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
Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Guide on How to Get Started with Yoga
In our article, FAQs about Natural Therapies: Yoga and A-Fib, Dr. Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy describes his research with A-Fib patients and how yoga provides a powerful connection between mind and body. “It affects heart rhythm through its significant influence on the [nervous system].” It improves symptoms and arrhythmia burden, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves quality of life (QoL).”
Yoga can be adjusted to any level or intensity. Just start slowly! It doesn’t need much equipment: a mat to prevent slipping and provide padding and perhaps a folded blanket, when needed, to support your knees.
Dr. Lakkireddy cautions that yoga isn’t a substitute for medical treatment, but it can be a good adjunct.
Beginner’s Yoga Guide for A-Fib Patients
We found a great article, Yoga for Atrial Fibrillation, on EverydayHealth.com that offers a beginner’s yoga guide for A-Fib patients.
To get you started, they include directions for seven simple poses each with an illustration. Here’s an example of the instructions:
Yoga for Atrial Fibrillation: Table Pose
This pose helps you warm up and is a starting position for other yoga moves. How to do it:
1. Come to the floor on your hands and knees. Bring the knees hip-width apart, with feet directly behind the knees. Bring palms directly under the shoulders with fingers facing forward.
2. Look down between the palms and allow the back to be flat. Press into the palms to drop the shoulders slightly away from the ears. Press tailbone toward the back wall and the crown of the head toward the front wall to lengthen spine.
3. Breathe deeply and hold for 1-3 breaths.
Special considerations: Place a blanket under the knees to protect them from pressure and stress. Make fists with your hands to reduce pressure on the wrists. Avoid this pose if you’ve had recent or chronic knee or hip injury or inflammation.
For the other six poses and to read the entire article, go to Yoga for Atrial Fibrillation at EverydayHealth.com. According to YogaBasics.com: “By concentrating on your breathing and being present in the poses, you’ll feel the benefits immediately.”
For Atrial Fibrillation patients, yoga can be an effective complementary therapy and a part of your A-Fib treatment plan. Also see our article, FAQs about Natural Therapies: Yoga and A-Fib.
Always consult your doctor before starting a yoga exercise program. For example, if you have high blood pressure, you may need to avoid yoga poses in which your head and heart are lower than the rest of your body, such as the Downward-Facing Dog.Anatomy of Hatha Yoga: A Manual for Students, Teachers, and Practitioners
by H. David Coulter, PhD
Get Support: A-Fib Wreaks Havoc with Your Head as Well as Your Heart
Anxiety, fear, worry, confusion, frustration and depression, and at times, anger. Most A-Fib patients deal with one or more of these feelings. Beware: research indicates that “psychological distress” worsens the severity of A-Fib symptoms.
Advice About Stress from Patients (and a Spouse) Now Free from the Burden of A-Fib
Jay Teresi, Atlanta, GA, USA. cured after having A-Fib for over ten years:
Jay T.
“Of the entire experience, anxiety has been the greatest challenge. Don’t beat yourself up if you deal with this. Be honest with the doctors about it and get help.
And help your family to understand as they are your greatest support system.”
Kelly Teresi, wife of Jay Teresi, about coping with her husband’s A-Fib:
Kelley T.
“This disease is so far beyond what a non-A-Fib person can comprehend—many times I found myself frustrated, not understanding what was going on with Jay’s thoughts and heart. Jay’s A-Fib and the associated anxiety has left its imprint on our lives.”
Max Jussila, Shanghai, China, about the emotional impact of his A-Fib:
Max J.
“I have never been mentally so incapable…even the simplest work-related problems seemed impossible for me to handle, let alone solve.
I was only 52 years old…but mentally I was reduced to a six–year-old child with constant tantrums.”
Joe Mirretti, Gurnee, IL, a 62-Year old cyclist, about the personal A-Fib stories on A-Fib.com:
Joe M.
“Like everyone has said in their A-Fib stories, A-Fib does such a job on your head. Every time you feel something, it scares you like you’re going back into A-Fib. That’s been a mental battle.
That’s why reading those patient stories [on A-Fib.com] help.”
A-Fib Doesn’t Have to be in Your Head as Well
Don’t be ashamed to admit how A-Fib makes you feel (especially if you’re a guy). Your psyche is just as important as your physical heart. Just acknowledging you have some or all of these symptoms is a step in the right direction.
PODCAST: 15 Ways to Manage the Fear & Anxiety of Atrial Fibrillation. Tune in to learn ways to cope. Listen as Steve Ryan and Travis Van Slooten, publisher of LivingWithAtrialFibrillation.com discuss ways to help you with the emotional component of A-Fib. (See show notes for the list of 15 tips.)
Acknowledge the Stress and Anxiety.
Seek Emotional Support.
From The Top 10 List of A-Fib Patients’ Best Advice’ , a consensus of valuable advice from fellow Atrial Fibrillation patients; Chapter 12, Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure by Steve S. Ryan, PhD.
Go to Top 10 List of A-Fib Patients’ Best Advice
♥ Please, share the advice ♥
Learning About A-Fib: “A True Experience of Input, Input, Input!”
Advice from patients now free from the burden of A-Fib: Learn all you can about Atrial Fibrillation before making decisions.
Joan Schneider, Ann Arbor, MI, writes how she found online information and support:
Joan S.
“Upon questioning [my new EP]…I didn’t have a warm fuzzy feeling.
However, I found everything I needed to know (and even what I didn’t want to know) when I came across A-Fib.com, Stopafib.org, and the best support from the A-Fib support group.
It was a true experience of input, input, input!”
Charn Deol, Richmond, BC, Canada, now A-Fib Free after a 23-Year ordeal with Atrial Fibrillation writes:
Charn D.
“I am relying on his [EP’s] extensive knowledge to help me in a field where I am no expert. My gut said to ‘no longer trust’ this supposed best electrophysiologist at the hospital and search for an alternative path.
From this experience I’ve learned to obtain as much knowledge as possible of your condition.”
Another A-Fib patient, Sheri Weber, from Boyce, VA, tells what led her to learn more about Atrial Fibrillation on her own:
Sheri W.
“While in the hospital, I questioned my cardio doctor about treatment options other than medication; He told me there were surgical procedures, but they had very low success rates (WRONG!).
Anger and determination led me to research my options [right then] on my laptop.”
Where to Start Learning About A-Fib
Here at A-Fib.com we offer you a plethera of experiences to learn about Atrial Fibrillation. Check out our “Where to Start” page to begin.
If you are newly diagnosed or new to our website, you can start with our Overview of Atrial Fibrillation. It introduces you to all the main topics of this website.
Then visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. We answer common patients’ questions. Also, visit our A-Fib Video Library with short clips at the Introductory Level. Along the way, refer to our Glossary of medical terms as needed.
Go to our “Where to Start” page.
Learn All You Can About A-Fib
Before Making Treatment Decisions.
Aim to Stop Your A-Fib Episodes Not Just Control Them
You don’t have to live with Atrial Fibrillation. You don’t have to settle for a lifetime of “controlling” your Atrial Fibrillation. Don’t accept being on drugs for the rest of your life. Instead, aim for an A-Fib cure.
The Heart Rhythm Specialist
Everyone with A-Fib should see a heart rhythm specialist, an cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP). An EP is a cardiologist who specializes in the electrical activity of the heart and in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
You want to carefully select a doctor who will partner with you to create a treatment plan—a path to finding your cure or the best outcome for you.
Finding the Right Doctor
To find the right doctor for you, start by reading our page: Finding the Right Doctor for You and Your A-Fib. We offer you what you need to know and how to do it.
To help you in your search, we’ve also prepared a list of Questions You’ve Got to Ask for each prospective doctor. The list is designed to solicit information to help you select the best doctor for you and your type of A-Fib.
In addition, we help you interpret a doctor’s possible answers. After each question, we’ve included typical doctor responses and an analysis of what those responses may mean to you.
Questions to Ask Doctors Worksheet
We’ve prepared a print version of this list of questions with our handy Questions to Ask Doctors Worksheet. Print and use for each doctor interview to collect the doctor’s answers. There’s space for your own questions, too. (Read more about our worksheet.)
Download our free PDF worksheet (separate browser window will open). You can send it directly to your printer or download and save to your computer to print copies any time.
A-Fib.com’s Directory of Doctors Treating A-Fib: Medical Centers and Practices
Not all EPs treat A-Fib patients. To help you find EPs who do, we offer you our own Directory of physicians and medical centers treating Atrial Fibrillation patients. This evolving list is offered as a service and convenience to A-Fib patients. The Directory is divided into three categories.
No Pay-to-Play Listings Here!
Note: Unlike other physician directories, A-Fib.com offers no preferential listings to be included in our Directory of Doctors and Medical Centers. A-Fib.com is not affiliated with any practice, medical center or physician. We accept no fee, benefit or value of any kind for listing a specific doctor or medical center. See our article: Don’t be Fooled by Pay-to-Play Online Doctor Referral Sites.
Leaving the Patient in A-Fib—No! No! No!
Leaving the Patient in A-Fib—No! No! No!The goal of today’s A-Fib treatment guidelines is to get A-Fib patients back into normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Don’t let your doctor leave you in A-Fib. Unless too feeble, there’s no good reason to just leave someone in A-Fib. (Read more.)
Start with finding the right doctor for you. Then, learn your treatment options. And always Aim for a Cure!
Health-Related Websites: How Do You Find Sources You Can Trust?
Everyday there are more and more websites offering consumer health-related information. While many online health resources are credible and valid, others may present inaccurate, biased or misleading information.
How do you find sources you can trust? How do you evaluate the content on websites?
Key Facts to Ask About Health Websites
Anyone can put up a website. Not all online health information is accurate, legitimate and authoritative. Be cautious when you evaluate health-information on the Internet.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health advises to be suspicious, especially if the site…
… Is selling something
… Includes outdated information
… Makes excessive claims for what a product can do
… Is sponsored by an organization whose goals differ from yours.
Checking Out a Health Website: Five Quick Questions
If you’re visiting a health-related website for the first time, these five quick questions can help you decide whether the site is a helpful and legitimate resource.
Who? Who runs the website? Can you trust them? Beware of bias, who is paying for or funding the site?
What? What does the site say? Do its claims seem too good to be true? Be a cyber-skeptic.
When? When was the information posted or reviewed? Is it up-to-date? Who verifies the information before it is put on the web page?
Where? Where did the information come from? Is it supported by scientific research? Look for recognized authorities and know who is responsible for the content.
Why? Why does the site exist? Is it selling something?
Don’t Rely Exclusively on Online Resources
If you are researching a health-related topic online, review several high-quality websites to see if similar information appears in a number of places. Looking at many good sites will also give you a wider view of a health issue.
When making decisions about your health, don’t rely exclusively on online resources. Online information is not a substitute for medical advice. Before taking any of the advice that you have found online, confer with your doctors and health care providers, get referrals and recommendations from other patients, and ask opinions from family and friends.
You must do your due diligence to find the right treatment(s) for you. I know it’s a lot of effort. To make the best decisions, educate yourself on all your treatment options.
From ‘Beat Your A-Fib”
Learn to Read Your ECG: My Brief Overview or a Healio.com Training Course
When I developed Atrial Fibrillation, one of my first courses of study was to learn how to read my own Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). If this interests you, too, consider my brief overview of the ECG waveform signal and how to “read” an ECG tracing. Go to my report, Understanding the EKG Signal.
FREE ECG Training Course
For the reader wanting a more extensive understanding of the Electrocardiogram and A-Fib, we offer you a link to LearnTheHeart.com – a FREE online cardiology resource for those seeking to increase their knowledge of ECG tracings.
Start with ECG Basics: I suggest you start with the ‘ECG Basics‘ to analyze each part of the ECG tracing; included are detailed explanations and ECG images of the heart in A-Fib. The tutorial is concise and focused on only what you need to know, yet very thorough — from waves to segments to complexes. Go to LearnTheHeart.com ECG Basics.
VIDEO: Graphic Display of Actual Heart in Atrial Fibrillation
See an ECG waveform of an actual heart in Atrial Fibrillation–how it could look to your doctor. Your ECG may look different, but it will be fast and erratic. (You’ll see the changing heartbeat rate in the lower left.)
Go to video: ECG of Heart in Atrial Fibrillation on Monitor.
Updated: Print a free Medical Alert I.D. Wallet Card
Last updated: January 13, 2022 Websites change every day. So it’s no surprise when reader Debbie L. emailed us about a non-working link. Thanks to her alert, I’ve updated my links to print your own emergency medical ID wallet cards.
To help you make your medical ID, we have Free online sources for printing your own wallet cards. Here are three sources:
• Wallet size medicine ID Card (online form) from CVS Pharmacy
• Printable Emergency Medical ID Card (online form) by AllFreePrintable.com
• American Red Cross Emergency Contact Card link on PDFfiller.com site or go directly to PDF form.
Use the PDF form to enter your information. Then, print, trim, fold and add to your wallet or purse. Or print the blank form and fill-in by hand.
Tips to Consider
• Laminate your wallet card to prolong its use (an office supply store can help you)
• Print a card for each member of your family
• If you choose a medic alert bracelet with limited space, add the message “See wallet card,” and carry a wallet card with all your medical details.
Beyond Wallet Cards: Medic Alert IDs
Shoe pocket by Vital ID
There are many styles of Medic Alert ID bracelets, necklace pendants, USB-based devices and sports equipment using different materials like waterproof foam, leather and stainless steel. (see Your Portable Medical Information Kit.)
Whichever method(s) you use to carry your emergency medical information, don’t forget to review and update the contents regularly especially when you change doctors, or start (or stop) medications or have a medical procedure. Knowing you have up-to-date medical information gives you a little bit more peace of mind.
For more about how to carry all your medical information in case of emergency, see our article: Your Portable Medical Information Kit.
New FAQ: Will EECP Heart Therapy Help my Circulation?
FAQs: Coping with A-Fib: EECP Therapy
“I’ve heard about an out-patient heart therapy that improves circulation called EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation). Would it help me with my A-Fib?”
The goal of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) therapy is to improve the flow of healthy, oxygenated blood to the heart. It works by opening or forming small blood vessels called collaterals which create natural bypasses around blocked arteries.
It’s FDA cleared, non-invasive, requires no medication and has no recovery period. It improves circulation and decreases inflammation.
Improve Blood Pressure and Circulation
EECP has been used with patients suffering from ischemic heart diseases (e.g. angina and heart failure).
In addition, if you have high blood pressure, EECP can decrease arterial stiffness and hardening of the arteries. It also pumps blood into bone marrow and pushes stem cells to secrete into the circulatory system.
My Experience with EECP
I recently had an EECP session at Global Cardio Care–West Los Angeles, CA. I can testify that EECP therapy is very powerful and invigorating.
During and after my session. I spoke with Sara Soulati, the CEO of Global Cardio Care, Inc. who is a pioneer in EECP since 1996. (She also helped with research for this article.)
In my case, they found that my arteries were very flexible, so I didn’t get as much benefit as someone with clogged arteries. I can testify from personal experience that EECP feels very effective. It seems like a naturally occurring bypass.
(Global Cardio Care, Inc. has two locations in Los Angeles and offers a free session, see their website).
What Happens During EECP Therapy
EECP therapy session: patient with compression cuffs on lower limbs
During an EECP therapy session, you lay on an EECP bed with a pulse-oximetry device on your finger and hooked up to a 12-lead ECG. Heavy-duty air compression pressure cuffs (similar to blood pressure cuffs) are wrapped around each calf, thigh, and the buttocks. The ECG signal synchronizes the sequential squeezing of the cuffs to the rhythm of the patient’s heartbeat.
When the heart is at rest, the blood pressure cuffs squeeze the blood from the lower legs and circulate it throughout the entire arterial system. When the heart pumps, the cuffs deflate rapidly.
EECP therapy increases the blood flow and oxygen back to the heart, reducing the work that the heart has to do. It also improves circulation and strengthens the cardiopulmonary system. A typical session lasts around 1 hour; one course of EECP is usually 35 hours.
EECP: How It Effects Your Body
Effect of course of EECP therapy: new arteries for blood to flow through
This increased and powerful circulation to the arteries helps develop “collaterals”―new arteries for blood to flow through. Hormones and vasodilators (nerves that cause widening of blood vessels) are released.
Within the arteries, nitric oxide and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF stimulates the formation of blood vessels) are secreted which help the process of collateralization (forming a side branch of a blood vessel). This improves arterial stiffness, increases circulation, and decreases inflammation.
EECP and A-Fib Patients
When I interviewed Sara Soulati of Global Cardio Care, Inc., she shared her experiences with Atrial Fibrillation patients seeking EECP. (Global Cardio is where I had my EECP session.) She recalled how her first A-Fib client came from a referral from Dr. Julian Whitaker (Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, CA). Her insights and advice come after conducting EECP on more than 60 A-Fib patients.
Criteria for Best Results: She learned that in order to conduct EECP on someone with A-Fib, one of the criteria for a successful outcome is to have controlled A-Fib as opposed to unstable A-Fib.
Uncontrolled A-Fib has a wider range of heart rates, for example 40 to 150 beats per minute which makes the heart rate very irregular. Whereas controlled A-Fib has a narrower range of heartbeat (50-70 beats/minute).
This allows EECP to work properly, since EECP is triggered by the resting phase of the heartbeat.
EECP Results for A-Fib Patients: Sara Soulati hypothesizes that EECP stimulates electrical conduction of the SA Node to start to conduct and to normalize electrical conduction.
Sara Soulati
EECP works for those with A-Fib as though it were passive exercise. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure while increasing circulation. About results with A-Fib patients, she writes:
“Since the earliest days when I started doing EECP, we have treated more than 60 A-Fib clients. Not every single person has returned to normal sinus rhythm. I have seen the conversion from A-Fib to normal sinus rhythm first-hand while watching the EKG heart monitor during EECP therapy. About 20% of our clients have had their A-Fib converted back into normal sinus rhythm.”
For those who don’t return to sinus, their heart rate often becomes more controlled and medications can be decreased.
More About EECP Therapy
Is EECP Therapy Safe?
EECP is FDA cleared for the following conditions: angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and acute myocardial infarction.
Medicare will reimburse for several courses of EECP if you meet the criteria. Most private insurance companies have coverage policies similar to Medicare.
We advise you to talk to your cardiologist or EP before proceeding.
Where can I Find Centers Offering EECP Therapy?
There are nearly 1,000 academic medical facilities, physician practices and stand-alone centers offering EECP throughout the world and in the U.S. See “Locate EECP®Therapy Centers” at the VasoMedical EECP Therapy website.
Read More About EECP Therapy
- Global Cardio Care, Inc. (Sara Soulati)
- Get Pumped Up With EECP by Julian Whitaker. Whitaker Wellness Institute, Medical Center.
- Book: Heal Your Heart with EECP: The Only Noninvasive Way to Overcome Heart Disease by Debra Braverman
The Bottom Line for A-Fib Patients
The Bottom Line for A-Fib PatientsA course of EECP therapy may offer a way to improve the flow of healthy, oxygenated blood to your heart. As Sara Soulati of Global Cardio Care, Inc. reports, with EECP therapy, about 20% of her A-Fib clients have converted back into normal sinus rhythm.
The criteria: if your A-Fib is controlled within a narrower range of heartbeat (50-70 beats/minute), or if you have paroxysmal (occasional) A-Fib, you may want to look into a course of EECP therapy. It can improve cardiac function and possibly decrease the need for A-Fib meds.
(If you do try EECP therapy, let me know about your experience! Email me.)
Back to FAQs: Coping with Your A-Fib
Last updated: Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Does Your Family Know How to Help You During an A-Fib Episode?
“Keep calm and follow your A-Fib Action Plan.”
Steve S. Ryan, PhD, A-Fib.com.
For your family’s peace of mind, you need to create an ‘A-Fib Action Plan’.
During an A-Fib attack, an A-Fib Action Plan with specific steps is reassuring and helps everyone stay calm. Your family will be confident they’re supporting you in taking the right action at the right time.
To learn how to create your action plan, see: Why & How to Create Your ‘A-Fib Episode Action Plan’.
Carrying Your Medical ID: A Free Wallet Card or Wearable Technology
Last updated: September 1, 2020. When you have A-Fib and you’re taking a blood thinner or other medications, you may want to carry your medical information. There are many ways to carry your info these days, on a printed card, or with an array of accessories with USB storage, etc.
Print Your Free Online Medical ID Wallet Card
To help you make your medical ID, we have three Free online sources for printing your own wallet cards (updated 1-14-18).
• Wallet size medicine ID Card (online form) from CVS Pharmacy
• Printable Emergency Medical ID Card (in PDF format) from AllFreePrintable.com
• Emergency Contact Card (in PDF format) from American Red Cross
Use the PDF form online to enter your information. Then, print, trim, fold and add to your wallet or purse. Or print the blank form and fill-in by hand).
A Few Tips
• Laminate your wallet card to prolong its use (an office supply store can help you).
• Why not print a card for each member of your family?
• If you also wear a medic alert bracelet, inscribe it with the message “See wallet card”.
Additional Ways to Carry Your Emergency Medical Alert ID Information
Wearable technology: There are many new styles of Medic Alert IDs bracelets (latex-free) and necklace pendants both with pre-loaded software and made with different materials like waterproof foam, leather and stainless steel.
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You can also carry your emergency medical ID information on USB-equipped personal devices like a key chain fob and credit-card size data wallet card (above).
Paper-based? Don’t carry a wallet? Consider a Money clip with a compartment to slide in your emergency contact info (right).
Or, if you carry a paper-based day planner or calendar, add the same information to your address book.
What Emergency Medical Info Should You Carry?
For much more information about what and how to carry your emergency medical information, see our article, Your Portable Medical Information Kit.
