AF and exercise

Thank you everyone, this has been very helpful. The drugs I'm on are ones I've been on for several years because of high blood pressure so I'm used to those and don't get any side effects from them. I actually feel well, just tired as several of you said when walking. I'm going to try extending how far I walk every day and see how that goes. Guess that's the end of my aim to run a marathon ?

I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago after a very bad chest infection, which triggered a racing irregular heart beat. I was prescribed warfarin to prevent the clotting that AF can cause, also a beta blocker to slow the heart rate. It took months to recover from the chest infection, previously I'd done a three mile walk every morning but until several weeks later, I was lucky to manage half a mile. If an uphill slope was involved, I'd to stop to get my breath back.
I had a cardioversion several months later, it worked and was wonderful but within about 4months, the AF was back. I have low blood pressure and that combined with the AF and beta blocker slowed me down too much, hills were such a strain. The cardiologist took me off the beta blocker and I've felt less tired subsequently.

I was reviewed by the cardiologist this week. Cardioversion is usually successful but about 50% flip back into AF. There are other drugs to help control AF but the possible side effects sounded grim, in addition I take various significant medication for RA. There is another more invasion treatment, I think its ablation. Alternatively a pace maker but the cardiologist said that would leave the heart dependent on the pace maker. He said we could just continue with the warfarin, review me in 6 months and that the long term outcomes for people with AF but no other heart problems, who go without treatment (other than warfarin) is not significantly different than those who elect for more invasive treatments.

I do walk, I have dogs so I have to get out twice a day, which I think has helped me. I asked him about swimming, yes he said, that would help with increasing fitness levels. He confirmed hill walking isn't something I'll enjoy these days.

I asked him about flight socks for long haul, he smiled and said I needn't worry about that because of the warfarin.

Hope this helps Badenkate. It's tedious isn't it.

I was diagnosed with AF last Sept and it is controlled with medication - I don't know what a cardioversion is but I have started to think I really need to do some exercise other than walking into town every few days. I haven't really noticed getting more tired than I used to and can still walk around without a problem. I'm concerned about the blood thinners I'm on and the implications of having a major bleed however the dr told me to come off it would increase the risk of a stroke as AF can cause blood clots due to the irregular beat. I'm also concerned about flying long haul (my son lives in NZ) - if you are planning to go to Oz I think you should talk to your GP to get his advice.

Exercise is definitely off the agenda for my OH - but he does also have PD.

My AF is well controlled by medication but I get very tired and walk very slowly.Exercise would be very difficult now and walking uphill is a struggle.Before I had it I could walk several miles quite briskly but now I have to stop several times even when walking only half a mile.I do have problems with my legs as well so that does not help.

Thanks Jane it sounds as though he is and that's been a real help ?

Badenkate short answer - I don't know! I think its controlled by his meds. Cardioversion didn't work for him. He takes warfarin as well as two other drugs (don't know their names!). He has regular blood tests and check ups at the hospital and they all seem pleased with him -or at least that's what he tells me!

I'm on all medicines required and have been on warfarin for several years. It's not really the medical side I'm looking to find out about - I have no problem there, it's more the coping generally

My OH has this and is on Flecainide. I assume that you are on an anti-coagulant.

My understanding of cardioversion is that if it has failed once, the chances of a second attempt being successful are reduced.
I would say you must take medical advice but my gut feeling would be to go with your latter plan.

Is your DH in permanent AF Jane?

Yes I've read all these, and I've talked to doctors about the medical situation. What I'm more interested in is living with AF and improvement in fitness. The general advice is to do what exercise feels OK - but these are people who don't actually have AF or live with someone who has AF, and I wanted some information about the practicalities if anyone has them.

My DH is maintained very well by medication. He's busy and active.

Oh these sound like questions for a clinician to me. Have you looked at the British Heart Foundation website - I believe they have a helpline but certainly lots of information.

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