If you’re an athlete with afib you might want to visit this blog. It’s written by Michael McCullough, a 53 year old distance runner and mountain biker. McCullough points out that afib is pretty common to athletes. We often think of afib as something which can reduce or destroy our ability to have an active life. This blog definitely proves otherwise, however. McCullough still enjoys running real marathons. He has persistent afib, and he does point out that the persistent […]
READ MOREFormer Cincinnati Reds Manager Dusty Baker Suffered a Stroke from Atrial Fibrillation
As you know, stroke is one of the biggest risks that people with atrial fibrillation face down every day. And nobody is immune or exempt. Just ask Dusty Baker, the former manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He was hospitalized with symptoms of heart failure at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the fall of 2012. Just before he was released he suffered from a mini stroke and was instantly re-admitted. Apparently, Dusty knew he had atrial fibrillation prior to being hospitalized. I […]
READ MOREIs a Pradaxa Antidote Around The Corner?
In a previous post I wrote about the pros and cons of Pradaxa and Warfarin/Coumadin, two popular blood thinners available today for those with atrial fibrillation. One of the major drawbacks to Pradaxa is the fact that there is no antidote to stop excessive bleeding while on it. Unlike Warfarin, if you experience excessive bleeding from Pradaxa, there is no way to stop it. The blood thinning effects of Warfarin can be quickly reversed so if someone on Warfarin starts […]
READ MOREPradaxa vs Coumadin (Warfarin): Which Is Better for Afib Patients?
There are two dangers that Afib patients face every day: the danger of blood clotting, and the danger of strokes. For the time being, the best way to prevent both of these conditions is through the use of blood thinners. In 1954, the blood thinner Warfarin (also known under the popular brand name Coumadin) became an approved medication. Yet it was initially introduced as a pesticide that targeted rats and mice. It’s actually still used for this purpose every day. […]
READ MOREThe First Cardiologist Appointment After My First Atrial Fibrillation Episode
As I was being discharged from the E.R. for my first “official” afib episode (and my first electrical cardioversion), the doctor gave me a sheet for the Cardiovascular Consultants in Robbinsdale. She explained that while atrial fibrillation itself wasn’t anything serious, I should make an appointment with one of their cardiologists just to make sure everything was o.k. with my heart. Side note: The Cardiovascular Consultants center appears to no longer exist – at least by that name. The link […]
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