Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder where the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and rapidly. This irregular rhythm can lead to symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Regular physical activity benefits overall cardiovascular health for individuals with AFib, improving heart function and managing symptoms.
Consulting Your Doctor
Before starting or changing any exercise routine with AFib, consult a healthcare professional. A cardiologist or electrophysiologist can provide personalized guidance, as the “best” exercise regimen varies widely based on your specific condition.
During this consultation, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical evaluation. This includes assessing your AFib type (paroxysmal or persistent), heart rate control with medications, and other existing health conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure. This assessment helps ensure a safe and effective exercise plan.
Recommended Types of Physical Activity
Once cleared by a medical professional, low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercises are recommended for individuals with AFib. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing benefit cardiovascular health and symptom management. These exercises gently elevate heart rate, improving heart efficiency and stamina without excessive stress.
Swimming is a low-impact option, allowing gradual progression, even with water aerobics. Cycling also offers a low-impact way to increase heart rate, though caution is advised regarding falls, especially for those on blood thinners. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, where your breathing and heart rate are faster than usual but you can still hold a conversation.
Light-to-moderate strength training is also valuable for overall fitness. This can include bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or light weights. Strength training improves health and makes daily activities, such as lifting objects, easier. Flexibility exercises, like stretching or yoga, maintain range of motion and can help reduce AFib symptoms and improve heart rate and blood pressure.
Important Considerations for Safe Exercise
When exercising with AFib, pay close attention to your body’s signals. Maintain a moderate intensity, using the “talk test” as a guide: you should speak in full sentences but not sing. While heart rate monitoring can be helpful, AFib’s irregular pulse may make readings less accurate, so relying on how you feel is often more practical.
Be aware of warning signs. If you experience dizziness, chest pain or pressure, extreme shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, stop exercising immediately and rest. If severe symptoms persist, seek emergency medical attention.
Certain activities may require caution or avoidance. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or competitive sports might pose risks due to their strenuous nature and potential for rapid heart rate fluctuations. While moderate exercise is generally protective, very intense exercise can sometimes increase AFib risk. Proper hydration before, during, and after exercise is important, as are gradual warm-up and cool-down periods to prepare your body and aid recovery.