Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
"A-Fib.com is a great web site for patients, that is unequaled by anything else out there."
Dr. Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
"Jill and I put you and your work in our prayers every night. What you do to help people through this [A-Fib] process is really incredible."
Jill and Steve Douglas, East Troy, WI
“I really appreciate all the information on your website as it allows me to be a better informed patient and to know what questions to ask my EP.
Faye Spencer, Boise, ID, April 2017
“I think your site has helped a lot of patients.”Dr. Hugh G. Calkins, MD Johns Hopkins,
Baltimore, MD
Editorial: Caution—YouTube AI Doctors are Presenting Themselves as Real Cardiologists
By Patti J. Ryan
A few weeks ago, I started noticing that some of the YouTube videos I was watching for pleasure, seemed “odd”. For example, one young woman standing in her kitchen giving DIY advice had an unusually quiet kitchen. No ambient sounds at all. You could see open windows behind her, but not rustling wind, no birds chirping, no electrical appliance humming. Nothing. Then, she had perfect delivery, no hesitation, no stumbled words, no pauses.
So, I suspected I was watching an AI-generated actress. That didn’t seem so bad. Just a cheap way for video producers to make videos.
Investigating AI Videos
I did start investigating the legal aspects of passing AI-generated videos off as the real thing. I was worried about the political misuse of video on Facebook, TikTok, etc. to manipulate public opinion and hate crimes.
I read about faked videos claiming to be human atrocities associated with a real war time event. I learned, that in Europe they have just passed AI production standards that require revealing this type of manipulation.
So, I hoped in the U.S. we would do the same.
Coming Head-to-Head with AI-Generated Doctors
While researching A-Fib related YouTube videos I found a disturbing trend. I found several Artificial Intelligence-generated “doctors” presenting Atrial Fibrillation information—passing themselves off as real doctors.
The most obvious case is the video from Pensión 65+TV, with an AI doctor claiming to be a cardiologist with 32 years experience. He could not pronounce “AFIB”. Instead he spelled it out as “F-I-B”. Every time. He spelled it out.
Searching down the page I did find this under the Disclosure information:
“AI may be used for presentation purposes only and is not intended to mislead viewers. The educational information is created and reviewed using reliable medical sources.”
What shocked me the most was that there were 541 subscribers to this channel. That’s 541 viewers who are watching a fake AI-generated doctor who’s claiming to have 32 years experience!
Discovering AI Enhanced or Generated Videos
My odyssey all began when I found and commented on a video posted by a “Eric Bennett MD” entitled, 6 AFib Lifestyle Rules Your Doctor Never Told You. I left a comment. When I returned to the link less than a week later, I found the video had been removed.
I did notice other videos from “Eric Bennett MD“ had the same very small AI symbol under the video title and above the channel name (as did all the videos I discuss here.) I was curious if the video was still available elsewhere.
I went to Google and searched the title, and this is what I found:
Let me start with the first video listed. I know that the first doctor listed is a real cardiologist. I had already checked him out, his website, and had exchanged emails with him about one of his videos.
I can tell it’s definitely him appearing on-camera, but AI-enhanced to some degree, as acknowledged by 
the AI symbol underneath the video title and the Disclosure statement “How this was made”. Only a few of his early videos were made with the assistance of Ai. I assume this was to reduce production costs and for efficiency. In response to my email, Dr. Yasser Rodriguez wrote me that he only used AI a few times and didn’t like it. He feels a better connection with his audience using his current production techniques.
Dr. Rodriguez has produced many pertinent A-Fib videos on YouTube. All his content is solid, well researched, with the medical research studies to back up his statements (inserting images of the research study documents on-screen and titles of the sources).
But the Others Listed…
If you notice the posting dates, the other AI doctors came 2 months after the legitimate doctor posted his video.
All YouTube videos did include the tiny AI symbol under the title and the YouTube Disclosure statement “How this was made”.
But you had to LOOK for the evidence of AI creation. On the DR. Miles Ebek channel page, for example, notice first that the name of the channel is DR. MILES and how “he” doesn’t claim to be a doctor, but a “destination” (the emphasis is mine).
Description
Welcome to DR. MILES — your trusted destination for powerful health education, wellness insights, medical awareness, and life-changing wellness tips designed to help you live smarter, healthier, and longer.
Then further down the description you will find the Disclaimer:
The content on this channel is created for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some visuals and voice representations may be enhanced or generated using AI technology. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
Harvesting Content Created by Others
Crafty, how they can deceive the viewers, working just inside the current legal requirements of YouTube.
I can only assume someone out there is harvesting well-researched presentations and using the content to write their own scripts to make these fake doctor videos.
I have not researched if these AI fake doctors are showing up on Facebook or TikTok videos, etc.
A Heart-Felt Warning: You Can No Longer Trust Your Eyes or Ears
Be afraid. I am! In this age of social media, be on the alert for AI-generated videos (and audio).
Especially if they are designed to scare you, make you angry or compel you to rush to conclusions about others or controversial causes. You can no longer trust your eyes and ears.
Patti J. Ryan supports all aspects of A-Fib.com—ever watchful of too much medical jargon and when necessary translates the terminology into everyday language. She is also publisher of Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure by Steve S. Ryan, PhD (BeatYourA-Fib.com), an Amazon.com Top 100 Seller.
Patti J. Ryan supports all aspects of A-Fib.com—ever watchful of too much medical jargon and when necessary translates the terminology into everyday language. She is also publisher of Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure by Steve S. Ryan, PhD (BeatYourA-Fib.com), an Amazon.com Top 100 Seller.Do You ‘Like’ Your Doctor, Do You ‘Connect’?…How it Affects Your Health
The more people like their doctors, the healthier they tend to be. This is what researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found in a review study where they examined 13 research reports on this subject.
Being the “Best in the Field” Isn’t Enough
Even if a doctor(s) is the best in their field and an expert in your condition, that may not help you if you don’t communicate well with them and don’t relate to them. If we don’t like our doctors, we’re less likely to listen to them.
Some doctors (particularly those from overseas) often communicate poorly, or talk in “medicalize” and are nearly incomprehensible. Other doctors come from a medical school with a tradition of aloofness and keeping a distance from patients (with women in particular).
Relationship-Based Strategies Improve Patients’ Health
This mega-study review looked at doctors who were trained in “relationship-based strategies” such as making eye contact, listening well, and helping patients set goals.
The results: these strategies significantly improved their patients’ health compared to control groups. Their patients achieved lower blood pressure, increased their weight loss, reduced pain and improved glucose management.
If You Don’t Like Your Doctor, Look For a New One!
It’s intuitive, isn’t it? But now a review of studies backs it up. If you like, trust and respect your doctor(s), you’re more likely to accept and follow their advice. Developing a good relationship helps you feel comfortable asking questions and getting feedback in a give-and-take environment.
If you don’t have this rapport with your current doctor(s), it’s worth looking elsewhere for a new doctor―even if they are “the best” in their field.
In the article, Know When it’s Time to Fire your Doctor, CNN.com Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen discusses five ways to know when it’s time to think about leaving your doctor, and the best way to do it. 
The highlights are:
1. When your doctor doesn’t like it when you ask questions
2. When your doctor doesn’t listen to you
3. If your doctor can’t explain your illness to you in terms you understand
4. If you feel bad when you leave your doctor’s office
5. If you feel your doctor just doesn’t like you — or if you don’t like him or her
Don’t Be Afraid to Fire Your Doctor
Changing doctors can be scary. According to Robin DiMatteo, a researcher at the University of California at Riverside who’s studied doctor-patient communication. “”I really think it’s a fear of the unknown. But if the doctor isn’t supporting your healing or health, you should go.”
To learn more, read our page: How to find the right doctor for you and your treatment goals.
Vote—It’s Good for Our Healthcare System & Your A-Fib Health!
Updated; First published Oct. 1, 2022
Atrial Fibrillation patients, did you know voting improves your health? There is a high level of correlation between people who are engaged in voting and better health outcomes, according to Adam Fox, deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.
Daniel Dawes, JD of Morehouse School of Medicine, agrees and points to the Health & Democracy Index. It shows that when communities vote, they influence policy decisions that have a big effect on their health. For many people in your community, voting outcomes can mean the difference between life and death, health, and sickness. The crucial act of voting immeasurably affects our lives, including our personal health and the overall health of our community.
Why Don’t People Vote
It’s estimated that 21.4% of eligible U.S. citizens aren’t registered to vote, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent Voting and Registration Supplement. That’s over 73 million citizens.
Increasing voter registrations is a fundamental way to improve our healthcare system.
The main reason? Not being registered.
Increasing voter registrations is a fundamental way to improve our healthcare system.
Far and away the most effective way to register new voters is when they visit their local motor vehicles department (DMV). Of new voter registrations, the DMV is the most popular (40%), second is online registration (30%).
Automatic Voter Registration?
What about people who don’t drive? Or the young, or students who don’t have access, or need a vehicle, or are disabled?
By Feb. 2024, about half U.S. states and Washington, D.C., have enacted or implemented automatic voter registration .
One way to register these people would be automatic voter registration at Medicare and other public assistant and disability programs like food stamps.
As of February 12, 2024, about half U.S. states and Washington, D.C., have enacted or implemented automatic voter registration.
Automatic voter registration (AVR) is a process in which eligible individuals are automatically registered to vote when interacting with certain government agencies, such as a department of motor vehicles (but it is not compulsory).
A-Fib Doctors: Encourage Your Patients to Register and Vote
How doctors can help.
If you are a doctor treating an A-Fib patient, go beyond the exam room. Patients look to you for advice on how to live a more healthful life. Talk to them about their civic health and engagement, and how registering and voting will improve their health.
For help to get your patients registered, go to Vot-er.org, an organization that connects healthcare institutions and clinicians with voter registration tools.
The Easy Way to Register to Vote
It’s easy to register.
• Visit Vote.gov. Enter the state you live in, and the site can help you register online (Forty-three states, Washington, D.C., and Guam offer online registration.); (Vote.gov. is an official website of the United States government.)
• An alternative is offered by Register2Vote. Using both online and US mail, they offer a simple tool to confirm, update, and register to vote. No printers or stamps required. (Register2Vote is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3).)
• Vote.org offers “Find everything you need to vote in your state election centers”; (Vote.org is the largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan voting registration and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) technology platform in America.)
Why to Register and Vote
It doesn’t always feel that our vote makes a difference. But voting gives us a voice—especially in local and state elections. When you vote, you select individuals to make decisions about the community you live in on your behalf.
Are you not sure if you are registered to vote? Or do you need to change your registration? Go to https://www.usa.gov/voter-registration
Vote—It’s Good for Your A-Fib Health and Our Healthcare System!
Atrial Fibrillation patients, did you know voting improves your health? There is a high level of correlation between people who are engaged in voting and better health outcomes, according to Adam Fox, deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.
Daniel Dawes, JD of Morehouse School of Medicine, agrees and points to the Health & Democracy Index. It shows that when communities vote, they influence policy decisions that have a big effect on their health. For many people in your community, voting outcomes can mean the difference between life and death, health, and sickness. The crucial act of voting immeasurably affects our lives, including our personal health and the overall health of our community.
Why Don’t People Vote
It’s estimated that at least 51 million eligible U.S. citizens aren’t registered to vote (24%).
Increasing voter registrations is a fundamental way to improve our healthcare system.
The main reason? Not being registered.
Increasing voter registrations is a fundamental way to improve our healthcare system.
Far and away the most effective way to register new voters is when they visit their local motor vehicles department (DMV). Of new voter registrations, the DMV is the most popular (40%), second is online registration (30%).
Automatic Voter Registration?
What about people who don’t drive? Or the young, or students who don’t have access or need a vehicle or are disabled?
By Jan. 2022, 22 states have implemented automatic voter registration.
One way to register these people would be automatic voter registration at Medicare and other public assistant and disability programs like food stamps.
As of January 2022, 22 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted or implemented automatic voter registration.
A-Fib Doctors: Encourage Your Patients to Register and Vote
How doctors can help.
If you are a doctor treating an A-Fib patient, go beyond the exam room. Patients look to you for advice on how to live a more healthful life. Talk to them about their civic health and engagement, and how registering and voting will improve their health.
For help to get your patients registered, go to Vot-er.org, an organization that connects healthcare institutions and clinicians with voter registration tools.
The Easy Way to Register to Vote
It’s easy to register.
• Visit Vote.gov. Enter the state you live in, and the site can help you register online (available for 40 states plus the District of Columbia);
• An alternative is offered by Register2Vote. Using both online and US mail, they offer a simple tool to confirm, update, and register to vote. No printers or stamps required. For more info, go to Frequently Asked Questions
Why to Register and Vote
It doesn’t always feel that our vote makes a difference. But voting gives us a voice—especially in local and state elections. When you vote, you select individuals to make decisions about the community you live in on your behalf.
Are you not sure if you are registered to vote? Or do you need to change your registration? Go to https://www.usa.gov/voter-registration
Editorial: Elderly With A-Fib and Dementia Still Given Blood Thinners
In a disturbing article about our elderly living in nursing homes, a third of older patients with A-Fib and severe dementia were still given anticoagulants during the last 6 months of their lives. This is according to analysis of patients Medicare data.
According to study authors, Dr. Gregory Ouellet of Yale University and his colleagues, “We were surprised that patients with markers of very high short-term mortality—for example, difficulty swallowing and weight loss—were more likely to be receiving anticoagulants…This is counterintuitive since the potential benefits of these medications are the lowest in this group.”
“These findings underscore the fact that, while practice guidelines contain a well-defined threshold for starting anticoagulation for AF, there is no clear standard for stopping it,” Dr. Ouellet and colleagues wrote in their article.
Dr. Ouellet unexpectedly found that greater bleeding risk (their ATRIA score) was also associated with greater odds of anticoagulant use. The greater their risk of bleeding, the more likely these elderly A-Fib patients were to be on anticoagulants.
Improper use of anticoagulants can cause intracranial hemorrhage, bruising and excessive bleeding.
Nursing home length of stay was more strongly associated with anticoagulant use instead of the patients’ stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score).
In their study, Ouellet and co-authors used Medicare data to evaluate 15,217 nursing home residents with atrial fibrillation and advanced dementia who had at least moderate stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or more) and who died from 2014 through 2017.
That Makes No Sense! Is This the Way We Treat Our Elderly?
I was astounded to read this analysis found the greater their risk of bleeding, the more likely these elderly A-Fib patients were to be on anticoagulants. This improper use of anticoagulants can cause intracranial hemorrhage, bruising and excessive bleeding.
Nursing home patients with greater risk of bleeding should not be prescribed anticoagulants, but they were.
What this finding says is that many the nursing homes weren’t all that concerned about actual stroke risk when prescribing anticoagulants.
The most important treatment for elderly patients with severe dementia and limited life expectance is, as much as possible, to help their quality of life, to let them die in peace and as much comfort as possible. … Continue reading this book review..->
Inherited A-Fib: Warn all Your Immediate Family Members
We now know that Atrial Fibrillation runs in families. Research has found that if any blood relative has A-Fib, other family members have a 40% increased risk of also developing A-Fib. And the younger that family member was when they got A-Fib, the more likely other blood relatives will develop A-Fib.
If you have A-Fib, you must warn all your immediate family members that they have a good chance of getting it also.
Even though we don’t know yet how to definitively prevent A-Fib, there are some precautions your family members can take:
• Avoid binge alcohol drinking and heavy partying.
• Avoid antihistamines and anything that can stimulate or trigger A-Fib. (see A-Fib Triggers) (This doesn’t necessarily include coffee. Some research indicates coffee may prevent A-Fib.)
• Be more attentive to overall health. Obesity, for example, is often a contributing factor to A-Fib. Sleep apnea is known to lead to A-Fib.
• Check for deficiencies in essential minerals (electrolytes) like magnesium or potassium. Are calcium levels too high (which may be a trigger for A-Fib)?
• Avoid or learn to cope with stress (not always possible).
There is a tendency in all of us to not tell others if we are ill, perhaps because we perceive it as a weakness in ourselves. But no one should be ashamed of having A-Fib. Most likely it isn’t anything we brought on ourselves. It’s genetic! It’s nobody’s fault!
We are not being fair to our family members by not telling them about our A-Fib. Don’t just mention it in passing. This applies particularly to your brothers and sisters. Sit down with them and tell them what A-Fib is like, and that they are at risk.
Any immediate blood relative must be warned. If you love your family, you owe it to them.
FREE REPORT: Answers to the “Top 10 Questions Families Ask about Atrial Fibrillation”
This free report covers the most asked questions from family members. Read how to answer your family’s questions. Download ‘Top 10 Questions Families Ask about Atrial Fibrillation’.
Help Prevent and Cure Heart Rhythm Diseases–Support the LIRYC Institute
The LIRYC Institute of Bordeaux, France, is asking for the support of our A-Fib.com readers. This institute is headed by Professor Michel Haissaguerre, who along with cardiology teams at the University Hospital of Bordeaux, France, is responsible for curing my A-Fib in 1998.
The LIRYC Institute: Entirely Dedicated to Heart Rhythm Disorders
Heart rhythm disorders affect millions of people worldwide and account for 30% of all cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the world.
The LIRYC Institute is the only research, care, innovation and teaching Institute fully dedicated to heart rhythm disorders (atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation and heart failure) arising from compromised electrical activity within the heart. It was established ten years ago in France to seek solutions to this major public health.
The Institute espouses a focused multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and treating these disorders. So far, this international team of experts has helped 400,000 patients worldwide suffering from atrial fibrillation. (Including Steve Ryan)
LIRYC Innovations
Entirely dedicated to heart rhythm disorders, LIRYC has chosen to focus on four distinct but interrelated objectives:
♥ research to better understand the mechanisms underlying the disorders;
♥ innovation to invent and develop the therapies of the future;
♥ patient care to continue to improve patient management thus reducing morbidity and mortality rates;
♥ training and education to promote and promulgate best practices for physicians and institutions around the world.
LIRYC Institute Capital Campaign: Supports the Prevention and Cure of Heart Rhythm Diseases
In 2020, LIRYC Institute launched a ten-million-euro capital campaign for the purpose of continuing and broadening the fight on the ravages caused by heart rhythm disorders.
Funds raised will be applied to underwriting new research projects and to the purchase of new technology as well as supporting educational and training programs for medical professionals across the globe.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, 35% of the goal has already achieved!
Consider Making a Donation to Support the LIRYC Effort
If you would like to help continue the fight to save lives lost to heart rhythm disorders, you can make a donation via the Friends of the LIRYC Foundation or email LIRYC directly at adele.lasne@ihu-liryc.fr or telephone +33 (0)5 35 38 19 97.
To read the LIRYC Mission and Key Areas of Focus, visit the LIRYC site (this is the English version)
You can also join the LIRYC community on Facebook and LinkedIn.
VIDEO: Mission of the LIRYC Institute (1:15)
Conflicts of Interest—Influencing Doctors for the Price of a Meal
In a 2016 JAMA Internal Medicine report, the authors compared meal payments to doctors with the drugs they prescribed to Medicare patients.
Not surprisingly, they found that physicians who accept free meals from a drug company are more likely to prescribe that company’s brand name drugs rather than cheaper (and usually more proven) generic drugs. This study only focused on physicians who received meals.
Even doctors who accepted only one free meal were more likely to prescribe the brand name drug. Doctors who accepted four or more meals were far more likely to prescribe brand name drugs than doctors who accepted no meals. Furthermore, doctors who accepted more expensive meals prescribed more brand name drugs.
Steer Clear of Conflicts of Interest
Studies have found that when there is a conflict of interest, it is almost impossible for even well-meaning people to see things objectively.
Dr. Dan Ariely of Duke University described how, if a doctor must choose between two procedures, they are likely to pick the one that has the better outcome for their bottom line (i.e. financial benefit).
“That doesn’t mean the doctor is unethical…it just means he is human. We truly seem to not realize how corrosive conflicts of interest are to honesty and objectivity.”
He advocates that we steer clear of people and organizations with conflicts of interest “because it does not appear to be possible to overcome conflicts of interest.”
When to be Suspicious of Doctors
Doctors are only human. They may not realize a conflict of interest is affecting their recommendations. So be suspicious if your doctor tells you:
• to take an expensive new drug
• to just “live with your A-Fib”
• insists that catheter ablation is too dangerous or unproven
• that A-Fib can’t be cured
• that you have to take drugs for the rest of your life
If this happens to you, RUN, DON’T WALK and get a second opinion (and even a third opinion).
In today’s world, you have to do your own due diligence. You know what makes sense and what doesn’t.
For more, see my article: EP’s Million Dollar Club—Are Payments to Doctors Buying Influence?\
A-Fib Patients: How Does Your Doctor Talk to You?
I recall an email sent to me by a woman from England who described her horrendous A-Fib symptoms—palpitations, extreme fluttering, breathlessness, “absolute extreme fatigue.” She recalled how the doctor said her symptoms had nothing to do with A-Fib, that the symptoms were all in her head, and that she was exaggerating her breathlessness and exhaustion.
Wow! First, I reassured her that her symptoms are very real for many A-Fib patients. I then suggested she change doctors. (I also recommended she contact our A-Fib Support Volunteers.)
How’s the Rapport With Your Doctor?
There’s an insightful article in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology (I’d like to send a copy to her doctor) “How doctors can provide better treatment by understanding the hearts―and minds―of AF patients.“
In brief, it’s a Top 10 list: 5 things A-Fib patients do not want to hear from their doctors and 5 things they do want to hear. (Go to the journal article.)
Five Things A-Fib Patients Do Not Want To Hear
Several research studies tell us that some doctors underestimate the impact Atrial Fibrillation has on a patient’s quality of life. Many doctors treat A-Fib as a benign heart ailment. But patients report how A-Fib can wreak havoc in their lives.
Responding to a survey, A-Fib patients said they do not want their healthcare providers to say:
1. “A-Fib won’t kill you.”
2. “Just get on with your life and stop thinking about your A-Fib.”
3. “Stay off the Internet and only listen to me.”
4. “I’ll choose your treatment, not you.”
5. “You’re just a hysterical female.”
Did anything on this list sound (or feel) familiar to you?
If your doctor is condescending or dismisses your concerns, you’re getting poor care. If a doctor is too busy to talk with you and answer your concerns, he’s probably too busy to take care of you properly.
Like the patient from England, it may be time for you to change doctors.
Five Things A-Fib Patients Do Want To Hear
Those doctors who recognize the serious effects atrial fibrillation can have on patients will foster meaningful and productive partnerships with their patients. From the same survey, here are five things A-Fib patients do want their healthcare providers to say:
1. “I respect you and will listen.”
2. “I want to be sure you understand.”
3. “Let’s customize a treatment that works with your lifestyle.”
4. “I understand your values and preferences.”
5. “Here are some resources about A-Fib.”
Do the comments on this second list sound like your doctor?
When your doctor respects you and listens to you, you’re more likely to collaborate on a treatment plan tailored to you and your treatment goals.
If you don’t have this kind of rapport with your current doctor(s), it’s worth looking elsewhere for a new doctor (even if they’re considered “the best” in their field).
Changing Doctors Can Be Scary: We Can Help
As a researcher in doctor-patient communication, Robin DiMatteo, of U. of Calif.- Riverside, says of changing doctors: ”I really think it’s a fear of the unknown. But if the doctor isn’t supporting your healing or health, you should go.”
At A-Fib.com, we can help you. First, learn more about how to Find The Right Doctor For You and Your Treatment Goals.
Then check our Directory of Doctors and Facilities. We list US & international physicians and medical centers treating Atrial Fibrillation patients. This evolving list is offered as a service and convenience to A-Fib patients. (Important: Unlike other directories, we accept no fee to be included.)
Be Suspicious of A-Fib Info on the Internet―Here’s Why
by Steve S. Ryan
When I attend talks at most A-Fib conferences, the first slide a presenter shows is often a list of their Conflicts of Interest. It’s required of all speakers.
But this is not required of websites! Health/Heart-related websites are not required to be transparent and reveal their conflicts of interest.
Drug Industry Owns or Influences Most Heart/Health Web sites
The drug and device industry owns, operates or influences almost every health/heart-related web site on the Internet!
For example, did you know that the drug company Ely Lilly partially owns and operates WebMD, the Heart.org, Medscape.com, eMedicine.com and many other health web sites?
The fact is that most health/heart-related web sites are supported by drug companies who donate most of their funding. Consider how that may affect the information they put on their web sites―they’re not going to bite the hand that feeds them.
VIDEO: Video: Buyer Beware of Misleading A-Fib Information on the Web and in the Media
Beware of misleading and incorrect A-Fib information published by reputable sources on the internet and in print media. Steve S. Ryan, PhD, gives three specific examples of why you need to be on the lookout for inaccurate statements about Atrial Fibrillation. 3:59 min. Go to video.
Be Suspicious of A-Fib Info on the Internet
In our crazy world, you can’t afford to trust anything you read on the Internet.
At one time I tried to keep track of all the mis-information found on various A-Fib web sites. When we’d find something wrong, we would write the site. I don’t think we’ve ever received a reply. Finally, we gave up.
(See my video: Buyer Beware of Misleading or Inaccurate A-Fib Information.)
In today’s world, you have to do your own due diligence.
Many web sites put out biased or mis-information often for financial gains, but sometimes it’s just out-of-date. Be skeptical.
You can tell if someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. Truth will out. If you feel uncomfortable or that something is wrong with a site, it probably is. When you find a good site, the truth will jump out at you.
Whenever you visit a heart health-related website, ask yourself: “Who owns this site?” and “What is their agenda?” (Hint: Check their list of “sponsors” and follow the money!)
How Does A-Fib.com Measure Up?
A-Fib Inc. has earned GuideStar’s highest rating, the GuideStar Exchange Platinum Seal, a leading symbol of transparency and accountability in the non-profit world.
Transparency means that anyone can find out what we have been doing, what we have achieved, and how we are doing in achieving our ultimate goals. You can check the A-Fib.com public listing at GuideStar.org.
A-Fib.com has also earned the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) Certification for quality and trustworthiness of medical and health online information.
For more, you can also read the A-Fib.com Disclosures page.
Hint: Check their list of “sponsors” and follow the money!
