Can a High Resting Pulse or Stress Cause Afib

I had an Natale ablation back in March and that got rid of my afib! I'm so happy about that.

But, I did notice that my resting pulse rate has been a bit high since then. (Recently, maybe due to work-related stress. About 108bpm for most of the day.) I am starting to lose weight and am trying to jog/walk more so I'm hoping this will help.

Question: Can stress or a high resting pulse rate cause my afib to return? I'm so glad the ablation got rid of it. I just don't want it to come back. Also, is around 100 to 110 bpm (resting) something to worry about in general?

Thanks to you all!

An elevated resting heart rate is perfectly normal and to be expected following ablation. It can persist for a surprisingly long time, upwards of a year or more, but it will eventually return to normal. So no, it won't cause afib.

But when I say "elevated" I mean like 80-95, not over 100. If your resting HR is consistently 100 to 110 on a daily basis, that's a bit too high. Did Natale ever have you wear a monitor after the procedure? If not, I would give the NP a call and discuss it with her.

Thanks Carey, as always. I appreciate the info, I didn't know that.

Yes, my average bpm is a bit too high now, due to stress I believe. (About 100 on average I think.) Also my VO2 max is very low. So, I'm making it a point to get more exercise and cardio activity. Hopefully everything will improve if I do that.

Okay, but don't let it stay pegged at 100 for months without talking to the NP.

Thanks Carey. It's not pegged. In the evening it drops to the mid 80's until I start work the next day again. Hopefully that's sustainable.... or my job goes!

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cirenepurzalot
Thanks Carey. It's not pegged. In the evening it drops to the mid 80's until I start work the next day again. Hopefully that's sustainable.... or my job goes!

I'd still talk to Natale's team. They are the best judge as to what is too high for too long. A rate control med might be prescribed if they judge too high for too long.

Ok thanks! Great advice!

Hello Everyone and thanks for the info regarding resting HR after ablation. I completed blanking period 11 days ago and stopped taking propafenone immediately - per doc's instructions. Over past four days avg resting HR has gone from 65 avg to 75-80 with periods of palpitations. Only one brief moment of AF for 2-3 hours. Is it normal for resting HR to jump after stopping antiarrythmic med? Not sleeping much due to higher rate and affecting HR variability which is not good for med-high intensity exercise and recovery. Thanks!