Atrial fibrillation represents one of the most common forms of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical signals that govern heart rate and rhythm become disorganized, causing the heart muscle to contract rapidly and erratically. Atrial fibrillation doesn't preclude an active lifestyle, and physical activity can help ease symptoms. Consult your physician or health care practitioner before you begin exercising with atrial fibrillation.
Medication
Atrial fibrillation patients may or may not require medication, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Those who experience no symptoms can exercise as normal. Patients whose physicians have placed them on blood thinners such as warfarin, beta-blockers or amiodarone should consult their doctor before engaging in physical activity.
Walking and Running
Patients with atrial fibrillation who have gotten medical clearance can perform aerobic type exercises such as walking, speed walking, hiking or running. If you're exercising in a gym environment, remember that the irregular pulse rate created by atrial fibrillation won't work as a means of setting a target heart rate for exercise on a treadmill, for example. One way around this is to set a walking or running speed based on your body weight rather than your heart rate, according to the International Self-Monitoring Association of Oral Anticoagulated Patients.
Swimming
Swimmers with atrial fibrillation are best served by the talk test when monitoring the intensity of their exercise, says the University of New Mexico. Perform your laps as usual, and if you're able to respond in a conversation, albeit barely, your intensity level is adequate. If you find yourself gasping for air and unable to speak, slow your pace.
Sports
Endurance and competitive athletes such as marathon runners and cyclists may be at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation later in life, according to sports cardiologist Dr. Luis Mont. In a 2009 study presented to the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, Dr. Mont's research suggested that a period of inactivity may actually reduce atrial fibrillation in endurance athletes.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: How Is Atrial Fibrillation Treated?
- International Self-Monitoring Association of Oral Anticoagulated Patients: Exercise and atrial fibrillation
- University of New Mexico: The "Talk Test"
- Physorg.com: Atrial Fibrillation in Endurance Athletes Still Poses Problems for Sports Cardiologists
