Is lifting weights a high risk with atrial fibrillation?

Question

I'm a 43 year-old male who enjoys and has for several years lifting weights as a hobby and looking good. Just recently i was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Do i have to stop lifting weights now that i'm being treated for this condition?

Answer 1

Talk to your cardiologist. I assume you are on digoxin? As long as you don't stress your heart too much it should stay in rhythm. But stress means different things to different hearts. I could lift weights without having a problem as long as my dig level is up. If it's down too low, I could go into AF just by bending over to pick something up. It just depends on what your heart can take and if you maintain a sinus rhythm on meds. Everyone is different and everyone's heart has a different stress point.

Answer 2

First of all, were you placed on any medication for the A-Fib?? Usually, the meds are Digoxin,which slows and strengthens the heart. Are you on Coumadin ( is a medication that " thins the blood" so that you don't develop blood clots). Do you fully understand exactly what A-Fib is ?? Basically, the top chambers of your heart quiver and the blood that is to be pumped just kind of floats around some, this leads to developing a blood clot. What did your Cardiologist tell you about your condition?? Is not uncommon for people to have heart palpitations. Caffeine,stress can cause it. The best advice,talk to your Cardiologist!! In the meantime, avoid any heavy lifting. You're young so it maybe ok, but, are there other factors involved ?? High Blood Pressure, Diabetes???

Answer 3

I have atrial fibrillation also. I can lift weights but only very light weights. I don't know if you were told this, but atrial fibrillation can cause you to pass a clot, and then you will have a real problem. Check with your cardiologist, if you don't have one....get one.

Answer 4

I would consult with your cardiologist. Is your a. fib steady (you have it all the time) or are you being treated medically (and had a fib at one time and converted to a "normal" rhythm)? If your blood pressure is within normal limits, you do not become light headed (especially when you stand up or when you lift weights) I would think (as a CCU RN) that it would be fine.
Be sure to 1)Check with your cardiologist and 2) STOP if you get light headed or dizzy.

Answer 5

I have had a fib since 1998, I used to lift weights but now after many tretments to fix A FIB, I dont have the energy to do it anymore, I used to power lift even in A FIB symptoms, probably not the smartest but I did it, good luck

Answer 6

I jump into a fib whenever I eat too much and get a full stomach or get full of gas. When the gas goes away and my stomach goes down from over eating, I come out of a fib.
You should ask your cardiologist what he/she thinks
I am not a crazy woman, I am a nurse and have had heart problems for many years.

Answer 7

That's actually a good question

Answer 8

I would like to ask the same question as the user above.