What’s the Best exercise for Atrial Fibrillation?
Can Exercise Help Atrial Fibrillation?
Welcome to my website, I have several topics to touch on today, I hope you enjoy this informational article. It’s important for everyone to spread atrial fibrillation awareness. There still 61% of Americans that don’t know about it and could be at risk.
This post will talk about people that have atrial fibrillation(a-fib) whom are in “rhythm” now and who want to exercise. I know there are many people in permanent a-fib who still go on with their exercise and may not be as sensitive to it as others. I will be discussing what’s the best exercise for atrial fibrillation, starting in moderation.
Only you can gage on your health when you’re ready to start a regimen
If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (a-fib), it’s common to worry about whether you should exercise or not. It’s unlikely that exercise will make your you worse. However, if you’re not feeling it, don’t do it. You are your best advisor (as well as your cardiologist) whether you feel strong enough to do any exercise depending on the stage of a-fib you’re at.
I ran across an awesome rower, and it’s so easy to use. When my neck and shoulders get sore from being on the computer, I go row awhile and it takes all the pain away. It really is the best exercise (in my opinion) if you have a-fib.
Do your exercise in moderation
Remember to talk to your cardiologist before you start an exercise regimen. What does he recommend? There’s no prescription that fits everyone, but he can suggest exercises you are capable of.
In this case with a-fib, strenuous exercise can be more harmful than helpful. Yet in many cases, exercises can help you live a stronger life. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight that can prevent heart failure from worsening.
You can definitely exercise with A-Fib
However, because of the risk of abnormal heartbeats as well as rapid heartbeats, any exercise program should start out easy and work up slowly. Many fitness exercise trackers are available to help you monitor your heart rate during walks and while exercising. Many of them also record detailed heart rate statistics that you can view through an app on your smartphone, tablet, or home computer.
Exercising…checking your heart rate
Your maximum heart rate is determined by subtracting your age from 220. For example, if you’re 50 years old, your maximum heart rate would be 170 beats per minute (bpm).
To exercise at a moderate level, your heart rate should be between 85 (from multiplying 170 x 0.5) and 119 (from multiplying 170 x 0.7) bpm.
Consider cardiac rehabilitation-Best Exercise for Your Heart
Cardiac rehabilitation just means exercising at a health facility where your heart can be monitored. Options include a hospital, an outpatient center, or your doctor’s clinic. Staff at the facility can caution you if your heart rate becomes too rapid or if you have an abnormality in blood pressure. The staff is also specially trained to help people with heart conditions such as a-fib and heart failure. They can provide tips on new exercises to consider and advice on exercise safety.
What’s The Best exercise for Atrial Fibrillation?
- Decreased stroke risk– One of the best ways to stave off stroke risk is regular exercise.
- Weight control– Moderate exercise can help you maintain a normal weight, which has a positive effect on stroke and heart disease. Keeping a trim and toned body will improve overall health.
- Improve Cholesterol– Exercise will help lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and boost levels of the so-called “good” cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). A high LDL is a known risk factor for heart disease.
- Decrease Diabetes risk– Diabetes is more than just a risk factor for a-fib, it also increases your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Exercise is known to help reduce your risk of diabetes.
Stay with me…
- Fewer atrial fibrillation episodes– Consistent exercise can help maintain a regular heartbeat and keep a-fib episodes at bay when compared to just managing risk factors without weight loss.
- Reduce heart attack and heart failure– If you have a-fib, you are also at higher risk for heart attack. Exercise is one of the best ways to lower this risk through weight control and lower blood pressure, also lower cholesterol levels.
- Better quality of life– If you exercise, you will feel better and have more energy throughout the day. This will have an impact of benefits on your life and lifestyle.
What does exercise do for you?
- Lower blood pressure- High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Exercise helps keep your blood pressure levels in the safety zone.
- One study in the American Heart Journal found that exercise could improve quality of life for people with a-fib. Exercise is also a natural antidepressant, which can help improve your mood and your outlook on life.
- There are benefits to physical activity that are helpful if you have a-fib, including slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure. Having a good quality of life is an important goal and exercise can help relieve anxiety and stress.
Exercise can’t Correct A-Fib
Atrial Fibrillation can make exercising difficult because your heart may begin to race. A racing heart can make your blood pressure drop and cause you to feel faint. In this case, strenuous exercise can be more harmful than helpful. In many cases exercising with Atrial Fibrillation can help you live a stronger life. There is no cure for A-Fib, only treatment.
How can you stop A-Fib?
Ways to stop an A-Fib episodes include taking slow deep breathes. It is believed that yoga can be beneficial to those with A-Fib. Anything that calms your mind and heart is beneficial to less episodes.
What are some risks of Atrial Fibrillation?
1. Age 65 or older (people under this age have been known to have a-fib symptoms)
2. Sleep Apnea
3.Diabetes
4. Heavy Alcohol use
5. Prior heart attacks
6. heart disease, such as congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.
7. Smoking
8. Obesity
9. Overactive thyroid
10. Stroke
Moderate to vigorous exercise may help prevent atrial fibrillation, according to a study in the May 2020 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Seeking medical attention early may help reduce the chance of A-Fib leading to a more serious condition. Always discuss any exercise regimen with your doctor prior to starting.
If you want to read more on the benefits of yoga, Heart Health and A-Fib, go to my other website at yogahealthbenefitsarticle.com
Thank you for stopping by my website. If you’d like to leave a comment below or have any questions, feel free. I’d love to hear from you.
All the Best,