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Exercise after a PFA
I am a 76 year old woman. I had bovine mitral and aortic valve replacements with cryo maze ablation via open heart surgery in 2022. I was doing great until March. 2026 when my Afib and atrial flutter returned. I had a pulsed field ablation for Afib and atypical atrial flutter on 8/5/2026. Before the ablation I swam 4 days a week for 1 1/2 hours, recently decreased to 3 times a week per my EP. On the days I didn’t swim I would walk 5-6 miles. I was fluid overloaded after the procedure so waited 2 days before walking a little over a mile. I have been gradually increasing my distance and speed, still really taking it easy. My pulse goes higher when I swim but it is easier than walking. My plan is to wait 2 weeks before swimming. Thoughts?
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Thanks for your response. I truly hope things get better for you. I can’t imagine not swimming. I am waiting another week then starting slowly. Today when I walked it was very hot and humid so I watched my pulse carefully and kept it about 100. My resting pulse is low 60s. So far one week out from ablation no Afib or atrial flutter.
@bobthepug And, if it does pop up on you briefly in the next two/three weeks, don't throw in the towel. Short runs of AF are normal in the early weeks, but not great when it begins to pop up after, say, Week Six or Seven. So far, it looks great for you, and as the weeks pile up, you'll remember what normal is....again.
I sure hope so. Thanks so much!