Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
I wanted to check in on behalf of my husband Chris who had an ablation 1 year ago for atrial flutter and a fib. I"ll give you a bit of his history...he's 49 in good general health. He's 6'3" 265 lbs has OSA...has a neck larger than 18.5". Chris was diagnosed with afib in June 2012. He was symptomatic while in afib. He tried flecainide which made the arrythmia much worse. He would have evening episodes like clockwork after dinner, then again during the middle of the night when he would get up to go to the bathroom. He decided along with his local cardiologist that an ablation may help him, so we were referred to Dr. Roger Winkle of Silicon Valley Cardiology. On November 9Th 2012 Chris had an ablation. 11 weeks post op he had an 8 hour episode of afib and was put back on an event monitor. He has not had any further episodes of afib, and is monitored every 3 months by his local cardiologist and every 6 months by his GP. Post ablation Chris experienced about 4 months of random PACS which were confirmed by his EP. Those have completely subsided. Currently Chris Takes Diltiazem and baby aspirin. He also uses a CPAP nighly and funny enough we both sleep better! He is very in touch with his heart and is being watched for silent AFIB. We wish everyone a blessed holiday season. Lisa & Chris
I'm taking Diltiazem and baby aspirin. My EP also believes that continued monitoring is important post-ablation.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
D.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
For many including myself ablation relieves the symptoms by addressing the cause. When the heart is mapped prior to ablation the cause is visible to the surgeon. The impulses they map are the cause, and this is how they're able to correct it. Are you saying that those rogue impulses of the heart and pulmonary veins are caused by an acidic diet? Do you have scientific data supporting this claim?
Also it would be good to know how someone goes about determining if and to what degree they are deficient or in excess of any dietary substance. I know many people that jump on the more is better train only to regret not being properly tested to determine their needs.
I always welcome different perspectives and ideas but without tested and proven data it's going to be difficult to convince patients that what you offer is what they truly need to treat their Afib and/or any other health issues.
FYI - Len Bias cause of death had little to do with magnesium:
Autopsy No. 86-999
Prince George's County
Leonard K. Bias
June 19, 1986
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Cocaine Intoxication
OPINION:
LEONARD K. BIAS, a 22-year-old Black male, died as a result of cocaine intoxication, which interrupted the normal electrical control of his heartbeat, resulting in the sudden onset of seizures and cardiac arrest. The blood cocaine level was 6.5 milligrams per liter. Toxicological studies for alcohol and other drugs were negative. Due to the ongoing investigation of the circumstances surrounding his death, the manner of the death is ruled UNDETERMINED at this time.
Len Bias article:
http://articles.latimes.com/1986-06-25/sports/sp-20106_1_len-bias
Steve
May your Holiday Season be filled with Peace and Joys~
Great to hear that Chris is doing well and another success for Dr Winkle.
I had met with Dr Winkle a few days before Chris' ablation for a consultation and really liked him. He recommended that I get an ablation if the symptoms really bothered me. So far it hasn't.
I remember Dr Winkle telling me to plan on two ablations (26% probability for my afib) and I think he probablly tells that to everyone so that they are not overly optimistic. Hopefully that won't happen to Chris but if it does you know he is in good hands.
You and your family have a lot to be thankful this holiday. What a difference a year makes.
Thank you for sharing this with us; it is very uplifting so please keep in touch
opsyn
http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2013/08/18/why-everything-you-hear-about-the-deadly-game-of-football-is-false/
opsyn
Steve, I wanted to let you know that the photos you posted months ago were amazing.