Afibs and exercise

Question
Hello: I am 62,and was diagnosed with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 1988.I was running 15 miles a week at the time,and stopped running in 1995 for reasons unrelated to my AF which occurs about once a month,with attacks lasting 12-48 hours and auto-converting to sinus rhythm.Anyway,my present GP wants me out exercising,as my total cholesterol is on the high side of normal.I am power walking for now,but would like to get back to running.However,when I try running,I invariably run out of breath within one or two blocks,and have to drop to a walk.The thought occurred to me that years of AF episodes could have damaged my heart muscle.Would this be a reason for my difficulty in resuming running? When I started running in 1984,I had little difficulty reaching that first mile,and gradually and effortlessly increased my distance to 5.2 miles.
Thanks!  

Answer
Hi Michael
The biggest problem with anybody regardless of age or complications is the lack of consistency over time and giving the muscular skeleton and cardiovascular system time to absorb and adapt.This would be the primary reason for your situation Michael,but yes there could some damage,but not in anyway that would stop you from making a real recovery to regular runs with little or no problems if you you just gradually work your way back and just listen to your body talk.The other thing is your over all nutrition program.62 is not old numerically but biologically you could internally be 70 to 75 or working right now to do a turn around program you can reduce your age to 52.Here is a web site for you to sign up for with a real age test and great ifo from two very well respected doctors.If you would like to talk about this on the phone you can call me any time here in albuquerque NM.Any other questions just call or write.


All the best

John
www.rentacoachinternational.com
www.realage.com