How Do I Exercise with AFib?
Key Takeaways:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder, but safe, moderate exercise can reduce symptoms and improve overall heart health. The best exercises for AFib include low- to moderate-intensity aerobic activity and light strength training, performed under a cardiologist’s guidance. Patients should avoid high-intensity workouts and stop exercising immediately if they experience chest pain, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke and other heart complications. Many people with AFib worry about exercising, but research shows that physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the frequency and severity of AFib episodes.
September is AFib Awareness Month, an event dedicated to raising awareness about this common heart rhythm disorder. In support of this important occasion, South Denver Cardiology would like to devote some time to educating you about certain aspects of AFib. The following overview will help you understand how to exercise safely with this condition.
Benefits of Exercise for People with AFib
Exercising with AFib provides many health benefits:
- Supports a Healthy Weight – Obesity is a leading risk factor for AFib, and regular physical activity helps reduce this risk.
- Lowers Blood Pressure and Resting Heart Rate – A lower heart rate means less strain on your cardiovascular system.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety – Mental health plays an important role in managing AFib and improving quality of life.
Research has also found that regular exercise can help you keep AFib in check:
- AFib patients with the highest fitness levels experience the fewest episodes
- Patients with low fitness experience more frequent episodes
- Any increase in exercise, regardless of starting fitness level, can help reduce AFib episodes
Consult Your Cardiologist Before You Start Exercising
It’s important to talk to your cardiologist before you begin exercising with AFib or change your existing exercise routine. Your cardiologist will make sure your condition is properly managed and let you know whether it’s safe to begin exercising.
Once it’s safe for you to begin exercising or change your current routine, your cardiologist will provide guidance regarding how to exercise safely and specific symptoms to look out for while you’re engaging in physical activity. Developing an exercise plan with the assistance of your doctor will minimize any potential risks associated with increased activity levels.
Safe Exercise Options for People with AFib
Certain exercises are particularly safe and beneficial for AFib patients:
Aerobic Activities:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Jogging
- Hiking
- Elliptical, exercise bike or treadmill
Light Strength Training:
- Use low weights and higher repetitions
- Avoid heavy lifting and free weights
Recommended Intensity and Duration of Exercise for People with AFib
When exercising with AFib, you should focus on moderate-intensity activity that results in a slightly increased heart rate and breathing but allows you to carry on a conversation comfortably. Aim for about 150-210 minutes of exercise each week, split into shorter sessions (30-60 minutes per session).
It’s best to gradually work up to this level of activity. Start by engaging in short (5-10 minute) periods of exercise to make sure this increased activity level doesn’t make you feel lightheaded or faint. You can gradually increase your sessions by 5-10 minutes at a time as your body acclimates to these short periods of exercise.
Always listen to your body when exercising with AFib. Since you have an irregular heartbeat, checking your heart rate while you exercise won’t accurately measure the intensity of your workout. Paying attention to how your body feels is a better way to tell whether you need to reduce the intensity – if you lose your breath quickly, it’s likely a sign you’re doing too much.
In general, it’s best to avoid extremely high-intensity or prolonged endurance exercises with AFib since these workouts can place additional strain on your heart.
Additional Tips for Exercising with AFib
The following tips will help ensure you exercise safely with AFib:
- Start with a 10-minute warmup of light activity to prepare your heart and muscles for increased exercise
- Finish with a cool-down and stretching period to prevent injury
- Avoid exercising during AFib episodes causing significant symptoms (chest discomfort or severe breathlessness)
- If you have paroxysmal (intermittent) AFib, try to exercise when your heart rhythm is normal
When to Stop Exercising with AFib: Warning Signs
Stop exercising immediately and seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure during exercise
- Shortness of breath that doesn’t improve after stopping exercise
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Heart palpitations
- Excessive sweating or anxiety during exercise
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (may indicate a stroke)
- Slurred speech (may indicate a stroke)
South Denver Cardiology Can Help You Exercise Safely with AFib
It’s critical to exercise under the guidance of a cardiology team when you have AFib to ensure your increased activity level is safe for your condition. At South Denver Cardiology, we can help you develop an exercise program that is safe to perform with AFib and will promote improved overall heart health.
Our Arrhythmia Clinic is the premier treatment center for heart arrhythmias, including AFib, in the Denver area. Our team consists of some of the most experienced and highly trained cardiologists and electrophysiologists in the area who will recommend the right treatment plan to properly manage your condition.
Once your AFib is under control, you can work with the exercise specialists at our Medical Fitness Gym to develop a customized workout routine that will be safe with AFib. Our exercise specialists will show you how to perform each exercise properly and develop a plan that includes gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts as your heart adjusts to more strenuous levels of activity.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. South Denver Cardiology serves patients in Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas.
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