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.

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Hwkmn 03/20/2015

Well, actually, its my 5,3, 2 and 1 year, on the exact week in March for my first Afib gift. As the same goes for May and Aug, same day or week, same years. May episode lands on my birthday, so its an extra special gift. 3 life changing months of the year. I feel fortunate to have such a small annoyance compared to most with this condition. Some may question my nefarious description as a gift for this most debilitating condition. By being in it one time for 14 days, I know all too well, but I can assure you, Im not winking. To say I am healthier now than 5 years ago would be an understatement. BP and Chl levels were borderline elevated. Weight was up a bit. Drinking at least every day and doubled on the weekend. Eating whatever I could get my hands on and taking any med I felt I needed. Sleep issues and joint and muscle pain also. So yes, without AF and continuing 5 years of that lifestyle with my family heart history, I m not certain I would around or in any condition to post right now. The experts claim that Afib begets Afib and gets worse over time, and that meds or ablation are inevitable, but I am working hard to dispel that as myth. For now, Hoping for and wishing Happy NSR to all.

duder 03/20/2015

I wish you the best of luck. I've struggled with arrhythmia since my early 20s. I wasn't diagnosed with afib until just last year (now 38). It has gotten progressively worse over the years. I was at first misdiagnosed as having harmless PACs, so I just dealt with it and told myself that everything was ok, until it was obvious that it wasn't.

Perhaps if I had been smart enough to go to the doctor when it first started, and I had received a diagnosis at that time, I could have changed my lifestyle in such a way that would have prevented (or at least delayed) the progression of the afib.

lalab707 03/23/2015

Well glad you were smart and made healthy choices. I was a light weight when it came to alcohol, did not smoke, have exercised all my life, ate organic, gluten and dairy free long before it was the in thing. My one draw back sugar comes in the form of honey agave or pure maple syrup, kept in in control most of the time. A stress eater I could be so that caused some weight gain a few years ago but worked hard to get that off.

I knew what a health food store was when I was sixteen and how to shop there.

I don't take just ordinary Hawthorne I get concentrate to the tune of $60.00, always new how to keep my magnesium and calcium in balance with Vit. C, Vit. D and take liquid CoQ10, ya don't forget the electrolytes so the first question I ask is why. I just think to myself what could've happened if I had an unhealthy life style.

So pat your self on the back and keep up the good work. In the long run less meds are best.

Hwkmn 03/23/2015

lal, we came from all walks of life with this condition. At times its difficult to see those around us living a totally reckless lifestyle and never getting this condition. Unfortunately tho, the path they are on will ultimately lead to other health issues with serious consequences.
I did read some time ago about sugars that were supposedly better for you than cane such as maple syrup having a much higher concentration of sugar which can be worse. As one who produced Maple a few times, I do miss that sweetner.
Youre on some good supps, and yes, I always ask why and good point about the unhealthy lifestyle.

cindy7150 03/23/2015

I will never forget the day I was dx'd, 1/11/15. Before that time I had started changing the way I ate, started exercising (very regularly) but was stuck at a weight loss of 30 lbs. Since the dx, I've dropped 14 more pound, mostly because I practically gave up my weekend popcorn and wine. Also had that treat anytime I didn't have to work the next day. My exercise has dropped off only because I injured my calf and knee (I'm in physical therapy for this). I'm scared to death of alcohol at this point but I've treated myself to a few popcorn and wine nights since the dx. My curiosity at this point is what does the role of hormones and menopause have in the occurrence of an afib episode.

Hwkmn 03/23/2015

Cindy, popcorn addict here. Of the two, Ill give up the Vino. It had better be something really special for me to imbibe. I swear every episode but one was after drinking Vino.

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