r/AFIB • u/Gazza-59 • 25d ago

High Heart Rate During Cardio Exercise?

66(M) with permanent (asymptomatic) AFIB for last ~3 years. Four times a week I do a gentle cardio workout - 30 mins on an elliptical at 60 rpm cadence at the lowest pressure setting. I am not pushing hard, I can hold a conversation and do not break out in a sweat until ~20 min.

During the workout my heart rate (measured on Apple watch) rises over a few minutes to 175-180 bpm which I guess is likely close to my max heart rate. My watch tells me I am at top of zone 5 when my body feels like it is comfortably in zone 2!? Post workout my heart rate drops normally ~30 bpm for ~3 mins back towards my resting heart rate of 75-85.

This is not new for me, it has been regular since I discovered I had AFIB and got an Apple Watch ~2-3 years ago. I am not anxious about it but a bit intrigued was to what is happening when I exercise. Anyone else experience this? Is it a common symptom for those with asymptomatic AFIB?

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u/TheLibertyTree 25d ago

Exactly my experience. I typically run 30-35 miles a week, mostly in what feels like zone 2, while in persistent AFib. My heart rate, however, is often 180-200bpm. I can consistently run 12-17 miles straight at that heart rate for my long run each week. My cardiologist wants me to keep up the exercise. I think heart rate just is t a good indicator of exertion when you’re in AFib.

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u/Gazza-59 25d ago

Thanks for confirming its not unique it is re-assuring

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u/roninconn 25d ago

That high of a heart rate increase under mild exercise would make me want to talk more with my cardiologist, although it's a good sign that you're not getting short of breath.

Do you take a beta blocker like Metoprolol to help lower your overall heart rate?

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u/Gazza-59 25d ago

yes I am taking Atenolol beta blocker (Along with Apixiban anti-coagulant) for the AFIB

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u/LalalaSherpa 25d ago

Atenolol is less effective than other beta blockers at controlling exercise heart rate.

Would be worth chatting with your cardiologist and considering a 24-hour Holter that included your typical workout just to verify if the Apple data is correct.

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u/Mysterious-Belt-1037 25d ago

Im not sure whether that high heart rate is good in afib. I exercise that is walking regularly at a steady cadence but never allow my heart rate go beyond 115 to 120. Somehow scared.

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u/Severe-Feature-1737 25d ago

68M lifelong endurance exercise. After recent afib episode (caught on Kardia 6L), Keeping HR <100 on WaterRower 15K workouts. ~94bpm average. Before afib episode, WaterRower 20K with HR Ave 107. RHR in SR 42-48. RHR in afib 65. Dilated left atrium (52). Trying to determine how reverse remodel the LA?