Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is a heart condition in which your heartbeat is fast or chaotic and an insufficient amount of blood is pumped to your body. If you have A-fib, your doctor may encourage certain types of exercise. Although, bodybuilding often involves lifting weights and following a specific diet regimen, both may be dangerous if you have A-fib. Always discuss bodybuilding activities with your doctor to get his approval.
About A-fib
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 2 million people have A-fib, and it is the most common abnormal rhythm condition in people over the age of 65. During A-fib, the two upper chambers of your heart, or atria, quiver and don't pump blood efficiently to the ventricles, or bottom chambers of your heart. Blood may go to the ventricles but is not pumped out to your body completely. Because blood isn't being pumped out of your heart, it may pool, clot and escape to your brain, where it could cause a stroke.
Causes and Symptoms
Possible causes of A-fib include high blood pressure, heart attack, abnormal heart valves, hyperthyroidism, certain stimulants like medications or excessive caffeine, lung diseases like emphysema, previous heart surgery, sleep apnea or an illness. Sometimes A-fib has no known cause. Symptoms of the condition, if present at all, may include heart palpitations, decreased blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath or chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor. Chest pain is a potential emergency, so seek medical attention immediately.
Weightlifting
If you are lifting weights free weights or using weight machines as part of your bodybuilding routine, this type of exercise may be dangerous if you have A-fib. High blood pressure is one of the causes of A-fib, and regular exercise can reduce blood pressure in the long term. However, weightlifting can cause a temporary dramatic spike in blood pressure that may be dangerous for certain heart conditions. Talk to your doctor before lifting weights so you get instructions based on your medical condition.
Diet
If you are bodybuilding, you may be eating certain foods and following a special diet to put on muscle mass. When you have been diagnosed with A-fib, there are certain medications that may be prescribed to you that react with foods you eat, and you are to consume a heart-healthy diet. Talk to your doctor about your diet, and make sure it is appropriate for your medical condition.
