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
VIDEO: Do You NEED an Apple Watch for Detecting A-Fib?
Are you curious about using the Apple Watch for detecting A-Fib and whether you should rely on it? Answers the question: “Can the Apple Watch really detect atrial fibrillation (A-Fib)?”
In this evidence-based breakdown, the narrator explains how the Apple Watch detects A-Fib using photoplethysmography to display a single-lead electrocardiogram; how it compares to a simple pulse check, and what the latest international guidelines (ESC 2020) say about wearables. Narrated by “Doctor KDM”. Posted Aug 24, 2025. 9:44 min.
YouTube video playback controls: When watching this video, you have several playback options. The following controls are located in the lower right portion of the frame: Turn on closed captions, Settings (speed/quality), Watch on YouTube website, and Enlarge video to full frame. Click an icon to select.
The video covers:
✅ What atrial fibrillation is and why it matters
✅ How the Apple Watch detects AF (photoplethysmography + ECG)
✅ The Apple Heart Study and more recent validation data
✅ Sensitivity (~96%) and specificity (~99%) for AF detection
✅ The role of pulse checks and why they’re still important
✅ What the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines recommend
✅ Whether everyone should buy an Apple Watch, or only higher-risk groups
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Thursday, September 10, 2026
VIDEO: Pulse Field Ablation Explained: Is New A-Fib Procedure Safer? With Dr Yasser Rodriguez
This video is hosted by Dr. Yasser Rodriguez, a Harvard trained Electrophysiologist. He discusses the newest Atrial Fibrillation catheter ablation technology, Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), a promising advancement in Atrial Fibrillation treatment. He contrasts PFA with radiofrequency and cryoablation and dives into the medical technology behind this approach. He discusses trials data and safety issues, then concludes with the four questions you should ask your doctor about PFA. Go to video->
We appreciate how Dr. Rodriguez supports all his statements with the relevant research studies (shown on screen so you can check them yourself if interested). This is the same approach we take at A-Fib.com (We always include our research resources at the end of every article we publish.) Go to video->
Published in 2026 by Harvard-trained Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr Yasser Rodriguez, MD, MBA, FACC, FHRS. 12:05 min. Check out his other great A-Fib videos on his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@FightAFib, and visit his website, too at fightafib.com.
We’re seeing rapid, widespread adoption of PFA first in Europe and now in the US and worldwide. It’s amazing to see how fast and effective PFA appears for treating Atrial Fibrillation. The data show that PFA, in general, is safe and effective.
For an in-depth discussion of Pulsed Field Ablation, go to our page: Pulsed Field Ablation—Groundbreaking Innovation in Atrial Fibrillation!
VIDEO: Is This New A-Fib Procedure Safer? Pulse Field Ablation Explained with Dr Yasser Rodriguez
Hosted by Dr. Yasser Rodriguez, a Harvard trained Electrophysiologist. He discusses the newest Atrial Fibrillation catheter ablation technology, Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), a promising advancement in Atrial Fibrillation treatment. He contrasts PFA with radiofrequency and cryoablation and dives into the medical technology behind this approach. He discusses trials data and safety issues, then concludes with the four questions you should ask your doctor about PFA.
Published 2026 by Dr Yasser Rodriguez, MD, MBA, FACC, FHRS. 12:05 min. Visit his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@FightAFib, and his website: fightafib.com.
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
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.Three Atrial Fibrillation Videos from Alliance for Aging Research
The Alliance for Aging Research is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. For 40 years, the Alliance has worked to increase funding and focus for aging at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.
Their Atrial Fibrillation educational page includes the following three informational patient videos. You can watch each video on their website, or use links to watch on YouTube.
VIDEO: Preventing Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Related Strokes
Running time: 6:03 min.
This video defines the causes and risks factors; Overworked ventricles can lead to clots and ischemic stroke; Stroke prevention can include blood thinner/anticoagulant medication, or closure of the heart’s left atrial appendage with an occlusion device. Learn the signs of stroke for quick treatment and better outcomes. Go to video on the Alliance website->
Posted by Alliance for Aging Research on April 19, 2022.
VIDEO: Living with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Running time: 6:32 min.
This video describes the heart in A-Fib, its types, symptoms and risks; Typical diagnostic tests; Treatments for stroke-avoidance, rate/rhythm control medications, and procedures including cardioversion and ablation; and Lifestyle risk factors. Go to video on the Alliance website->
Posted by Alliance for Aging Research on April 11, 2022.
VIDEO: Living with Arrhythmias: What to Know When Your Heart is Out of Rhythm
Running time: 5:23 min.
This video describes the heart’s various abnormal electrical rhythms causing it to beat too slow, too fast or in an irregular, uncoordinated manner; The four main groups of arrhythmias that can originate in the atria or ventricles, typical symptoms and causes, and diagnosis and treatments. Go to video on the Alliance website->
Post by Alliance for Aging Research on May 20, 2019.
Instructional A-Fib Videos and Animations
For the reader who learns visually through motion graphics, audio, and personal interviews, these videos are organized loosely into three levels: introductory/basic, intermediate and in-depth/advanced.
2026 AF Symposium: Back from Boston—About the Symposium Beginnings
I’m back from Boston and the 2026 AF Symposium where the temperatures hovered around freezing. I’m happy to be back home in Malibu and a climate in the 70°s.
For three days I was immersed in presentations about current developments in treatments for Atrial Fibrillation patients. I already have four reports started for readers of A-Fib.com.
How and Why the AF Symposium Started: While I finish my first report, you can watch (or read) about the AF Symposium starting over 30 years ago and learn how far we’ve come in the treatments available for patients—patients who can now be free from the burden A-Fib or, like me, cured of my Atrial Fibrillation.
In three short videos (4 min, 8 min and 15 min respectively), Dr. Jeremy Ruskin, the founding director of the AF Symposium is interviewed by Dr. Luigi Di Biase, Editor-in-Chief of the Arrhythmia Academy. They discuss:
• Starting the AF Symposium (1995) when there were no realistic solutions for patients; Anticipating the burgeoning Atrial Fibrillation (AF) problem;
• Evolution in A-Fib research; Top dramatic changes in AF Treatment; Mentoring of young electrophysiologists;
• The logistics of broadcasting live patient procedure cases; Maximizing the learning experience at a large-scale cardiology event.
Want to Read Instead of Watching the Videos? If you would rather read about the AF Symposium, I’ve also written a summary for you featuring all the highlights and key developments over the years.
In my article, you’ll find links to the three videos. To view, you just click on the video title or the image, and a new browser window will open. Click here to go to my summary report on the beginnings of the AF Symposium.
How The AF Symposium Began: 30 Years and Beyond
2026 AF Symposium
How The AF Symposium Began: 30 Years and Beyond
By Steve S. Ryan, PhD.
Learn how the AF Symposium began over 30 years ago including its development, purpose, and achievements by viewing three short videos (4 min, 8 min and 15 min respectively).
Dr. Jeremy Ruskin, the founding director of the AF Symposium is interviewed by Dr. Luigi Di Biase, Editor-in-Chief of the Arrhythmia Academy. They discuss:
• Starting the AF Symposium (1995) when there were no realistic solutions for patients; Anticipating the burgeoning Atrial Fibrillation (AF) problem;
• Evolution in A-Fib research; Top dramatic changes in AF Treatment; Mentoring of young electrophysiologists;
• The logistics of broadcasting live patient procedure cases; Maximizing the learning experience at a large-scale cardiology event.
Watch or Read: To watch each video, just click on in the video title or the image, then a new browser window will open. Or you can just read the following summary.
Dr. Luigi Di Biase is Director of Arrhythmia Services, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Dr. Jeremy Ruskin is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Founder and Director Emeritus of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Video 1: Drs. Keane and Ruskin Start the AF Symposium—But Not Much Hope at First
Drs. David Keane and Jeremy Ruskin started the AF Symposium in 1995 in Boston, MA, at Massachusetts General Hospital. The first meeting was only 12 hours long.
At that time there were no realistic solutions to the burgeoning Atrial Fibrillation (AF) problem. The first years of meetings were intense and grim, because there was virtually nothing Electrophysiologists (EPs) at that time could do besides anticoagulation. There wasn’t even a lot to talk about.
Tsunami of Atrial Fibrillation: In the 1990s, EPs had little interest in AF because they couldn’t do much except to anticoagulate patients to try to prevent strokes. But it was obvious to the AF Symposium participants that AF was a major health issue, that there was a “tsunami of AF coming at us”. It was clear to Dr. Ruskin and his colleagues that AF would become a major health problem.
Video 2: A-Fib Research and the Role of Mentors in the Development of Young Electrophysiologists—Key Developments in AF Management
Dr. Di Biase described how he was mentored as a student at the 2006 AF Symposium, and then how he became a mentor/faculty member himself in 2012.
Dr. Ruskin described his own mentors such as Dr. Anthony Damato and the colleagues who supported him, such as Dr. Vivek Reddy (then working at Mass General), and Dr. Pierre Jais from Bordeaux.
Top Dramatic Changes in AF Treatment: Dr. Di Biase asked Dr. Ruskin what he considered the major pillars or top dramatic changes in the evolution of AF treatment over the last 30 years.
1. Electrically isolating the pulmonary veins. The evolution of research into AF expanded dramatically with the work of Drs. Haïssaguerre, Jais and their colleagues in Bordeaux, France. They discovered that by electrically isolating the pulmonary veins, they could “cure” AF. [I was their first US patient in 1998.]
They used a catheter to apply RF energy to the pulmonary vein openings thereby preventing AF electrical pulses from entering and affecting the heart. Since then, Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) has become the primary focus of electrophysiology intervention.
2. Direct Oral Anticoagulants. Another pillar in the evolution of AF treatment was the development of the drug therapy, Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). For decades, warfarin was the only anticoagulation option. But it was a difficult drug to manage both for patients and their EPs. DOACs are as, or more effective than warfarin, and much easier to use.
3. Left Atrium Appendage Closure. A third pillar was the development of left atrium appendage closure (LAA). It was a long regulatory route to get FDA approval. But now left atrium appendage closure is acknowledged as safe and effective and on a par with prescribing DOACs to prevent stroke.
4. Pulsed Field Ablation for A-Fib. While the technology has been around for 50 years, using Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) to isolate the pulmonary veins was a major medical breakthrough. It’s fast, efficient, and safe with results similar to RF ablation. PFA is even used now in outpatient treatment.
In a Final Thought: Dr. Ruskin thought that the new GLP-1 and SGLT2 drugs to manage type 2 diabetes might become important in the treatment of A-Fib.
Video 3: What Makes the AF Symposium So Successful: The AF Symposium’s Unique Format
Dr. Di Biase discussed with Dr. Ruskin why the AF Symposium works so well and has such great attendance (even though it’s held in Boston during the chilly winter months).
All Presentations in One Room Available to All Attendees: All the AF Symposium meetings are held in one huge room with multiple big screens visible to all attendees. The presenters come to the attendees, rather than the other way around. Most national meetings are often spread out with attendees having to move from one meeting room or ballroom location to another to hear speakers.
[I personally experienced this problem at another regional AF conference when I tried to attend a talk by Dr. Michel Haissaguerre but couldn’t get in because the room was too small and crowded.]
Single Topic, Single Room with Multiple Presenters: For example, one topic at the 2025 AF Symposium was “Pulsed Field Ablation—Safety, Efficiency and Workflow.” There were two moderators (leaders in the field), followed by five lectures of 7 minutes each by well-known researchers (but also by new doctors with innovative insights). This was followed by a 25 minute panel discussion with the moderators, speakers, and attendees. All this happened in one location.
Year-Long Research into Topics and Speakers: Dr. Moussa Mansour of Mass General revealed how much work goes into researching and selecting topics and speakers for the AF Symposium.
He and Dr. Ruskin meet every week for a year doing intense research. In Dr. Mansour’s own words “very few people are crazy enough to put so much time into it.” Every single topic is important to the treatment of A-Fib and usually provides new insights to the attendees.
The Symposium speakers are world class and leaders in their field. Over the years Drs. Ruskin and Mansour have developed relationships with the best and most talented in the field. Faculty presenters are enthusiastic, as well as loyal and committed to the AF Symposium.
Incredible Video and Live Procedures! Over the 3-day AF Symposium, attendees can see 20+ live broadcasts or prerecorded videos of doctors performing cases (such as live Pulsed Field Ablations). These cases are not just from the U.S. but from around the world.
[At the 2025 AF Symposium there were twenty live and prerecorded cases. The prerecorded cases were carefully planned, making excellent and detailed teaching tools.]
For many attendees this is an incredible learning experience—to see the best doctors/operators doing difficult cases [with no guarantee that things will always go well].
Conclusion: What This Means for A-Fib Patients
As patients, we have received the benefits of the decades long demanding work of doctors and researchers in the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. For 30 years, the AF Symposium has been a showcase for sharing these advancements resulting in many patients who no longer live with the burden of A-Fib.
Back in 1995, when the AF Symposium began, there were no realistic solutions and there didn’t seem to be much hope of curing Atrial Fibrillation. Nonetheless, Drs. Keane and Ruskin and other pioneers in the field knew they had to start somewhere; thus, the AF Symposium began. As patients, we should be grateful to them for their courage and vision.
As someone who has been attending the AF Symposium for over 20 years, I can attest to how well the AF Symposium is organized and run. Each year seems better than the last.
Link to 2026 AF Symposium Reports
Link to of Archive of AF Symposiums Summaries by Year
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Friday, April 10, 2026
2025 AF Symposium Video: The Genesis of the AF Symposium with Drs. Jeremy N Ruskin, Luigi Di Biase
The AF Symposium is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. Three short videos give insight into its development, purpose and achievements.
They are hosted by Dr Luigi Di Biase, Editor-in-Chief of the Arrhythmia Academy, (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, US) who interviews founding director of the AF Symposium, Dr Jeremy Ruskin (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, US).
The annual AF Symposium features live EP lab/operating room patient procedure cases, late-breaking data and up-to-date presentations related to the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Via video conferencing, Dr Luigi Di Biase and Dr Jeremy Ruskin discuss:
Video 1: The history of the AF Symposium (started in 1995); 4 min.
Video 2: A-Fib research and the role of mentors in the development of young electrophysiologists; 8 min.
Video 3: The logistics of live patient procedure cases at large-scale cardiology events; 15 min.
…To play a video, continue to my page with the video links. Then, to play a video, just click on the image and a new browser window will open.)
Return to 2025 AF Symposium Reports
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y
Last updated: Monday, March 17, 2025
Learn How to Read Your EKG (ECG): My Brief Overview for A-Fib Patients
When I developed Atrial Fibrillation, one of my first courses of study was to learn how to read my own Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
An electrocardiogram, ECG (EKG), is a test used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart.
The ECG signal strip is a graphic tracing of the electrical activity of the heart. It measures the length of time it takes for the initial impulse to fire at the Sinus Node and then ends in the contracting of the Ventricles.
Ready to Learn More?
In my brief overview of the ECG waveform signal you’ll learn how to “read” an ECG tracing. Go to my report, Understanding the EKG Signal.
VIDEO: Pulsed Field Ablation for AF Using an Integrated Mapping and Ablation Spherical Array Catheter
Click on image to watch the deployment of the Spherical Array catheter (Kardium Globe); 25 sec.
From the streaming video-on-demand of Dr. Reddy’s case and presentation is available at https://player.vimeo.com/video/676797282. 28:48 min. (Published by the 2022 AF Symposium.)
