Is It Safe To Exercise Post Atrial Fibrillation?

Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Been taking low dose sotalol for an afib event two years ago - ekg, blood test and cardi ultrasound normal - in nsr - i have been out of shape and want to exercise- I have just started to bike (easily) and use exercise equipment at a gym. Is this a good idea? if i do it will it help my condition?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Physical activity is recommended at any stage of heart disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX!

I read your query and understood your concern.

I would like to encourage you to continue with physical activity. Bike and gym exercise is a good start. Keep in mind that you should avoid extreme exercise because this may provoke an atrial fibrillation. It's recommended to start with minimal load (for example 5-10 minutes of cycling) and to increase gradually.

Exercise will help for your condition because physical activity is recommended at any stage of heart disease.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar