Published:
January 31, 2022
Just because you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common type of abnormal heartbeat, doesn’t mean you can’t lead an active, normal life. Exercise is safe as long as you do so under your doctor’s supervision, and may benefit other conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol that contribute to heart disease.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
With atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of your heart may beat rapidly and irregularly, resulting in poor blood flow to the body. You may feel heart palpitations, weakness, or shortness of breath—or you may have no symptoms at all. Atrial fibrillation is common, and your episodes of rapid heartbeat may surface occasionally, or you may have a chronic condition. That’s why there are no blanket rules about exercise that can cover everyone.
How to Approach Exercise with AFib
First, discuss your condition with your cardiologist and ask how you can work exercise into your treatment plan, and if there are certain types of activities you should avoid. Your doctor may want you to have an electrocardiogram (EKG) or stress test to determine the appropriate activity level for you.
You'll want to start slow and gradually increase your intensity and how long you’re exercising. And be flexible. Because atrial fibrillation may be intermittent, be prepared to adjust your program based on how you feel and your tolerance for exercise that day. If you have chest pain, labored breathing, or extreme fatigue, stop exercising immediately and contact your physician.
The Risks and Benefits of Exercise
Exercising with atrial fibrillation is a matter of balancing risks and rewards. You should get the most out of what exercise has to offer with the fewest risks of aggravating your health.
Physical activity may even help improve your symptoms. Your program should be safe, effective, and tailored to your specific needs with realistic goals so you don’t put undue stress on your heart. Your doctor may want you to exercise only under the supervision of a certified professional, perhaps at a hospital-based cardiac fitness group. But as long as your atrial fibrillation is being managed correctly and you feel good, there’s no reason you can’t exercise. Remember, exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle.