Amiodarone and Exercise: Safe Ways to Stay Active on Treatment

When you’re on amiodarone, staying active isn’t just a good idea-it’s often part of your recovery plan. But it’s not as simple as lacing up your sneakers and heading out the door. Amiodarone helps control dangerous heart rhythms, but it also comes with side effects that can make exercise feel risky. You might feel tired faster, notice your heart racing oddly, or get dizzy when you push too hard. The good news? Many people on amiodarone can still walk, swim, cycle, and even lift light weights-safely-if they know what to watch for.

How Amiodarone Affects Your Body During Exercise

Amiodarone works by slowing down abnormal electrical signals in your heart. That’s why it’s used for atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other serious arrhythmias. But it doesn’t just target the bad signals-it can affect your heart’s normal response too. During exercise, your heart naturally beats faster to pump more blood. With amiodarone, that increase might be slower or less predictable. Some people report feeling like their heart is “stuck” or doesn’t respond to effort like it used to.

Another hidden effect? Amiodarone can make your skin and eyes more sensitive to sunlight. If you exercise outdoors, you’re at higher risk for sunburn or even a rare but serious condition called photokeratitis. Thyroid function can also shift on amiodarone-too much or too little thyroid hormone can make you feel sluggish, shaky, or short of breath, all of which impact your ability to work out.

And let’s not forget lung side effects. Though rare, amiodarone can cause inflammation in the lungs. If you suddenly find yourself winded during a walk that used to feel easy, don’t brush it off. It could be a sign something deeper is going on.

What Type of Exercise Is Safe?

Not all exercise is created equal when you’re on amiodarone. High-intensity activities like sprinting, heavy weightlifting, or competitive sports can push your heart beyond its adjusted limits. That’s why most cardiologists recommend sticking to low-to-moderate intensity activities.

• Walking-your best friend. Start with 10-15 minutes a day and build up to 30 minutes. Use a pedometer or phone app to track steps. Aim for 6,000-8,000 steps daily.
• Swimming-gentle on joints and great for cardiovascular health. The water supports your body, reducing strain. Avoid cold pools-cold water can trigger arrhythmias in some people.
• Cycling-on a stationary bike or flat terrain. Keep resistance light and focus on steady rhythm, not speed.
• Light resistance training-use bands or light dumbbells (under 5 lbs). Do 1-2 sets of 12-15 reps. Avoid holding your breath during lifts-that raises pressure in your chest and can stress your heart.
• Yoga and stretching-helps with balance, breathing, and stress. Avoid inverted poses like headstands or shoulder stands, which can affect blood flow to the heart.

Avoid activities like tennis, basketball, or CrossFit until your doctor gives you the green light. These involve sudden bursts of effort and unpredictable movements that can be risky.

How to Monitor Your Body During Workouts

You don’t need a heart monitor to stay safe-but you do need to listen to your body. Here’s what to pay attention to:

• Heart rate-your max safe heart rate on amiodarone isn’t the standard 220 minus your age. Because amiodarone slows your heart, your max might be 10-20 beats lower. If you’re 65, aim for 90-110 bpm during exercise, not 155.
• Shortness of breath-if you can’t speak in full sentences while walking, you’re pushing too hard. Use the “talk test.” If you’re gasping, slow down.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness-stop immediately. This could mean your blood pressure dropped too low or your heart rhythm changed.
• Chest pain or pressure-not normal. Call your doctor or go to the ER. Don’t wait.
• Unusual fatigue-if you’re exhausted for hours after a short walk, your body is signaling overload.

Keep a simple log: date, activity, duration, how you felt, and any symptoms. Bring this to your next cardiology visit. It helps your doctor adjust your meds or exercise plan.

When to Avoid Exercise Altogether

There are times when you should skip your workout-not because you’re weak, but because your body is telling you something urgent.

• You have a fever or infection. Your immune system is already working hard. Adding stress can trigger arrhythmias.
• Your thyroid levels are unstable. If you’re newly diagnosed with amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, hold off on exercise until your levels are stable.
• You’ve had a recent hospitalization for heart rhythm issues. Wait at least 1-2 weeks after discharge, and only restart with your doctor’s approval.
• You’re feeling unusually anxious, shaky, or sweaty without exertion. These can be signs of thyroid problems or drug toxicity.
• Your skin is blistering after sun exposure. Stop outdoor exercise until you’ve talked to your doctor about sun protection or possible lung involvement.

Medication Timing and Exercise

When you take amiodarone matters. It’s usually taken once daily, often in the morning. But if you take it at night and feel groggy in the morning, that could affect your energy for a workout. Talk to your doctor about whether switching to an afternoon dose might help you feel more alert during the day.

Also, avoid taking amiodarone right before exercise. Some people report increased dizziness or low blood pressure when the drug peaks in their system. Taking it after your workout-say, after your evening walk-might reduce side effects.

Don’t skip doses, even if you feel tired. Missing doses can cause your arrhythmia to come back, which is far riskier than any workout.

What to Tell Your Doctor

Many people don’t mention their exercise habits to their cardiologist because they’re afraid they’ll be told to stop. But your doctor needs to know what you’re doing to help you stay safe.

At your next visit, say:

• “I’ve been walking 20 minutes a day, five days a week. I feel better, but I get winded faster than before.”
• “I noticed my heart feels irregular after swimming. Is that normal?”
• “I’ve been feeling more tired lately. Could it be my thyroid?”

Your doctor might order blood tests to check your thyroid, liver, and lung function. They might also recommend a stress test to see how your heart responds to physical effort under controlled conditions.

Real-Life Example: Margaret’s Story

Margaret, 72, from Adelaide, was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in early 2024. Her doctor prescribed amiodarone. At first, she stopped all activity because she was scared. Within three months, she gained 12 pounds and felt more anxious.

Her cardiologist suggested starting with 10-minute walks around her neighborhood. She used a simple heart rate monitor on her wrist. After two weeks, she added light resistance bands. By month four, she was walking 30 minutes daily and doing yoga twice a week. She didn’t push herself. She didn’t try to match her old fitness level. She just showed up.

“I didn’t get back to being fit,” she says. “I got back to being alive.”

Final Tips for Staying Active on Amiodarone

• Start slow. Even 5 minutes a day counts.
• Hydrate well. Amiodarone can affect kidney function, and dehydration increases arrhythmia risk.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat. Even on cloudy days.
• Exercise with a friend or in a group. If you feel unwell, someone can help.
• Keep your emergency contact and doctor’s number in your phone. Add a medical ID bracelet if you’re at risk for fainting.
• Don’t compare yourself to others. Your heart is healing differently than theirs.

Amiodarone isn’t a life sentence to sitting still. It’s a tool to help your heart beat steady so you can keep moving. Listen to your body. Track your progress. Talk to your care team. And remember-you’re not trying to be the fastest or strongest. You’re trying to be safe, steady, and strong enough to enjoy your days.