Only issue is how do you know if it’s going to cause a problem or not..? 😬
It all takes a bit of time to settle ans learn about conditions, longer than we would like. I wish you all the best
I think the general advice is a blanket approach, where as you might get more specific advice as you manage your symptoms and meds that might make it more of a possibility
I’m a swimmer but in a manned pool ( 100 lengths yesterday in a 25meter pool), after my heart attack and being left with a few arrhythmia’s my cardiologist advised not to swim in water below 26 degrees and only in a manned pool. I’d love to try paddle boarding but certainly won’t in the outdoor water temperatures in this country 😂😂
Hello Alana84, as a fellow wild swimmer (up here in the cold North East of England) I too felt miserable at the thought of giving up what is an exhilarating and fun leisure pursuit after the discovery that I have CAD. My Cardiac Nurse was very clear about the risks, as others have outlined, my Cardiologist however said, ‘ yes, there is a risk but just go and live your life’! On reflection, I chose not to take the risk. As has been noted, it is possible to build up to swimming again, but in warmer water. My cardiac rehab offers this. Perhaps you could investigate this route? I wish you well.
In fairness, swimming in the north east is brave without a heart condition 😂. My mother in law is from south shields and I did not expect the water to be that cold - and I've swum in the Thames while it snowed ❄️😂
I think I'm comfortable knowing cold water swims are off the table, I might leave myself a small bit of hope that there's some wiggle room in warmer water. Unless the cardiologist says otherwise of course
That sounds very wise. I grew up swimming in the North Sea so I think I’ve developed a tough skin, although swimming while it snows takes the biscuit!
It is hard initially, and I was upset for a time as I swam with a great bunch of friends, but you will eventually find other fun outlets for your energy. And, as you say, there may be a bit of wiggle room. I’m hopeful that I will be able to swim off the west coast of France in the coming year. I only allowed myself a paddle this year.
Alana, a new diagnosis is a shock. You presumably will have a treatment plan soon if not already for the AFib and Flutter.Either medication or ablation is the normal route. I had both AF and AFl and an ejection of 43.
Fast forward 11 years, and my conditions were at first settled by meds,then too many breakthroughs brought ablation. June 2023 No flutter since,2 breakthrough AFibs. Although on low maintenance dose for an extra 6 months I feel great. My EF was measured at echo as 55%( I have annual ones as I have a bicuspid aortic valve) many other members also experience improved EF after interventions such as the ones above or a pacemaker.
I asked my EP if I could swim in the sea again, he said 'Yes,in warmer months,don't leap in ,go in splash yourself and gradually wade out. Don't go mad,take it steady'
I was overjoyed and did just that this summer. So there is hope!
This forum is excellent for advice support and friendliness. Best wishes
I had atrial fibrillation last year and angina. I am a Masters pool swimmer but swim open water in summer. I have never swam outside in winter so would not swim under 12 degrees now. I think it may depend how adapted your body is to cold water swimming, but I’m not an expert. If you’ve not done it now for a few weeks I personally would leave it this winter until it warms up again and perhaps try another year.
Thank you, I'll definitely be leaving it for British winters but maybe there's a little hope for british summers - our local lake gets quite warm in September.
The only response here, as others have suggested, is to speak with your cardiologist for a professional opinion on whether it is advisable in your specific circumstances. However, I do understand your plight, adjusting to your new circumstances and maybe, giving up something you love.
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, this did take me by surprise but I made a decision to ‘get back to normal’.
I am a very keen climber/mountaineer and wanted to get out again asap. It wasn’t too long before I was out rock climbing again and more recently I have started to climb at higher altitudes (risks = stickier blood and pro-arrhythmic).
I don’t think I have been reckless in my approach, certainly determined and I have discussed this with my cardiologist at every juncture.
You mentioned cold water swimming which is something I am considering too. My brother does a lot of it and it looks fun. I have a dabbled a bit in open water, wearing a wet suit and would like to start doing it more regularly.
I have a consultation with my cardiologist next week and the above will be one of the topics up for discussion. I also did a lot of scuba diving in the past too and have been longing to do that again. Ok, I wouldn’t consider diving the cold, dark depths of the UK lakes again but shallower dives in a warmer tropical clime is very appealing. I do think I am capable of getting signed off on a dive medical at the moment.
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.
Sorry, I’ve just been sat here today , typing and rambling. I am just trying to say, it’s early days for you, you don’t necessarily have to give up activities, discuss thoroughly with your care team and setting some targets/goals can be very beneficial.
I am rarely a reckless person, but I do enjoy activities other people might consider risky such as rock climbing, outdoor swimming, skiing, riding a motorbike, but I do them with care, under tuition to start, never past my limit.
You must be incredibly proud of the effort you've put in to become a fib free. I've been desperate to exercise since my little one was born almost two years ago but I just couldn't do it. I couldn't find the energy, pulling a bike trailer felt like I was pulling a double decker bus! Now I know why so hopefully I can start to exercise again with the medication and cardiologist helping me to start. 😊
If you do get the OK and decide to give outdoor swimming a go, it really is an indescribable joy.
Hi, I hope you get back to enjoying your activities, it does take time. My path over the last 5 years has had its ups & downs but the overall trajectory, so far, has been upwards. I intend to ride this wave as long as I can and deal with any changes in circumstances when I hit them.
I say ‘Afib free’ and I don’t mean to be flippant about it either but I feel I have no limitations at the moment. That said, I am on Flecainide and that maybe holding me in chemical cardio-version stasis but that’s still 3.5 years now with no sustained episodes.
The big topic for next week is whether to remove the daily medication and see if I can maintain NSR without it, holding a PiP in reserve. Flecainide has been a wonderful solution. I have had no ill affects that I’m aware of and I have been very stable. I must admit I will go into the next conversation about removing it with some trepidation; I rather like the status quo. I do however think I owe it to myself to give it a chance. It maybe a long discussion next week.
If you haven’t seen it, there is also the AF Association forum on this site too. It has an active and very supportive group there, who will respond to any arrhythmia and related subject questions.
Hi, I had my consultation today. I shall move from daily meditation to PiP only and see what happens.
I asked about outdoor swimming. In my case, swimming in the sea in the summer months (wet suit) was ok. However, cold water swimming or in the winter months was not advised due to the potential shock response. Increases stimulation of the parasympathetic system (vagus nerve); my Afib definitely has a vagal tone.
I asked about diving too. This is permissible for me but it should be restricted to warm waters and no deeper than 30 metres. Deeper dives and colder water in a dry suit is not advised.
I empathise - I am a cold water swimmer and live on the coast in Dorset. I was diagnosed with a 50% occlusion in the LAD two weeks ago and am coming to terms with the news too. I regularly went swimming with my two daughters all year round. I haven't been in since and am waiting for my first cardiologist appointment where I was hoping to discuss sea swimming in more detail. Despite our conditions being different my understanding so far is that if you have any heart condition cold water swimming is dangerous. I want to find out if there's a grey area where you cut out the really cold months and spend a good amount of time getting in and adjusting to the temperature to avoid the shock. I'm sorry to hear your news but I'm feeling blessed to still be here as we both must have been pushing the boundaries in the water previously, blissfully unaware, as I'm sure you are.
I’m surprised you are still able to swim. The LBBB I have makes me huff and puff like an old steam train! I played field hockey until my diagnoses and my doctor said I should avoid strenuous exercise. It was a very hard thing to give up. I’d played it for 40 years.
Anyway, 3 years on and I’m itching to do something so I will be seeing an exercise physiologist in the new year, if my cardiologist okays it, and I plan to start getting active again in any way I can.
It’s your life, live it well. Don’t let people turn it into a guilt or fear fest. Life is for living.
Right now I'm not able to do a great deal of anything. I've got two little ones at home and they take up all of my energy at the moment. In the last two years my energy has declined rapidly but I'm grateful now to understand why and hopeful that I'll get a little energy back gradually.
Good luck getting back into sport, I hope you find something that you love .
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