Heat and AFIB

Posted by beebo @beebo, Jul 27, 2023

I’m right in the middle of this “heat dome” so we have had a month of 100 + degree days.
I had an ablation earlier this year and my AFIB has not been an issue since. But with this heat I have been getting palpitations and rapid pulse. I think I may have gotten dehydrated a few times as I had all the symptoms plus weight swings of 2-3 lbs in one day. Anyone else have similar experiences? And any advice on how to handle this? Thanks

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Has anyone had nuclear stress test and if so how was it? I'm cocerned about so much radiation.

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I have been in the middle of this heat wave working outdoors and can tell you that the heat does indeed, create a different set of issues. I sweat profusely when the heat hits at work, but replenish myself adamantly with electrolytes. Despite the many precautions that I take, I received a call from my electrophysiologist (his nurse) saying that they didn’t like what they were seeing from my ICD readings. I’m fresh off an ablation in April, and have had zero issues since. The only new factor is the heat, so I’m guessing that it’s mostly the cause. I am probably guilty of pushing myself too hard at times, but my body generally lets me effectively know my limits.
Common sense tells me to slow down and take heed of my situation, to stay hydrated, but most importantly, listening to what my body is telling me. Admittedly, I don’t always toe the line, but understanding what’s at stake always brings me back to my senses.
Stay cool out there, and don’t be afraid to take a break for your health’s sake.

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I too had an ablation.in March and after the blanking period I have felt pretty good until this heat wave struck the Northeast. I play golf a few days a week and despite riding in a cart I got pretty worn out after a recent round. The next day, sure enough, AFIB again according to my smart watch and the way I feel. I feel better today though and I am dropping out of my golf game today as it will be over 90F with poor air quality. It seems to me that the heat is a definite factor in inducing the arrythmia.

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@cdk43

Has anyone had nuclear stress test and if so how was it? I'm cocerned about so much radiation.

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I had one about 25 years ago with no after of side affects. It took about 4 to 6 hours. Good Luck !

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@cdk43

Has anyone had nuclear stress test and if so how was it? I'm cocerned about so much radiation.

Jump to this post

I had a one about a year ago. It was easy and nothing scary. I haven't had any adverse effects from any of it. It gives the doctors a lot of good information. I was absolutely fine afterwards. It might have taken around two hours. You have to wait a half hour between tests. Don't worry.

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Hi, I love I'm South Western Ontario. Very extreme weather conditions. The best with humidity is high 30s and low 40s. I have the same during this time. Last night it was so bad I couldn't sleep. I have no answers, Hopefully someone will.

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@cdk43

Has anyone had nuclear stress test and if so how was it? I'm cocerned about so much radiation.

Jump to this post

Keep positive thoughts. Take a look at what you are thinking. Try to reduce the racing/junk thoughts from that voice inside your head. Sit back and only be the observer of thought and not your thoughts. Your brain always beliefs what you are telling it. Tell the brain everything will go fine and it will. I have had the test 3 times since 2019. You do great and everything will work out. You have got this. Do not worry. I know easier said than done. I can tell from your post you have got positive thought. I hope this helps. Listen to your favorite music. Check to see if you can during the test. Stay distracted with good things. Take someone you trust with you. The tech's doing the test are always good people and care. Call if you need any questions answered. That may help. I think your results are given fairly fast. You will be fine. I care.

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@irishpeaks

I have been in the middle of this heat wave working outdoors and can tell you that the heat does indeed, create a different set of issues. I sweat profusely when the heat hits at work, but replenish myself adamantly with electrolytes. Despite the many precautions that I take, I received a call from my electrophysiologist (his nurse) saying that they didn’t like what they were seeing from my ICD readings. I’m fresh off an ablation in April, and have had zero issues since. The only new factor is the heat, so I’m guessing that it’s mostly the cause. I am probably guilty of pushing myself too hard at times, but my body generally lets me effectively know my limits.
Common sense tells me to slow down and take heed of my situation, to stay hydrated, but most importantly, listening to what my body is telling me. Admittedly, I don’t always toe the line, but understanding what’s at stake always brings me back to my senses.
Stay cool out there, and don’t be afraid to take a break for your health’s sake.

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Thanks for this. I’m doing the same thing- doing tons much outdoors when I know I shouldn’t. I’m in a Sweet Spot area with heat but not like Az. And no where near the humidity like over in Tx. So it’s easy to stay out side too long.

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@tedalmon

I too had an ablation.in March and after the blanking period I have felt pretty good until this heat wave struck the Northeast. I play golf a few days a week and despite riding in a cart I got pretty worn out after a recent round. The next day, sure enough, AFIB again according to my smart watch and the way I feel. I feel better today though and I am dropping out of my golf game today as it will be over 90F with poor air quality. It seems to me that the heat is a definite factor in inducing the arrythmia.

Jump to this post

Thanks. I’m just hoping the AFIB subsides after temps get back to normal. It’s been great being out of it since my ablation.

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You must not only be hydrated during periods of stress, but you may need to supplement both potassium and magnesium. In fact, heart arrhythmia patients should be taking magnesium pretty much daily. The kind doesn't really matter, but taurate, glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, and malate are the more common salts of magnesium.

Yes, you can expect a higher heart rate in heat. It's a sign that your body is trying to rid itself of internal heat by circulating blood to the skin and extremities more quickly.

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