Guest guest Posted March 25, 2006 Report Share Posted March 25, 2006 My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is at the moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even more than it already is. What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone mentioned the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type of heart damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work harder and exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. Thanks! Karyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2006 Report Share Posted March 25, 2006 Hi, Karyn. As far as I know, as long as he feels okay doing it, there's no problem. Laua Exercise and AF My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is at the moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even more than it already is. What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone mentioned the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type of heart damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work harder and exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. Thanks! Karyn Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 In a message dated 3/25/2006 10:41:54 P.M. Central Standard Time, kaykota2@... writes: My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. I agree with the prior response that said it is OK. I think the thing to remember is that the heart is only pumping at about 80% of it's NSR capacity so his performance will be less than normal.The beta blocker will also limit his heart rate so that will also slow him down. I recommend he wear a heart rate monitor and not let his heart rate get too high, say about 220-his age. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 He doesn't feel well after. He gets very tired and feels 'off'. I'm not comfortable with him running before he even has been to see the specialist. He's in a constant state of af. I did find out that while running, his pulse is around 85 or 90 due to the beta blocker... normally it is around 140 midworkout. Thanks! I'm curious to see what the specialist says as well. His gp said the same as you. K > > Hi, Karyn. > > As far as I know, as long as he feels okay doing it, there's no problem. > > Laua > > Exercise and AF > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running > if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is at the > moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even more than > it already is. > > What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone mentioned > the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type of heart > damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work harder and > exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. > > Thanks! > > Karyn > > > > > > > Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com > List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the > group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to > AFIBsupport-help > > Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be > acted upon without consultation with one's physician. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 I'm also thinking that, psychologically, it may be good for him to continue as much as possible doing whatever makes him feel good/strong/on top of things. Exercise and AF > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running > if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is at the > moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even more than > it already is. > > What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone mentioned > the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type of heart > damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work harder and > exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. > > Thanks! > > Karyn > > > > > > > Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com > List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the > group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to > AFIBsupport-help > > Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be > acted upon without consultation with one's physician. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 > > He doesn't feel well after. He gets very tired and feels 'off'. I'm > not comfortable with him running before he even has been to see the > specialist. He's in a constant state of af. snip > > K > >Your husband is in a patient-doctor relationship with a doctor .If he were here I would advise him to be highly active in those relationships in this particular illness .To discover one has AF and to the same moment settle for staying persistant at this early age does not comply with the protocal for treating AF. unfortunately a study called AFFIRM (by some readings) said that " rate control " is an acceptable outcome ...almost equal satisfactory to " rhytmn control " . in my view this is because rhythm control does not have stellar results . start being active by becoming conversant with the key issues in AF and preferably get an AF education.There are some good links here . many significant athelets have Af,and weekend warriors have a even higher risk. I was in persistant AF for 9 months and this made it more dificult to recover .I was 5 years into the illness and had some bad luck. I have now been normal sinus rhythm for over 3 years. I changed my lifestyle the week i went persistent AF. The priority in my view is to know if there are and prediposing reasons for your husband to have AF. i would check for enlarged atria ,heart valve problems (mitral valve prolapse),hyperthyroid,sleep apnea ,use of any drugs perscription or OTC stimulents known to potentiate AF.diet pop? etc . if no cause then why accept AF until one understands the result of the illness and other alternatives . certainly do not accept ablate and pace " solutions " (not to be confused with PVI ablation .) NSR 3 years -whole food lifestyle please observe that is not medical advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 There is a common condition in dogs with afib, in that several hours after heavy exercise they will feel crappy from the lack of proper oxygen during the heavy activity. My mother, who has been in permanent afib since the late 60s, also feels crappy several hours after working hard, although her doctor can never figure out the problem. It was not until my sister the vet, mentioned the above dog issue, that we put two and two together. Not sure why the vets recognize this as legitimate, and the doctors don't, but perhaps this is what's happening to your husband as well? kaykota2 kaykota2@...> wrote: He doesn't feel well after. He gets very tired and feels 'off'. I'm not comfortable with him running before he even has been to see the specialist. He's in a constant state of af. I did find out that while running, his pulse is around 85 or 90 due to the beta blocker... normally it is around 140 midworkout. Thanks! I'm curious to see what the specialist says as well. His gp said the same as you. K > > Hi, Karyn. > > As far as I know, as long as he feels okay doing it, there's no problem. > > Laua > > Exercise and AF > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running > if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is at the > moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even more than > it already is. > > What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone mentioned > the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type of heart > damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work harder and > exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. > > Thanks! > > Karyn > > > > > > > Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com > List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the > group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to > AFIBsupport-help > > Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be > acted upon without consultation with one's physician. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 I couldnt agree more.. " all us AFibbers have gone to thedogs!! " must have a bit of levity along with so much seriousness judi in louisiana, fighting depession > > > > Hi, Karyn. > > > > As far as I know, as long as he feels okay doing it, there's no > problem. > > > > Laua > > > > Exercise and AF > > > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with > AF. > > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue > running > > if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > > > But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is > at the > > moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even > more than > > it already is. > > > > What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone > mentioned > > the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type > of heart > > damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work > harder and > > exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. > > > > Thanks! > > > > Karyn > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com > > List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to > use the > > group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to > > AFIBsupport-help > > > > Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or > should be > > acted upon without consultation with one's physician. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Thanks, I know his hr doesn't get above 100 on the beta blocker while exercising. So I'm gathering heart damage can occur when the hr gets too fast so it seems we are ok. Thanks for the clarification and everyone weighing in. I will pass on the information and have him beware of dizziness, shortness of breath... while running. Thanks also for helping me feel better about it! Karyn > > > In a message dated 3/25/2006 10:41:54 P.M. Central Standard Time, > kaykota2@... writes: > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue > running if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > > > I agree with the prior response that said it is OK. I think the thing to > remember is that the heart is only pumping at about 80% of it's NSR capacity so > his performance will be less than normal.The beta blocker will also limit his > heart rate so that will also slow him down. I recommend he wear a heart rate > monitor and not let his heart rate get too high, say about 220-his age. > Guy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 THanks . I would actually not be happy with simply 'rate control'. I know this is how it is for his father, who is 67. He was a part of a drug study and was in NSR for 8 years on this particular med. It was the only one that worked for him but then it never made it to the market and was discontinued. So now he does rate control and aspirin. Luckily for us I am very proactive with our health issues. Doctors cringe when they see me coming! I question everything. I did get some great links here and am learning as quickly as I can. Thank you again! Karyn > > > > He doesn't feel well after. He gets very tired and feels 'off'. > I'm > > not comfortable with him running before he even has been to see > the > > specialist. He's in a constant state of af. > > snip > > > > > K > > > >Your husband is in a patient-doctor relationship with a doctor .If > he were here I would advise him to be highly active in those > relationships in this particular illness .To discover one has AF and > to the same moment settle for staying persistant at this early age > does not comply with the protocal for treating AF. > > unfortunately a study called AFFIRM (by some readings) said > that " rate control " is an acceptable outcome ...almost equal > satisfactory to " rhytmn control " . in my view this is because rhythm > control does not have stellar results . > > start being active by becoming conversant with the key issues in AF > and preferably get an AF education.There are some good links here . > > many significant athelets have Af,and weekend warriors have a even > higher risk. > > I was in persistant AF for 9 months and this made it more dificult to > recover .I was 5 years into the illness and had some bad luck. > I have now been normal sinus rhythm for over 3 years. > I changed my lifestyle the week i went persistent AF. > > The priority in my view is to know if there are and prediposing > reasons for your husband to have AF. > i would check for enlarged atria ,heart valve problems (mitral valve > prolapse),hyperthyroid,sleep apnea ,use of any drugs perscription or > OTC stimulents known to potentiate AF.diet pop? etc . > > if no cause then why accept AF until one understands the result of > the illness and other alternatives . certainly do not accept ablate > and pace " solutions " (not to be confused with PVI ablation .) > > NSR 3 years -whole food lifestyle > > please observe that is not medical advice > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2006 Report Share Posted April 6, 2006 I think if your husband doesn't feel well after exercising, then his body is telling him that degree of exercise is not good for him right now. Obviously, walking is fine, and I think he needs to find what level of exercise is good for him and yet not too much for him. The level that is good for us can change just about minute to minute, so he should try to learn to recognize what is too much for him at the moment. Also, I have read that exercising can be a trigger for atrial fibrillation, so he needs not to overdo it because that might provoke it to continue. My husband's first doctor (we changed because his hours interfered with my husband's work) said that he could exercise (while in afib) so long and so much as felt right for him. The doctor he has right now told him not to exercise at all (while in afib). (That doesn't make any sense because everything one's body does is exercise--getting out of bed, walking, etc.) But my husband pushes himself physically, as I suspect your husband does (because your husband is a runner). I wonder if my husband got himself to afib because, in some ways, he doesn't listen to his body. I think he needs to learn fast now to listen well to his body. Jo Anne Exercise and AF > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running > if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is at the > moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even more than > it already is. > > What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone mentioned > the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type of heart > damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work harder and > exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. > > Thanks! > > Karyn > > > > > > > Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com > List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the > group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to > AFIBsupport-help > > Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be > acted upon without consultation with one's physician. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2006 Report Share Posted April 6, 2006 No I don't think he listened to his body either. He'd be so tired and stressed from work, he'd jump on the treadmill and run for 4-5 miles. Yes that's a stress reliever but apparently it wasn't the right one. I think he'll probably wind up walking the neighborhood instead. We'll see. Thanks for answering! Karyn > > > > Hi, Karyn. > > > > As far as I know, as long as he feels okay doing it, there's no > problem. > > > > Laua > > > > Exercise and AF > > > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with > AF. > > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue > running > > if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > > > But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is > at the > > moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even > more than > > it already is. > > > > What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone > mentioned > > the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type > of heart > > damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work > harder and > > exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. > > > > Thanks! > > > > Karyn > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com > > List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to > use the > > group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to > > AFIBsupport-help > > > > Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or > should be > > acted upon without consultation with one's physician. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2006 Report Share Posted April 7, 2006 Dear Jo Anne I try to exercise and go to the cardiac rehab gym at least 3-4 times a week. I did not go when I was in AFib but the nurse in charge of the gym encourage me to come and do exercises at half pace. I have been doing that and after about 10 minutes of walking of the tread mill I revert inot SR.Other times I have been in SR and exercise has put me into AFib. It seems your husband and I are doing some strange things. If you know any good exercises phyiologists I think that would be a good subject for some research. What do you think. Regards Lynda ci.rr.com> wrote: I think if your husband doesn't feel well after exercising, then his body is telling him that degree of exercise is not good for him right now. Obviously, walking is fine, and I think he needs to find what level of exercise is good for him and yet not too much for him. The level that is good for us can change just about minute to minute, so he should try to learn to recognize what is too much for him at the moment. Also, I have read that exercising can be a trigger for atrial fibrillation, so he needs not to overdo it because that might provoke it to continue. My husband's first doctor (we changed because his hours interfered with my husband's work) said that he could exercise (while in afib) so long and so much as felt right for him. The doctor he has right now told him not to exercise at all (while in afib). (That doesn't make any sense because everything one's body does is exercise--getting out of bed, walking, etc.) But my husband pushes himself physically, as I suspect your husband does (because your husband is a runner). I wonder if my husband got himself to afib because, in some ways, he doesn't listen to his body. I think he needs to learn fast now to listen well to his body. Jo Anne Exercise and AF > > My husband is 38, runs 12 miles a week and was just diagnosed with AF. > His cardiologist appt is Apr 6 and his GP has said he can continue running > if he wants. He is taking a beta blocker and coumadin. > > But it seems to me, if your heart is constantly in AF like his is at the > moment, running/exercise seems like it would stress the heart even more than > it already is. > > What do you guys think? What has your doctors told you? Someone mentioned > the longer you are in AF, the more likely you can sustain some type of heart > damage. I'm worried the exercise will cause his heart to work harder and > exacerbate the AF before he has a chance to get back to NSR. > > Thanks! > > Karyn > > > > > > > Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com > List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the > group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to > AFIBsupport-help > > Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be > acted upon without consultation with one's physician. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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