Coping with A-Fib: Develop an Action PlanAtrial Fibrillation: Resources for Patients

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

Doctors & patients are saying about 'Beat Your A-Fib'...

"If I had [your book] 10 years ago, it would have saved me 8 years of hell.”

Roy Salmon, Patient, A-Fib Free,
Adelaide, Australia

"This book is incredibly complete and easy-to-understand for anybody. I certainly recommend it for patients who want to know more about atrial fibrillation than what they will learn from doctors...."

Pierre Jaïs, M.D. Professor of Cardiology, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, Bordeaux, France

"Dear Steve, I saw a patient this morning with your book [in hand] and highlights throughout. She loves it and finds it very useful to help her in dealing with atrial fibrillation."

Dr. Wilber Su,
Cavanaugh Heart Center, Phoenix, AZ

"...masterful. You managed to combine an encyclopedic compilation of information with the simplicity of presentation that enhances the delivery of the information to the reader. This is not an easy thing to do, but you have been very, very successful at it."

Ira David Levin, heart patient,
Rome, Italy

"Within the pages of Beat Your A-Fib, Dr. Steve Ryan, PhD, provides a comprehensive guide for persons seeking to find a cure for their Atrial Fibrillation."

Walter Kerwin, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

FAQs Coping with A-Fib: An Action Plan

“During an A-Fib episode, when should I call paramedics (911 in the US) and/or take my husband to the hospital? I’m petrified. My husband’s A-Fib is getting worse. Our doctors say don’t worry unless he shows signs of a heart attack or stroke. I need a plan.”

Keep in mind, as bad as it feels, an A-Fib attack usually isn’t life threatening. (A-Fib doesn’t cause or immediately lead to a heart attack.)

Develop an Action Plan: for your own peace of mind, you and your husband need to work out an ‘A-Fib action plan’ with his doctors.

You and your husband should know:

• when to contact his doctor
• your doctor’s cell number or email address for emergencies
• when to go to the emergency room
• whether or not to call your doctor from the ER
• if your doctor will call and talk with the ER staff
• when your husband should “just ride out” the episode
• the signs of stroke, and what you should be watching for

You need specific steps and a specific plan of action. Having a plan is reassuring and helps you stay calm. When having an A-Fib attack, you and your husband will be confident you’re taking the right action.

If you feel your doctor isn’t working with you (to develop a specific action plan) and/or if your spouse is getting worse, it may be time to interview and change doctors.