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Arrhythmias and exercise

Posted , 8 users are following.

jx41870
jx41870

Say you have one of these "harmless" arrhythmias, should you avoid aerobic exercise?  I mean, if you engage in vigorous exercise that raises your heart rate and BP, isn't that just asking for serious trouble?  Or is it supposed to hold harmless even then?

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • betty47298
    betty47298 jx41870

    Posted

    Harmless arrythnmias?How do you know what is and what isn't?

  • sherpa_al
    sherpa_al jx41870

    Posted

    Hi JX,

    In one sense arrhythmias themselves are not going to kill you, but as I found out they predispose you to a stroke, the risk being dependent on your score against the CHADs-VAS? assessment. A stroke will definitely harm you, and you should see your doctor to understand what your risk is, even if you are fit, active and healthy generally.

    I found this out the hard way, fit, active, healthy, but still had a stroke after being diagnosed with an atrial flutter. Presented a low risk of having a stroke, but had one nonetheless. Never smoked, drink in moderation, not overweight etc, but still had a stroke.

    I would advise you find out as much as you can about your condition. Having said all of that, and having has an ablation, I have been advised to carrry on my active life style, albeit I am now on blood thinners for the duration.

    Good luck

    Sherpa Al

    • jx41870
      jx41870 sherpa_al

      Posted

      Well if the ablation worked, then sure.  I've been to several doctors, and while I'm dubious about their evaluation, they all just shrug and assure me lots of people have arrhythmias like this and go on for years.  None even recommended so much as the blood thinners.

    • sherpa_al
      sherpa_al jx41870

      Posted

      Did the ablation work, a moot point, I remained active before and after the ablation, all I can say is the ablation seems to have prevented any recurrence of SVT type episodes, but these were very few and far between fortunately.

      My doctor didn’t mention blood thinners initially, but after the stroke, by definition, your risk is higher, and they were then prescribed. Naturally I would have preferred them prescribed before the stroke.

      PS! The stroke has affected my vision, but nothing else physically, I’m a lucky boy!

      Sherpa Al

  • sherpa_al
    sherpa_al jx41870

    Posted

    Hi JX, I should have added, I’m male and over 65, and age is a risk factor for a stroke.

    Sherpa Al

    • pat80248
      pat80248 sherpa_al

      Posted

      Sounds like you need another doctor. I was diagnosed a month ago with aflutter, am not over weight, have never smoked, drink an occasional glass of wine with dinner, play 18 holes of golf three times a week, walk 30 min on other days....but over 65...and the first thing I was told was I will be on blood thinners for the rest of my life....
    • sherpa_al
      sherpa_al pat80248

      Posted

      I agree Pat, just wish I’d seen your doctor instead of mine.

      Sherpa Al

  • mycomfyheart
    mycomfyheart jx41870

    Posted

    I would say as long as you are taking your medication and your doctor knows what you are doing why not.   

    I was doing boot camp but only modified to reduce the chance of high heart rate.  

    If you find it makes you short of breath I would stop.   

    Staying hydrated is so important   Especially when exercising.    

    Listen to your body.   

  • betty47298
    betty47298 jx41870

    Posted

    Its all a mystery to me....had an ablation recently. heart so far in rhythm ...may still have to be on blood thinners...I wonder if anyone really knows anything sometimes...guess you have to listen and do what you think is best. Listen to your body is good advice. I cannot tell if there is much of a difference ..perhaps a small energetic lift but have not exerted myself much to have tested it out yet. 
  • janco
    janco jx41870

    Posted

    I agree your CHADs-VAS score(and other variants of it) is important and there are always exceptions, like Sherpa al mentioned and is unfortunatly proof of.

    But excersice will in almost all cases be good for your heart, and I believe that each one must just get his/her right sweetspot.

    The heart is a muscel and must be kept fit. 

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