Living with Atrial Fibrillation
Living with Atrial FibrillationChuck Kaplan describes himself as an intense exerciser. As a young man he committed to working out everyday for the rest of his life.I do about an hour and a half of aerobics every day, and then maybe another half hour of muscle work, weightwork. I’ve exercised every day for 45 years, and then I show up with this heart condition.The heart condition is an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, which results fromchaotic electrical signals in the atria – or upper chambers – that cause the heart to beat out of rhythm. Chuckwas diagnosed during a routine medical procedure several months ago.I just didn’t expect it. You know, I thought I was immortal.Staying physically active, as Chuck has done, can help you manage A-fib. So can eating a healthful diet,controlling your weight and blood pressure, and managing stress. It’s also important to get treated if you havesleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops repeatedly during the night. Many people with A-fib alsohave sleep apnea.If there’s any concern that you might have sleep apnea, you need to be screened for it if you have not been.In addition, limit alcohol, caffeine or other things, including certain dietary supplements, that can trigger ormake your A-fib worse.Some of the herbal supplements do have a few stimulant properties to them and they may be causing A-fib.Follow your medication instructions carefully, especially if you take blood thinning medications, known asanticoagulants. There can be harmful effects if you use these medications along with certain other medicinesor dietary supplements. So be sure to tell your health care provider about everything you’re taking.Foods such as broccoli and leafy green vegetables, which are high in vitamin k, can also interfere with certainblood thinning medications. It’s okay to eat these foods, but keep the amount the same from day to day.Be careful to avoid cutting yourself, since blood thinning medications reduce your blood’s ability to clot. Callyour health care provider if you have bleeding that won’t stop, blood in your urine or stool, abdominal pain orswelling, or unexplained bruises.Keep important contact information handy and also call your provider if youexperience symptoms including heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in thefeet. Performing in a rock band with co-workers is another passion for Chuck that he’s not about to give up.However, he’s had to make a few adjustments.Page 1 ofThere are some songs where the singing is really intense and continuous.WHOAH!Where now I’ve had to start marking my lyric sheets with a place where to breathe particularly if I’m in A-fiband singing, then I am going to have to breathe more often.Various treatments are available to help control A-fib. And as Chuck realized once he accepted his diagnosis,it’s possible to lead a full, healthy life with the condition.They really isolated it and got it down to the point where they took care of it. So, just by going with it and notfighting it, it’s like OK, this is the new normal. Here I am!Page 2 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
