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.
Probably a dumb question but im going to an amusement park tomorrow. I had an ablation in June, no Afib since then, and have started jogging again (2 weeks into couch potato to 5k plan). My HR from exercise has been up in the 130s and I cant see a roller coaster raising it above that. I cant really see a risk from riding a roller coaster but wondered if anyone else had ever asked their Dr. Id hate to undo whats been successful so far...especially when I dont really like roller coasters that much because in general im a chicken. I googled and founf some article from 2005 saying they can induce arrythmias so has me a little concerned.
"Riding a roller coaster may spark potentially deadly abnormal heart rhythms in people with heart disease, researchers say. "
"...But during the ride, one person's heart rate soared above 200 beats per minute -- fast enough to cause dangerous heart rhythms and potentially deadly for someone with heart disease. About half the participants experienced temporary irregular heartbeats that were not life-threatening. On average, heart rates rose from 91 beats per minute before the ride to 153 a minute later. "
"The magnetic brakes on coasters can interfere with the function of pacemakers, he says. Another concern is a potential interaction between stress of the ride and alcohol, which was recently blamed for the death of a man in Germany during Oktoberfest."
petey
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20051116/roller-coasters-safe-for-heart
My uneducated guess is walking around for 8 hours in the heat would have been a more probable trigger than experiencing some g forces on a roller coaster. In theory if my ablation worked I shouldnt be able to trigger any afib no matter what I do so I decided not to worry about it.
I tend to agree with you. Live your life. Every doctor I have had told me things like coasters, zip lines, para sailing and such are my choice but to remember.....live your life. I have done all of those things since my situation, even flew a WWII airplane. That was a fathers day present from my daughters. I will be dammed I I sit and watch. PB
On the other hand, if one does enjoy riding roller coasters, (as I do), then I'd ride 'em. For roller coaster enthusiasts like me, riding them gives me a relaxing pleasure - even the tall ones and those with lots of inversions so I don't have any problems. It's just a fun and enjoyable ride to me and no different from any other fun activity.
The exceptions are those with other more serious cardiac issues accompanying the arrhythmias - these would be more in question and probably worthy of a query to the doctor beforehand.