Posted by L. Paul Teague on April 03, 2002 at 11:52:12:
In Reply to: Lone AF, Steady State Exercise, and the Maze Procedure posted by L. Paul Teague on April 02, 2002 at 14:51:55:
I appreciate the comments. It is important to point out that most of those who engage in long term steady state exercise will not develop AF. AF is reported to occur in about 2 percent of the general population. Based on limited reports, the incidence of AF in long term runners may be as great as 8 percent. As far as I know, there is not any strict definition of what constitutes long term steady state exercise.
In my case, I consistently ran 30 to 50 miles a weeks for 25 years before I developed AF. [Personal trivia: when I lived in New Orleans, I logged over 2000 miles running around the SuperDome. It was an ideal place to run: near my office, exactly one half mile around, under an overhang that protected from the sun and frequent New Orleans rain, lighted, uniform surface, had a YMCA fitness center in the SuperDome for changing clothes and showering, and (very important in New Orleans) safe from muggers and crazy drivers.]
Some of us runners apparently have an unfortunate genetic propensity for developing AF.
Some thoughts on the effects of the maze surgery on exercise tolerance: The maze surgery is done on the atria. The ventricles are not affected directly. Based on published medical information, the trauma to the atria from the maze surgery, initially diminishes atrial transport capacity -- often substantially. As the heart heals, atrial transport capacity returns to "normal." One of the myths about the maze procedure, perpetuated by some cardiologists, is that atrial transport capacity is permanently and adversely damaged by the maze procedure. Dr. Cox and others have conclusively shown in peer reviewed medical articles that this is not correct. Apparently some doctors don't read. I was shocked at the number of doctors I encountered who had not read the articles in the medical literature about the maze procedure that I, a layperson, had. Be skeptical of anyone who repeats the myth about permanent atrial transport function impairment and the maze procedure.
Dr. Cox [who did my maze surgery] required an echo cardiogram six months post maze surgery to confirm atrial transport function. Mine was "normal" by all normal standards. I do not know if other surgeons are doing this. Perhaps, those who have had the maze procedure done by others can comment on this.
To the best of my knowledge, there has not been any research to determine if the heart returns to full pre AF, pre surgery maximal capacity after the maze procedure. I resumed an active life style post surgery, but I did not resume running 30 to 50 miles a week, so I do not know if my ability to do that is "impaired" or not. Certainly, there is no impairment that prevents me from living the active lifestyle I want to live.
Anders, has apparently regained all of his exercise capability -- which is wonderful.
I suspect -- but do not know as a fact -- that after the heart is fully healed from the maze surgery, the maximum atrial transport capacity may be less than pre AF, pre maze surgery. This reduction is usually insignificant and has no adverse affect on life style. Based on Anders' experience, it may be that with training the atrial transport function post surgery can be restored to pre surgical levels.
AF can be extremely debilitating. It is not a benign condition. The maze procedure can cure AF. It is major surgery with acceptable [to many of us] risk. Those with lone AF who are otherwise in excellent health and are refractory to medical treatment are ideal candidates for the maze surgery done by capable surgeons. Thanks to Dr. Cox and the other surgeons who have pioneered the maze surgery -- often in the face of adverse (and uninformed) opinions of some in the medical profession -- we not longer have to live with AF. We can be cured.
- Re: Lone AF, Steady State Exercise, and the Maze Procedure hans koster 05:21:37 4/05/2002 (2)
- Re: Lone AF, Steady State Exercise, and the Maze Procedure THOMAS C. GLASS 07:50:42 4/05/2002 (1)
- Re: Lone AF, Steady State Exercise, and the Maze Procedure hans koster 05:54:21 4/07/2002 (0)
- Re: Lone AF, Steady State Exercise, and the Maze Procedure Anders Kingstedt 13:25:21 4/03/2002 (1)
- Re: Lone AF, Steady State Exercise, and the Maze Procedure steve giddings 18:08:50 4/03/2002 (0)