One of the primary dangers for atrial fibrillation patients is the high risk of strokes. With an irregular heartbeat, which is the hallmark for afib patients, blood can pool and form a clot. The clot can then dislodge and travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Right now medications, specifically blood thinners, are the only options doctors and patients have to combat the risk of strokes. Unfortunately, these medications come with their own potential side effects and risks. The […]
READ MOREA Simple Blood Donation Reveals My Second Afib Episode (Possibly)
In late June/early July of 2005 I went to give blood for the first time. Since this was my first time, I was a little nervous because I HATE needles and I thought it would be painful. My wife, who was with me, assured me it was no big deal. We both sat down and as the nurses began outfitting us for the donation, my nurse paused, turned to another nurse and asked her if she could check my heart […]
READ MOREMy First Afib Episode (and I Didn't Even Know It)
This is going to be the beginning of a series of blog posts chronicling my “afib journey.” My hope is that by sharing my personal experiences, others might be able to identify with them and realize they aren’t alone. I believe my atrial fibrillation started in the summer of 2004 when I was just 31 years old or the fall of that year when I turned 32. I can’t recall specifically when it happened. I never made a record of […]
READ MOREEmergency! How To Stop an Afib Attack
If this is the first time you’re having symptoms of atrial fibrillation— palpitations, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, anxiety—you should consider calling 911. These symptoms may be indicators of a more serious problem, including heart attack. But if you’re confident that you don’t need to go to the emergency room, here are some tips that may help you manage atrial fibrillation in the middle of an attack.
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