Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Has anyone else had their afib triggered by lifting heavy things? I've had it happen when lifting something with my left arm, and with my right arm. It's the oddest thing and I can't figure out why.
pacyetep
Definitely. That was the only time, thinking back before I was diagnosed, that I might have had a symptom. I thought it was a twitch or a hiatal hernia.. Now... I think it was the beginning of afib. I always lifted heavy stuff including weights at the gym. I never thought it was particularly good for me. petey
heart2222
The list of things we should avoid keeps getting longer and longer...
deleted_user
Yes, I have had afib begin when lifting heavy objects. Today at work I lifted the full water cooler jug into its container and I could feel the afib wanting to break through. I think it is the bending over and lifting that does it. You are correct when you say the list of things to avoid is long!
deleted_user
Could it be bending over to lift something? I've never had the problem with lifting something, but I have had it trigger as I was bending over to lift. Just curious.
terryhf
Yes! I helped unpack my Mom in Oct-12 when she moved from AZ to OK and I was in a-fib most of that week. Actually, I unpacked her - she was sick with all the changes.
shanny63
yes I definitely get the flutters and I have gone into AF from bending over..one time I was cleaning the shower and just the bending down to clean the glass set me off...very frustrating
Retyred
Before I progressed to permanent afib, heavy lifting certainly was my biggest trigger - didn't know what was happening as I took years to get diagnosed just felt absolutely terrible for 24 hours or so - now I realise that afib was starting to gain control.
lapopessa
For me bending wasn't the issue, I was lifting something without bending over when the afib goes off (lifting something over my head while sitting down - or lifting it from a table, or even carrying something up some stairs.
dcsodwight
Yes, Last time I ended up in the ER was from bending. Happened a week later trying to change a tire. Then a week later got flutters from bending over to wash car. I'm sure everyone realizes how hard it is to NOT bend over !!!! Gone on strict diet, thinking my overweight might be some of it.
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