Exercise & AFib

[Thorn5053]

Hello, I’m newly diagnosed with AFib, & am waiting to see a cardiologist. Many questions, but one at the moment - we’re all advised that exercise generally is good for us, and that it’s important to continue exercising after discovering that one has AFib, but I’ve found that exercising can actually trigger an unpleasant episode. So I simply wondered what other people’s experiences were in this area?

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

i do have some similar experience, mine was getting episodes of AFib after I stopped more intense exercise.

I’m over 80 and ‘intense’ exercise, for me now means heavy digging in garden, carrying weight, or fast walking (which bought HR over 130ish).

Pacing the intensity of my exercise better, has now stopped most of the AFib. But stress can still cause it.

[Thorn5053 in reply to Kristin1812]

Many thanks for your reply, Kristin - yes, I think pacing the level & type of exercise will help. I’m hoping the cardiologist may be be able to provide some useful guidance next week, but I’m not overly optimistic, as AF seems to be a bit of a voyage of discovery, & what is helpful for one person doesn’t necessarily seem to benefit another. The learning curve continues……😀

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Thorn5053]

Thats interesting….i had wondered if there were any common patterns, but it may be that each of us just have to problem solve, and work out what works for us?

[Murderfan58]

My brother has permanent AF and 2 stents in his heart . He will be 65 in a couple of months he was diagnosed about 20 years ago . He like to get to the pool at 6.30 every morning and swims 50 lengths. As it exercises his whole body but doesn't strain his heart.

I have PAF and a small hole I was born with in the side of my heart. I was also born with a rare hereditary neurological condition. Our parents where carriers I have the condition my brother doesn't. It effects my mobility and other things . I go to a sit fit class and the days I don't go out I do 25 mins exercise a day. I am the youngest in my class and will be 66 end of the month our oldest member is 91. It works the whole body . We do some exercises holding on to the back of a chair . We used ankle weights I can only use 500g ones others can use the 1kg ones . Long resistance bands and circular ones. Out teacher is well qualified and she always tells us to feel the exercise but if it hurts stop.

Others in my class have heart problems and physical health problems. But we all do the best we can and it's great fun and we encourage eachother. I couldn't go to a gym or swimming . So this fits me perfectly.

Yoga,Tai chi and pilates are gentle exercises. But not for me.

I know there are healthy heart classes so see what your cardiologist says and there may be a class you could join or look for a sit fit class in your area. I pay £5 for a class that lasts 60-70 mins our instructor likes to do all she has planned for that class.

No matter how much pain I am in or how bad my mobility or if my PAF is playing up I always go as I feel better afterwards.

[Thorn5053 in reply to Murderfan58]

Thank you for your comments - you & your brother certainly sound as if you keep in good shape, albeit in different ways. Yes, the advice from the cardiologist is first on the agenda - I’m used to playing tennis & cycling, but if I’m told that they’re not the best thing at the moment, then I shall have to look at alternatives. You’re never too old to learn! I hope you stay active & healthy😀

[Murderfan58]

So right we are never to old to learn new things. Healthy body and healthy mind . Good luck with the cardiologist. 😊

[LeafLeaf]

From what I have learned from “very” senior. senior citizens and research is that a lifetime of intense exercise which strengthens the heart can suddenly flip the heart’s electrical system to Afib.

One episode can be a warning to decrease exercise intensity and Afib may not be permanent.

Additionally Afib onset while swimming can be catastrophic. It happened to someone we know.

Good luck,

LeafLeaf