I fully agree with this thought/theory. I'm nearly 78 and have Paroxysmal Afib, and no other health issues. My heart is healthy, blood pressure is low, absolutely no other problems. I have a healthy diet, take a lot of supplements, do not eat or drink any of the trigger food/drink and am active. I have refused to take the Eliquis and am not very concerned about it. I very much appreciate your sharing all of this research you've done. It has helped me have more confidence in living without feeling like a ticking time-bomb.
Same here. I have afib since I'm 30 years old. I stop drinking and smoking at 34 and I'm 56 now and working in construction all day of my life. Normal BP and very healthy plan to live until 100 years old
I'm glad to hear this since I was recently diagnosed with Afib. I was surprised to learn I had it because I wasn't even aware of the rapid and irregular heartbeats and had no other symptoms. Strokes and heart attacks run in my family so I suspected it was also my eventual fate. So glad I stumbled onto Dr. Gupta in my search for information. I've learned so much and value him immensely because my doctor failed to explain A Fib and treatment adequately. I love listening to Dr. Gupta and appreciate his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise.
My A-Fib has kept me in fear of stroke. The fear, I believe, triggered more A-Fib from the stress. So it was a vicious circle. Your videos have given me peace and my A-Fib is decreasing. Thank you so, so much.
@Marco Antonio Uribe Jr Get a second opinion..Treat your body (self) with respect.Drop bad habits.Eat right.Exercise.You should be ok.You're too young for anxiety.
I actually love what you wrote him that he is to young for anxiety I’ve been suffering with health anxiety since I was 19 and diagnosed with being an hypochondriac started having anxiety attacks around age 24-27 now I still suffer from some anxiety but not as major as it use to be. Now I’ve been having palpitations (PVCS) for almost a year off and on now and experienced this weird irregular heartbeat yesterday that has had me worried all night and day I’ve just recently received a stress test last week and a ECG . I go back this week to get a 24 hr holter monitor put on for 24 hrs and I get all my results Thursday! I’m so nervous I just pray everything is okay because I don’t want to be on meds because I don’t believe in taking meds I always felt horrible taking medicine I am so darn worried wish I didn’t worry so much about my health.
Dr. Gupta, you are a GEM. I know so much more NOW. You speak simply and a doctors degree is not needed to understand you. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLDGE.
Doctor Gupta not only explains things clearly, but his pace is perfect - similar to talking to a friend. Some experts' videos are so fast paced, i have to back up again and again & repeat. When doctors explain complex issues and studies, it takes a second or two to digest and go on to further complex ideas or conclusions. They simply talk too fast. Dr. Gupta's delivery is perfect!
My father was on blood thinner. He went off of it. Took aspirin two years. He got tired of taking it. Informed his cardiologist he was not going to take anything. 6 months later got a stroke. It took him three years of therapy to talk and to think. He was very bright and witty , CEO of a big company. He never got back to the state of mind before a stroke. I’m not taking my chances. After a diagnosis I’m taking blood thinner.
All doctors I've seen with my A-F diagnosed a year ago have told me aspirin doesn't stop blood clotting/strokes - not strong enough. They immediately changed the aspirin to Apixaban.
My mum has a chad score of 3. She is amazing healthy and looks a lot younger then her 80 years. She has AFib , no other health problems. She is prepared to take beta blockers but not blood thinners
I have AF and went off xarelto a few weeks later I had a stroke, I was very fit and active ate healthy so to the people on this thread think carefully about stopping anti coagulants
Thanks again Sanjay! I really appreciated this one. My cardiologist does not like to take the time to explain all of this to me. So you are really fulfilling a definite need! 👍🌷
They don’t know, they are too busy promoting pharmaceutical drugs. They actually get flustered & mad if you ask too many questions... They have Stressful Jobs & No two people are the Same
Dr Gupta, 😃 please don't let anyone affect u by saying you r not an electrophysiology or in anyway try to disqualify u. Many r certificated but few r truly educated. You r a gem, rare jewel in the medical field. Keep on being true to your promise to help us keep as healthy as possible. Greed for $ has its returns. Your reward comes from above. Dear Jesus bless u!
Extremely interesting and helpful. Particularly enlightening in trying to come to grips with the confusing and often unpleasant world of Afib. Thank you for all that you do.
This logical analysis by the good gentleman leads us to the understanding that afib is indeed a marker that when accompanied by various comorbidities can and often will lead to a stroke. But critically, in the absence of being accompanied by comorbidities, the afib in of itself is not a cause per se of strokes. The results of the studies speak for themselves. Excellent analysis that the rank and file medical practitioners choose to amazingly ignore, They advertise and throw the 500% greater risk of stroke stat at you, yet they fail to explain the big stroke numbers are occurring with afib + comorbidities. Bravo Dr. Gupta! Bill Florian
Thank You so much for explaining so well Afib Had soon a year ago Afib for först time. Why, NO one told me .Few months before Afib had concasion,surgery of my foot,Lots of stress.My heart is healthy, have no high blood presse or other comodities 76 year old physio, live very healthy life.Nutrition is for me important as physical aktivity.No smoker, drink very little red wine. Benen on Eliquis for 7 months but stoped as i felt as zombie. Aproved life style and I feel very well. I did not believed in taking pills for rest of my life ,becouse I believe one can do a lot self by get more info,etc.This is what I did ❤
@@Bunny69Beeif you just compare all individuals with Afib versus all individuals without AFib the five times Factor absent examining the categories of those with Afib is accurate. But when you get in the trenches and analyze those with afib without co-morbidities you see that number drop substantially
Do you ever think about or consider updating valuable posts like this one? Even if just to say, I'm still convinced of this and here's further proof that it is an accurate statement? Only because I know a lot can change in a few years. Even if not, I still think this is as important a statement as "cholesterol doesn't cause atherosclerosis" and I appreciate you for it!
I am so grateful that you take your valuable time to help people. I find it so hard to get the answers to my AF questions when the clock is ticking in a Doctor’s Office/surgery. Thank you so much. This video helped me understand my situation.
Thank you so much for this explanation! I was not given anticoagulants after my cardioversion because, I see now, because I had NO other comorbidities. My cardiologist thought and weighed this very carefully and discussed blood thinners with me - I didn't realize it was because Afib isnt really a CAUSE of stroke. WOW. Im feeling so much relief now! Sometimes my heart flutters really frighten me because of risk of stroke. I feel so much better now. THANK YOU. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Dr Sanjay, you have answered my questions with this video. You are amazing! Please accept all our thanks to you sir. I no longer take meds, especially anti coagulants, my atril fib was momentary at 78 and nothing else wrong in any way, I am very healthy.
I am 79 and recently had afib while I had Covid. Was taken to the emergency room and all kinds of testing was done. Every one of them came back just fine. Didn’t find anything wrong with me. The cardiologist on duty put me on Eliquis and metoprolol. Both have dizziness as a side effect. I’ve been dizzy every day except one (18 days). I have no co morbidity’s except being a healthy 79 year old. When go to my follow up visit with the cardiologist I’m going to tell him I wan off those meds. I do not believe I need to be on them.
My best friend was recently diagnosed with Afib. I have been trying to educate myself on this condition so that I can better understand what he is experiencing. I have been so very scared of the possibilities of a stroke, but I now understand comorbidity. My bestie does not have any other health issues and he is under 60, so I feel confident that he will be a-okay with the help of his doctors and family!! Thank God!! And thank you, Doctor Sanjay! 🙏🏾
I stopped anti-coagulants aged 60 in Jan 18 OK'd by my cardiologist. He discharged me saying in writing that I would not need anti coagulants till 65 as my stroke risk was minimal. I had a fairly large infarction in February. Thankfully I got to ward 41 of RVI and was given a thrombectomy.
This is wonderful to hear. I have paroxysmal Afib and have been scared that I would have a stroke during an episode. I have learned so much from you. Thank you.
@joanneurbanowicz4994 Atrial fibulation that comes and goes. If the heart returns to its normal rythym within seven days then that is paroxysmal A-fib.
Another great video thanks! I have very random Afib (been 12 months now since the last!), have no comorbidities, am getting on a bit at 49 years old, but this has really helped put my mind at rest regarding the stroke risk, Many thanks for your great work :)
Dear sir I can not ever thank you enough for this video which popped up tonight after I’d been praying for an answer to wether I should take the blood thinners that Drs are constantly advising me to take, they made me feel so ill I stopped them, now I’m told I’m a ticking time bomb for a stroke if I don’t take them. Normal bp not diabetic age 69 recent diagnosed with afib. Thank you and God bless you always for caring about your patients the way you do
Great video, I am 30 diagnosed a year ago with paroxysmal Afib and haven’t had an episode since but have had some pvc’s here and there. My doctor initially prescribed baby aspirin which I bruised very easily from and so I stopped. I know now that I had this condition for at least 8 years and just thought it was anxiety related. Typically mine were always triggered by something that caused dehydration. I appreciate your video and the time you spent on presenting this information. I think every since been diagnosed I have felt different even though I know it wasn’t my first episode. This video has really helped put things into a better perspective.
I would also love to hear how you are doing now ? Also if you’re in blood thinners ? I’ve just been out on rivaroxaban and I’m not happy about it. I’m 47 years old and as of yet haven’t had any scans to see wether or not I have any other heart issues related to my afib.
@@raff23able I’m doing pretty well. That was 01/2020 when I had that episode and I’ve only had one other one in 09/2021 (self converted within a day) which I most likely induced from a long week of drinking and not properly hydrating. Also, my new doctor doesn’t have me on any medication at this time because of my low CHAD score.
Thank you, you are just incredible! Thank you especially for all your research and your wonderful way of communicating it. You give us so much peace! If only there were more doctors like you! Blessings on your life - professional and private!
I had a A-Fib for the first time in my life. I had low cholesterol, no strokes, blood clots, pain, etc. I was in the Internalist doctor's office to check my blood for Thyroid levels. I took my Thyroid meds and didn't take Metformin since I was fasting when my heart started to race. I now know I should take the Metformin even if I don't eat. Originally my levels were all in range. My T3 level was a low normal and my doctor decided to give me a regular thyroid pill plus T3 pill. After A-Fib my doctor took me off the Thyroid pills. I'm 79 with Type 2 Diabetic. I do get exercise, etc. Cardiologist wants me on blood thinner, etc Thank you for your study analysis.
Same. I was put on a very low dose of Levothyroxin for hypothyroidism. Had my first AFib episode two weeks ago and was taken off the Levo. I am 64 years old. I do have high blood pressure that I take meds for. Was put on metoprolol and xarelto also.
@@annsupdates4909 Welp, even though I was only put on very low dosage I experienced major fatigue!! And I did some research and found that contrary to what most doctors were taught, that this go-to drug for heart patients did NOT in fact prevent heart attacks or heart failure. It did Not improve heart function. It was a study done over about, I think it said 20 years? And it was a double -blind study with several thousand heart patients that were followed. So over a year ago I ditched the metoprolol completely. But like I said, I was on a very low dose to start with! I still take the blood-thinner because of the high risk of stroke from blood-clots due to Afib. Also want to say that if my resting heart rate was high then I might have considered staying on the metoprolol?🤔 Because yes, it Does lower your heart rate! But it ALSO lowers everything else! Our bodies have beta-cells throughout, not just in our hearts! So *everything* gets slowed way down! That's WHY you can feel so sluggish and fatigued on a beta-blocker such as metoprolol!😉 Tip: I do keep a script of metoprolol around. Why? Because when I have an Afib episode I will sometimes take a tablet to help slow my heart rate down. Thank Goodness I don't experience Afib very often anymore!#YAY! Hope this was helpful and you could understand me in spite of my rambling and long, run-on sentences!!😊
@BPJ I Agree. And if my heart rate was high, then I would take the beta blocker. But my resting heart rate is in normal range already, and the metoprolol makes it drop too low which made me feel very slow and sluggish! I always try and eat clean and nourishing meals. And I exercise daily, along with staying active with doing chores and housework ect. And thank heavens, my Afib episodes are much less intense and much less frequent lately! #YAY! (Wishing you all the best!😉)
If you go on Keto and make intermittent fasting, you'll not be diabetic patient...so, you don't need to take Metformin and nothing else... Berberine is the best for diabetic patient.
Love all the info I get from you......Thank you. I have AFib and had ablasion but still having issues . My Dr is keeping me on all 3 meds do to my age and other health issues. Have a great day.
I 1000000% agree, Too often people confuse causation with correlation, What I mean by that is just because something happens to be present during a study doesn't mean it is the cause of the effect, so thank you for pointing that out. By making this I am sure you will be able to prevent people from making bad choices when it comes to their health and medications. Thank you Doctor.
Had to listen to this video because of the title. It has sown a bit of confusion, but I completely understand your point Dr. Gupta - it is other health problems + age + Afib that increases risk of strokes rather than Afib on its own. Like many others, I thank you for trying to help patients with AF. Although I have been told I am at risk of a stroke (having AF, being over 65 and female), I have decided against anticoagulation for the moment, preferring to find my own way of stopping my Afib through supplements (magnesium taurate), ppi therapy for gastric problems and treatment for sleep apnea before going down the ablation/anticoagulation route. Not sure why but my symptoms have eased considerably but only time will tell if this continues, since I believe Afib is usually progressive. One thing I do know is that it helps to want to take control rather than just leave it to cardiologists/electrophysiologists. Good luck everyone.
Therese Paolini hi may i Just asi how are you doing now and whether you had aby blood clot without anticoagulation? My mom takes them but hates them because it give her heartburn but i am afraid of stroke.
i was taking eliquis i got so sick of it... so many bieffects... i could not have a regular day or life while taking it... headaches! felt sick to my stomach i had to run to the toilets many times per day... neckpains out of breath because it causes to red bloodcells decreasing... i slept 5-7 times per day because i was exhausted.... i felt hungover like hell... so this is good to hear... thank you!
Timely discussion. I recently had an ablation for AFIB, and the electrophysiologist advised that I should continue eliquis for a few weeks more. I related to him that I had only minor, occasional bruising, and that my incidence of retinal migraine had dropped markedly after starting eliquis. I also mentioned that his cardiology group had started me on this drug based on my CHADS score. Given any voice in the matter, I'll chose to continue this rather expensive regimen. Thank you for giving me more ammunition for this fight.
I have been in at fib since January 2022. I had moved into a disability apt for a few months and was also experiencing dehydration quite a bit in Florida. I drank appx 2 cups.of Star books coffee each.day and occasionally started drinking Matucha tea. Also I found out the people.above my apt that had moved in smoked medical Marijuana which also smelled.of chemicals. I asked management to move me to a different apt dud to my becoming dizzy and not feeling well. They continued to ignore me. The next thing I remember was not being able to catch my breath and felt I was dying. I ended up in ER with very fast atrial fib . I was admitted to icu and told.i needed to go on a blood thinner. Everything happened so quick and I never had this before or understood what was happening to me. They decided to tube me and a procedure to try to put me back in normal sinus rhythm. I was scared and took the Eliquis 5mg 2x a day. The procedure showed I had a blood clot in left Atrium. I was.told I had to stay on blood thinner. I was also told I had hbp, and chf. .I was tubed and had.same procedure 2 more times within 2-3 months. Last procedure was told it " looked like a calcification in my left Atrium. I WAS.PUT ON PRADAXA 150MG 2XDA. METOPROLOL SUCC ER 100 MG ,DIGOXIN 125 MCG 1 TAB X1 A DAY, ZESTRIL 2.5 MG 1.TAB A DAY , LASIX 20 MG 1 TAB DA AND TAKEN OFF ELIQUS AND THE OTHER MEDS. WE HAD A major hurricane 2 MONTHS LATER. I WAS EVACUATED TO HURRICANE SHELTER for 3.months with no medical care. FROM there I WAS sent by Red Cross to Another town to heart hopital. I LOST EVERYHING I HAD. I HAD NO MONEY SO AND COULD NOT AFFORD MY PRADAXA DOE.TO COST. MY NEW DOCTOR CHANGED MY PRADAXA BACK TO ELIQUIS 5 MG X2 ADAY. TODAY IS MARCH 24 AND I STARTED ELIQUIS YESTERDAY WITH THE DIGOXIN, ZESTRIL AND.LASIX . I AM SCARED AND..AM SCHEDULED TO SEE A CARDOLOGIST.I HOPE SOON. I AM STILL IN AT. FIB AND HAVE HAD NO LAB WORK YET . STILL NOT SURE ABOUT CLOT OR IF ITS CALSIFICATIED? ALSO IS THERE A INTERACTION BETWEEN MY.DIGOXIN AND ELIQUIS? ZESTRIL? LASIX? ANY SUGGESTIONS. I NEED YOUR EMAIL PLEASE. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED. J.
My Doctor is trying to scare me into going on Warfrin for my AF. I'm right out refusing because I don't believe I will have a stroke from AF. I was on so many heart meds after a heart attack in 2014 that made me so ill that I could barely function. I came off all meds and swore I'd rather die than feel that disabled ever again. .. So next time I go my doctors for something and he hijacks that app to discuss Warfrin like he does everytime, I am showing him this video. . So thankyou for reinforcing what I feel instinctively about the risk of stroke from AF and need for Warfrin
The risk of strokes goes up with age (>65) and additional comorbidities. The aim of the video was to make people aware that it is those things in addition to the AF that increase the risk of strokes
I feel that perhaps the title of the video is misleading . I’m am 74 and newly diagnosed with Paroxysmal A fib . And Zero co morbidities . So am now on a blood thinner , a beta blocker and an antiarrythmic .
do you know that Warfarin is actually "rat poison" ? . if you don't believe, go and check in the supermarket aisle. My mom died from bleeding stroke (non-ischemic) in 2007. She had been on warfarin for a year. The INR level of the blood need to be reviewed through daily blood test best done in hospital setting.
I also wanted to say that having just found your channel you have explained more things to me in an hour or so than all the experts who have treated me have done in the almost 18 months since I had my stroke. Thank you so much for this site with this absolutely excellent information and clearly explained detail.
(29 F with afib)When I asked my electrophysiologist at the Cleveland clinic(highly rated for the cardiology department), if getting an ablation would stop my risk of strokes he flat out said "no". He had no hesitation in his answer. 100% confidence. He said they do it when the palpitations/afib interferes with someones life too much or start to cause physical changes in the heart. Prior to the appointment I was going to ask to get an ablation; after his answer it felt like it was the equivalent of "cosmetic surgery" for your heart.
I agree. I had one episode other then a skipped beat once in a while which has happened since I was in my 20s now 50's. My electrophysiologist said ablation right away. I want to fix the cause not the symptom. Some people that have had ablation either have to have more than one or have to have ablations every few years as thought the heart heals and goes right back to the previous afib. Anxiety is my biggest hurdle.
@@JWard2 That is precisely what this video says. Afib is not a risk factor in CHA2DS2 - VASc which the doctors use to decide whether or not to put you on anticoagulants. If you are over 65, presto, here is a prescription. Seems like the same story as statins, the pharmaceutical companies have another tool to fatten their bank accounts.
@@JWard2 IF you also have co-morbidities such as over 65 years of age, plus other factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, ect., then AFib or no AFib your risk of stroke is very High!!!
I’ve had AF, 3 ablations, low co morbidity scores and stopped anti coagulation after each procedure. Now have Watchman to block heart pouch where most clots form. Feeling good improving health with Keto, etc! Thanks for your heart ♥️ info! Makes sense. 💥
Dr. Gupta, what was explained to me by a cardiologist after an ER/admission due to AF was that while the heart is in the action of atrial fibrillation, it pumps blood less efficiently. The heartbeat is obviously more erratic and (in my case) was pumping at a much faster rate. He showed me video from an echocardiogram I'd had while in AF to illustrate the point. The danger, according to him, was that during this time that the chambers of your heart aren't pumping in normal rhythm, some blood will pool at the bottom of the ventricle (I can't remember if he specified which one) and that after your heart returns to sinus rhythm, the heart returns to a more efficient pumping rhythm and can pump out that pooled blood, which can cause clots that can potentially lead to stroke. So my question is, is this an incorrect description of what happens to the heart's efficiently/pumping/rhythm where a certain amount of blood can begin to clot in one of the chambers of the heart that can then be pumped out after you are converted and return to normal/sinus rhythm? I'm not doubting the data you presented in the video, I'm just curious as to if that period between atrial fibrillation and conversion to sinus rhythm can indeed cause some pre-clotting or clotted blood to enter the bloodstream as a result of that conversion.
Would really appreciate a reply to this from Dr Gupta. I found the video very interesting and stroke risk is a real worry for us Afibbers and I homed in on the blood clotting/pooling in the atrial appendage, so surely this can happen with or without comorbidities??
My doctor said this too about Afib even thou I have no comorbidities except age (69) and female. My BP is on the low side (usually 110-115 over 65 / 75.
@@susanprice4416 yes, i have the same question. Could the risk of stroke EXIST REGARDLESS of comorbidities like being over 65yo, have High BP etc. Because technically the blood could easily CLOT when the atria is fibrillating like that all the time . Just because the study did not show that data, does not mean that theory is wrong (that you could be at risk of stroke WITHOUT the co-morbs ....
Thank you for such a great explanation of A. fib treatment and anticoagulation! I'm going for a consult today to an interventional cardiologist to discuss possibly ablation for my P. A. fib. I feel much better prepared to discuss this with the info you presented!
Fascinating. I had always wondered why whether I was in AF or not wasn't included in the CHA2DS2VASC score. Yes, it's a scoring system for those with AF, but it doesn't differentiate between AF and NSR, or paroxysmal/permanent etc. which you would think it would if the stroke risk was due, temporally, to AF. The scoring kind of implies that it's for when you are in AF permanently. From my own experience post-ablation, all 3 of my Cardios over the years (one an eminent UK professor, one my EP who did the ablation and is equally eminent and the last my local Cardio who is also well respected in the field) were very clear that I should not **automatically** come off anti-coagulant post ablation and this needed discussion. But they did agree to me coming off since my risks were at the time low - score of 1 due to high BP. I think the provocative title of this video is great since it highlights a misunderstanding - it got my attention!
This guy is an angel and probably one of the most well-spoken intelligent doctors I have ever heard in my life and I am 66 years old and have been in the medical field for 30 years.. God bless him for helping people like us.. I am having palpitations and not sure if I am having a fib or not but I have to wait 3 weeks to get a 72-hour holter monitor which is making me crazy..
I have frequent periods of "racing of the heart" .It is not painful so I felt I did not need to see a Dr. Because of this information I will definitely make an appointment!
Your video is so timely in my case bc I'm NOT falling into agreement with ER doctors that treated me for heart palpitations as Afib when I was suffering from 3rd degree sun burns all over my body and accidentally took an untimely Rx dose of Prednisone too soon ... Because I was 70 and had the usual age factors, I was told I have Afib despite previously passing rigorous heart testing in January & June 2021. Thank You - I learn so much for your analytic video content !!! I am willing to make MY health decisions based on my specific health conditions and NOT what is PROTOCOL MEDICINE for the millions of people UNAWARE !!!
York Cardiology - Finding these 'old' videos - apart from their invaluable information - its somehow enhancing to have the camera (us) looking up to you! You did a good job of putting the 'tiresome' nitpickers to bed...
Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for this enlightening discourse on stroke, atrial fibrillation, and the scoring system used to consider anticoagulation. It has brought to me a whole new understanding about these, and I am grateful to you for posting this.
@@YorkCardiology I had some Afib “attacks” lasting about 6-10 hours usually converted in the ER with IV meds from age 35-50. I knew the second I was in Afib as it felt like a fish flopping in my chest. I could not have any kind of normal life if it stayed like that. I was put on Atenolol 25 mg but still had some episodes of Afib even then. I started taking magnesium, fish oil and CoQ10 and cut all caffeine to zero. I can’t say what stopped the Afib attacks but they stopped about 15 years ago and have had EKG test since then showing normal rhythm though I would know anyway if I wasn’t. I still take the Atenolol 25 mg. Would like to wean off that but afraid I would have a rebound effect or have Afib again. I am now 66 years old and told 5 years ago I had sleep apnea. I am only 10-15 lbs over my ideal weight of 160. I tried the best sleep apena machine and three different mask they had but could never tolerate in more then 2 hours and slept very little for the month I tried it. I felt like I was on a ventilator. Did not seem like normal breathing no matter how it was set. Caused a lot of anxiety for sure. That was 4 years ago and I took it back and have not tried it again. My wife says I do still snore but she has never heard me stop breathing. My hemoglobin in past 4 years has went from 16.5-18. After many blood test by hematologist only link was possible sleep apnea. Any ideas or suggestions?
The afib stalls blood flow in the atrium, especially in the left atrial appendage. This leads to the blood clotting in these areas and eventially the clots peel off and cause strokes. Anticoagulants dissolve these clots.
Anticoagulation causes blood to move more seem less aka this movement makes people feel like their blood has thinned. Dr. Gupta did a video on anticoagulants maybe you could watch it for a better understanding.
@@LadyLøcienneRaynbeau Anti-coagulants interfer with the clotting process. Slows it way down. If I get even a scratch or minor cut I will bleed for quite a long time before to clotting mechanism kicks in enough to stop the bleeding! I take the blood-thinner xarelto. I haven't noticed any negative side-effects yet, and I've been taking it for almost 3 years now. Of course there's always the risk of an uncontrolled bleeding event, so I try to be very careful! I am 67 and have moderate high blood pressure.
Hi -thanks - clearly explained and makes perfect sense. I'm a cardiology reg. However if AF and stroke not linked then this raises the question as to why we anti-coagulate prior to cardioversion?
Perviz they anti coagulate before a cardioversion because after you get into sinus rhythm the atria still quiver for a while so the blood can still pool, yet I understand why you are asking . I think the main issue would have been that after you convert if there was a clot it would probably push it thru but they usually do a TEE to see if there is one so not sure..
What a relief ! I have been told by two doctors recently that I will have stroke unless I do what they say and take anti coagulants. I did take them for a few weeks and they nearly killed me. Quite horrible. I have discovered that many, many diseases, medications etc. cause AFIB My family has a complicated inherited medical history with Pernicious Anemia, too long to explain here, but they seem to live long with AFIB. My Mother lived to 90 even though she had not been treated for it since she was a child (had to eat raw liver every day) and the injections were only started in her late 50's. She had the excessive bleeding that comes with some P A's I believe the AFIB is caused by the heart trying to get oxygen around to the major organs, not because of heart disease, but because there is a problem in the blood with the corpuscles. I was encouraged by your post. I have so much more information to give but here is not the place. I am English but I live in Texas, where there are diseases that can only be cured by Big Pharma.
I realize your post is 6 months old but I agree with you. I was very borderline with hemoglobin & I have Pots which causes low blood volume. Well, I had a large blood draw & it put me over the edge & I know I have anemia from the horrific symptoms & shortness of breath. A few weeks after taking iron pills the muscle pain went away which I thought was from Pots. Not long after all this I had Afib & was in the hospital for 5 days with 3 attacks while in there. I know my oxygen is low in a different test I took so I know it hasn't built up yet. My electrolytes are low possibly from the low oxygen? My heart started beating faster since the big blood draw since it's trying to get oxygen to other organs. We need our nutrients more than the doctors realize. Plz let me know if you read this. I am part English as well. There is more to this than it's just beating too fast, there is always a reason. My heart itself is fine. I didn't eat meat & my other parts of the storage became too low in my iron.
You say that there is no temporal relationship between the AFib and the stroke, but the prevailing theory is that the blood clots causing the strokes are mainly formed in the left atrial appendage (LAA) due to poor circulation during AFib. These clots can then dislodge at any arbitrary time, so it makes sense that there is not always a temporal relationship. So yes, AFib doesn't cause stroke directly, but it certainly can certainly cause it indirectly. The co-factors in CHADSVASC say something about the increased risk of clotting to occur in the LAA. I would be interested to hear your response :)
Yes, thanks. Dr Gupta is doing a wonderful service with these videos, but I too spotted this logic flaw in the good doctor's argument that the afib events do not directly cause the stroke. Thrombi can form in as little as 5 minutes, but can sit in the LAA for a very long time before being dislodged.
I was thinking along the same lines. The A-fib can cause pooling of blood that can lead to a clot that can result in a stroke. This video was made seven years ago and I wonder if the doctor still stands by the information in this video
Thank you very much absolutely very true. What I don’t like is the cardiologists that I have seen do not take the time to explain this and also do not take the time to see if you are a true candidate for strokes.
I think part of problem is here in the US the drug companies run ads on tv for blood thinners. We have Jerry West telling us he has A-fib and takes a blood thinner to prevent strokes.
@RXTE : The CHA2DS2-VASc score, can be done verbally. For instance, are you diabetic? Have you ever had a stroke? Do you have history of High Blood pressure. Look at the simple test in the link and if you score a 3 or higher, your doctor might just go ahead and prescribe. www.mdcalc.com/cha2ds2-vasc-score-atrial-fibrillation-stroke-risk
@@ccsitaround The U.S. has many tv ads shown daily about many pharmaceutical drugs! Most of them have serious and even deadly side-effects. There are already some class-action lawsuits filed against some of these drug companies..BUT..the commercials just keep on coming!!! Too much money to be made to stop them......
Dr s gupta is a genius,with Brilliant advice , reliable cardiologist no gimmicks he tells you how it is he knows what he is talking about ,why would anyone want to be on blood thinner when you dont really need it, you might need blood thinner but not mainly because of AF I think blood thinner depends on your CHADSVASC SCORE OF 2 and above pls check with your clinician before deciding on what to do. Thank you dr gupta for all your advice. I have used it before and it really helps thanks.
I have read that A fib could cause a clot to break loose from the artery wall that already has plaque breaking through it from a lot of inflammations. So, its not really causing the stroke, but rather it is helping to bring the stroke to happen.
Dr. Gupta sir listen your entire video very interesting and informative shows your mastery and devotion to your profession and your desire to help patients suffering from such symptoms. Laudable. My good wishes 09/11/2019
This has been very interesting to hear as I’m waiting to have ablation for AF.In 2017 I had a Takotsubo cardiopathy,long story!,since then I had suffered heart palpitations and my beta blocker dose increased,I was experiencing daily episodes.About 6 months ago I was put on an antidepressant to see if that would help,slight improvement but palpitations didn’t stop.I always if I needed an anticoagulant as I knew there was a worry about pooling which could cause a stroke.I was told I wouldn’t need as I didn’t have high blood pressure.Last October I collapsed in town ,I had a stroke! which affected my right side,i could not speak had weakness in my arm and hand,could not type,write,kept walking into things on my right! Was able to speak the next day after my stroke as time went by it became a lot better.I have made very good progress.I have always blamed not being on a anticoagulant the reason why had my stroke .Im taking one now! and will do for the rest of my life,I’m 58 by the way.So this was very interesting and changed my way of thinking on what’s happened to me.
So if I understand this correctly, I shouldn't need anti-coagulants or be worried about stroke. I'm 53 very occasional AFib and no other risk factors( high BP, diabetes ) and otherwise healthy and normal BMI. Your videos are excellent, thanks💕
Thank you Dr. Gupta. You can’t imagine how instrumental you are to people’s peace of mind. The information you provide is always delivered in a manner we can understand. You furnish clear guidelines and explanations so we can make informed decisions. You are one in a million. There’s nothing like peace of mind. You are appreciated. ❤️🙏
I’m believed to have had one episode of AFIB in December I’m 55 and my doctor wanted me on blood thinners straight away, I’ve not gone on them as yet and I’m still here for now, thank you for these videos ♥️
look into taking magneium..this channel recommends 400mg a day..he has lots of videos about it....also as a woman u should be getting 3400mg of potassium per day but thats difficult for many people depending on ur diet....both of these are crucial to the electrical system of ur heart
@@WillyEckaslike thank you for you’re input, I really appreciate this, love the name by the way, not heard that phrase for a long time, had to look twice ☺️
What I have been told is that Afib causes clotts, and therefore may create strokes, so the stroke may not happen at the same time as the Afib episode. In any case, I don't think I need the anticoagulant as I am older, but eat only a plant based diet, therefore my blood is good. I certainly don't want a stroke, but also don't like the bruising. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks. I first had AFIB 27 years ago. I agree with you. The other morbidities seem to facilitate stroke vs Afib. Historically, I have always been given coagulants. I had an ablation about 7 years ago. I have been jogging for 35 years and am thankful I am still able to exercise daily. I don't take thinners or any medicine except when i have been in afib. Thanks again.
Thank you Dr. Gupta -- all your videos have and continue to help me understand about atrial fibrillation. Recently my cardiologist and electrophysical cardiologist have proposed an AV ablation and installation of a pacemaker for me and kind of rushed me into setting a date for it which I agreed to. BUT since learning so much from you I have a lot of questions that need answering so I postponed the procedure(s). I am not short of breath, I do not have pain, I do have fatigue but think the proposed procedures will not help that. My comorbidities are hypertension and age (78 yrs). I am taking xarelto, metroprolol succinate and ditilazem. In reading about some Afib procedures I read in two places that the AV ablation/pacemaker procedure is a "last ditch" effort. Any advice is more than welcome although you are so generous with your time doing these videos that I don't want to impose on you. Please bring your pup into the picture sometimes.
I’m convinced my afib started with my acid reflex. I don’t feel right when I’m in acid reflex after eating sometimes and I feel afib come on sometimes. It helps to take even a 15 walk. I was nervous about the walk at first because my pulse rate increased enough to make me doubtful that this was a good idea, but after awhile the pulse rate settled down. Walking helps both the reflex and afib. 15 min a day and hopefully it will help you too
Did you end up having the procedure? I have Afib and consulted with an electro-cardiologist. His advice regarding a pacemaker was simple: as long as the heart is meeting the metabolic requirements of the body, don't do it. You mentioned you were not short of breath, etc., so perhaps your heart is meeting your metabolic requirements? Don't let the docs put a rush on you to get the procedure until you get an unbiased second opinion. "Unbiased" means you may have to travel... local docs tend to toe the line and don't like to contradict one another. I ended up going to another city and consulting with a University-affiliated cardiologist. PS - I should also mention that my echo-cardiogram was within normal limits.
Okay, okay, I will continue to take my Eliquis without complaint. I totally understand now, thanks to you, Dr. Gupta. I will still complain about the cost, however.
I was taking Eloquis for 1 1/2 years & have recently quit after reading the side effects... Internal bleeding & Many law suits! I have chosen to talk with my Health Food expert & am now taking Nattokinase, which dissolves blood clots. I also take L-Arginine & COQ10 that both help with the AFib! Hope this helps people out there who want to get off the Eloquis like I did!!
Sandra from SC - Nice explanation about factors that should be considered in making sound medical decisions. Its important that patients understand how these decision are made. I used to think drs had a secret wheel of fortune that they spun before they walked in to your appointment and you got whatever the spinner happened to land on. Laughing. I am a much better purveyor of my own health care now that I am informed. Thank you for all you do!!!!!!
I'm not on facebook because I do not support communists but I do enjoy you on youtube. I appreciate your thorough information and even though Im an older lady, I still like looking at a handsome man who just happens to be smart and accomplished as well. God Bless.
Great commonsense advice backed up with studies! I raised the same issues with my GP and cardiologist and was put on anti coagulants for afib even though my Chads score was Zero. Same when I went to the hospital with tachycardia......they wanted to double my dose of anti's but I refused.
Very interesting, but I presumed I was put on anticoagulants to help me when I went into Afib( make it easier for the heart to pump the blood), my doctor & consultant have never said to me Im putting you on anticoagulants for any other reason. Thankyou for the video, its made me look at my health in other ways( being overweight etc)
After 12 strokes, and with Afib, I challenge you to find what else caused my many strokes. Only 1 doctor out of many saw the Afib; the others thought the EKG was the Cape Argus.
I have AFib full time. I was diagnosed in November 2017. I had a cardiologist give me a cardioversion last October and it corrected my AFib for only two days. And now they want to do a sleep test and ablation or meds that correct it. I calm my AFib down by meditation. But it is still in AFib but not so strong. They have me on some blood thinners that I have to take twice a day. Plus they told me to drink tons of water. I’m 55 now and my AFib was mainly because of stress and lifestyle. I reduced my stress as much as I can and am on the keto diet to lose my over weight problem which came on when I was put on meds for my AFib. I weighed 175 before diawith AFib.
Thank you Dr Gupta. Your reading and summary of the many studies are so useful. The concept of "risk" is being used to dispense long term medications. After my ablation the medics say I should stay on Apixaban when I ask why they say increased risk of stroke. They then say 1% increase to which I reply 99% no change in risk which as a healthy 72 year old I will take. Similarly statins are dispensed due to Qrisk which is basically about age. The side effects of these pharmaceuticals also increase risk but that is never considered.
Makes a lot of sense. Blood vessel wall condition with associated co morbidities are more important factors. I am sure the same principle applies to those with high blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke. Enlightened!
U and ur community r my hope💖 My husband recently diagnosed by P AFib (no symptoms) His bp is normally low, just that his pulse gets to 80sh-90sh sometimes So we r opposing beta blockers As of Eliqius, we’re looking for alternative anticoagulants I want my husband to have comfortable rest of his life, not suffering side effects of drugs Started him recently on Berberine, hawthorn and magnesium Watching for hydration and electrolytes as well Bp and pulse r perfect now No symptoms whatsoever He’s 88, in good health naturally We want him to be comfortable and live long wo torture of procedures and hard drugs Would welcome any constructive suggestions 💕
You are so right! I have paroxysmal AFbib; the Dr. Prescribed Xarelto. I noticed my palpitations are not as frequent now. I fainted last October. I had thyroid surgery almost two years ago and my Dr. Found out the thyroid hormone was high, he said I probably fainted because the hyperthyroidism triggered an AFib. the TSH was 1.1. He adjusted the dosage of Levothyroxine. Now an electrophysiologist wants me to stop taking the anticoagulant; however My Neurologist told me very serious, “never stop taking them”. I have had many little strokes.😳 So even if my Atrial AFib is better, I could have a stroke because of my high B/P, and the previous little brain strokes he saw I had.
I appreciate all of your videos. I wish I would have seen them about 8 years ago when I first experienced my first pals that sent me to the hospital. Of course, by the time you get there, nothing. They send you to a heart doctor and by the time you get there and wear the monitor they are gone. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea which led to aflutter. After 2 cardioversions and 2 ablations, I now have afib. I am exercising and trying to lose weight now.
I fully agree with this thought/theory. I'm nearly 78 and have Paroxysmal Afib, and no other health issues. My heart is healthy, blood pressure is low, absolutely no other problems. I have a healthy diet, take a lot of supplements, do not eat or drink any of the trigger food/drink and am active. I have refused to take the Eliquis and am not very concerned about it. I very much appreciate your sharing all of this research you've done. It has helped me have more confidence in living without feeling like a ticking time-bomb.
I’m 66 and share your characteristics and attitude. No drugs whatsoever.
I want off of eliquis,do I need my blood to be thinned?,I gave up beta blockers and station drugs Ang feel great.
Same here. I have afib since I'm 30 years old. I stop drinking and smoking at 34 and I'm 56 now and working in construction all day of my life. Normal BP and very healthy plan to live until 100 years old
@@rachelcarantes5658 Awesome! A great example.
Amazing
Brilliant doctor who talks in simple terms so the layman can understand.
Too simple, redundant. Speed it up Doc.
I believe that he explains this very well.
I'm glad to hear this since I was recently diagnosed with Afib. I was surprised to learn I had it because I wasn't even aware of the rapid and irregular heartbeats and had no other symptoms. Strokes and heart attacks run in my family so I suspected it was also my eventual fate. So glad I stumbled onto Dr. Gupta in my search for information. I've learned so much and value him immensely because my doctor failed to explain A Fib and treatment adequately. I love listening to Dr. Gupta and appreciate his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise.
I totally Agree !!
Me too!! I had no symptoms - until they told me I had afib. Now I am worried about everything- heart wise.
Diet and lack of enough exercise can cause Afib's I'm dealing with it, alcohol can pretty much immediately cause the heart to go into "AFib" mode.
@@QuantumOfSolace1 same here, no symptom at all and was surprised the ECG shows I have AFib
🤣
@@QuantumOfSolace1 OMG, ME TOO!!
I just turned 59 and just wanted to tell you you made my day by saying I'm young.
60 is the new 50 :)
You are not young. Anything over 40is OLD!!!
My A-Fib has kept me in fear of stroke. The fear, I believe, triggered more A-Fib from the stress. So it was a vicious circle. Your videos have given me peace and my A-Fib is decreasing. Thank you so, so much.
How old are you Andre? Are you always in AFib or only sometimes?
Marco, had A-Fib on and off for thirty years, I ALWAYS knew it was STRESS related, in my book, that's an indisputable fact.
@Marco Antonio Uribe Jr Get a second opinion..Treat your body (self) with respect.Drop bad habits.Eat right.Exercise.You should be ok.You're too young for anxiety.
Same and I've been like this since 26 years old
I actually love what you wrote him that he is to young for anxiety I’ve been suffering with health anxiety since I was 19 and diagnosed with being an hypochondriac started having anxiety attacks around age 24-27 now I still suffer from some anxiety but not as major as it use to be. Now I’ve been having palpitations (PVCS) for almost a year off and on now and experienced this weird irregular heartbeat yesterday that has had me worried all night and day I’ve just recently received a stress test last week and a ECG . I go back this week to get a 24 hr holter monitor put on for 24 hrs and I get all my results Thursday! I’m so nervous I just pray everything is okay because I don’t want to be on meds because I don’t believe in taking meds I always felt horrible taking medicine I am so darn worried wish I didn’t worry so much about my health.
This makes total sense to me. I'm constantly amazed at your level headed and science based information! Thank you so much for this channel!
Thanks for the update on ventricular tachycardia, I feel much better doc, thank you 💝
To me it is logical.
Dr. Gupta, you are a GEM. I know so much more NOW. You speak simply and a doctors
degree is not needed to understand you. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLDGE.
Doctor Gupta not only explains things clearly, but his pace is perfect - similar to talking to a friend. Some experts' videos are so fast paced, i have to back up again and again & repeat. When doctors explain complex issues and studies, it takes a second or two to digest and go on to further complex ideas or conclusions. They simply talk too fast. Dr. Gupta's delivery is perfect!
Talks too slow disagree.
Wow! so glad I watched this video, may I call it "independent clear and sober thinking". Your perspective is priceless.
My father was on blood thinner. He went off of it. Took aspirin two years. He got tired of taking it. Informed his cardiologist he was not going to take anything. 6 months later got a stroke. It took him three years of therapy to talk and to think. He was very bright and witty , CEO of a big company. He never got back to the state of mind before a stroke. I’m not taking my chances. After a diagnosis I’m taking blood thinner.
All doctors I've seen with my A-F diagnosed a year ago have told me aspirin doesn't stop blood clotting/strokes - not strong enough. They immediately changed the aspirin to Apixaban.
My mum has a chad score of 3. She is amazing healthy and looks a lot younger then her 80 years. She has AFib , no other health problems. She is prepared to take beta blockers but not blood thinners
@@goldenautumn3073 will it destroy the kidneys more than aspirin..
I have AF and went off xarelto a few weeks later I had a stroke, I was very fit and active ate healthy so to the people on this thread think carefully about stopping anti coagulants
Started a new blood pressure medicine that shut down my remaining kidney and set me into a coma called stroke from high blood pressure..
Thanks again Sanjay! I really appreciated this one. My cardiologist does not like to take the time to explain all of this to me. So you are really fulfilling a definite need! 👍🌷
They don’t know, they are too busy promoting pharmaceutical drugs. They actually get flustered & mad if you ask too many questions...
They have Stressful Jobs & No two people are the Same
Dr Gupta, 😃 please don't let anyone affect u by saying you r not an electrophysiology or in anyway try to disqualify u. Many r certificated but few r truly educated. You r a gem, rare jewel in the medical field. Keep on being true to your promise to help us keep as healthy as possible. Greed for $ has its returns. Your reward comes from above. Dear Jesus bless u!
Are you unable to write full words?
Brilliant analysis of the research. Clear, concise communication. Absolute credit to your profession.
Extremely interesting and helpful. Particularly enlightening in trying to come to grips with the confusing and often unpleasant world of Afib. Thank you for all that you do.
This logical analysis by the good gentleman leads us to the understanding that afib is indeed a marker that when accompanied by various comorbidities can and often will lead to a stroke. But critically, in the absence of being accompanied by comorbidities, the afib in of itself is not a cause per se of strokes. The results of the studies speak for themselves. Excellent analysis that the rank and file medical practitioners choose to amazingly ignore, They advertise and throw the 500% greater risk of stroke stat at you, yet they fail to explain the big stroke numbers are occurring with afib + comorbidities. Bravo Dr. Gupta! Bill Florian
agreed.I'd like to know where they get the 5x times risk of stroke coming from ? which study ? what year ? are there any co-morbidities ?
Thank You so much for explaining so well Afib
Had soon a year ago Afib for först time. Why, NO one told me .Few months before Afib had concasion,surgery of my foot,Lots of stress.My heart is healthy, have no high blood presse or other comodities
76 year old physio, live very healthy life.Nutrition is for me important as physical aktivity.No smoker, drink very little red wine.
Benen on Eliquis for 7 months but stoped as i felt as zombie.
Aproved life style and I feel very well.
I did not believed in taking pills for rest of my life ,becouse I believe one can do a lot self by get more info,etc.This is what I did ❤
Mayo has beta blockers as a cause of enlarged prostate..sooner or later?...
@@Bunny69Beeif you just compare all individuals with Afib versus all individuals without AFib the five times Factor absent examining the categories of those with Afib is accurate. But when you get in the trenches and analyze those with afib without co-morbidities you see that number drop substantially
What is the difference between AF and SVT.
Do you ever think about or consider updating valuable posts like this one? Even if just to say, I'm still convinced of this and here's further proof that it is an accurate statement? Only because I know a lot can change in a few years. Even if not, I still think this is as important a statement as "cholesterol doesn't cause atherosclerosis" and I appreciate you for it!
I am so grateful that you take your valuable time to help people. I find it so hard to get the answers to my AF questions when the clock is ticking in a Doctor’s Office/surgery. Thank you so much. This video helped me understand my situation.
Brilliant video. This is coming from a Family Medicine MD. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this explanation! I was not given anticoagulants after my cardioversion because, I see now, because I had NO other comorbidities. My cardiologist thought and weighed this very carefully and discussed blood thinners with me - I didn't realize it was because Afib isnt really a CAUSE of stroke. WOW. Im feeling so much relief now! Sometimes my heart flutters really frighten me because of risk of stroke. I feel so much better now. THANK YOU. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Dr Sanjay, you have answered my questions with this video. You are amazing! Please accept all our thanks to you sir. I no longer take meds, especially anti coagulants, my atril fib was momentary at 78 and nothing else wrong in any way, I am very healthy.
I am mostly ok. Had one episode of afib. Now on blood thinners. How did you get off?
I am 79 and recently had afib while I had Covid. Was taken to the emergency room and all kinds of testing was done. Every one of them came back just fine. Didn’t find anything wrong with me. The cardiologist on duty put me on Eliquis and metoprolol. Both have dizziness as a side effect. I’ve been dizzy every day except one (18 days). I have no co morbidity’s except being a healthy 79 year old. When go to my follow up visit with the cardiologist I’m going to tell him I wan off those meds. I do not believe I need to be on them.
@@teresaholder750 😅
My best friend was recently diagnosed with Afib. I have been trying to educate myself on this condition so that I can better understand what he is experiencing. I have been so very scared of the possibilities of a stroke, but I now understand comorbidity. My bestie does not have any other health issues and he is under 60, so I feel confident that he will be a-okay with the help of his doctors and family!! Thank God!! And thank you, Doctor Sanjay! 🙏🏾
Thank yiu fr your most innformative talks. I do have A Fibs and they are scary. Your takks help us to cope better.
This was really helpful . . . Informative, concise, clear . . . I love this guy!!
I stopped anti-coagulants aged 60 in Jan 18 OK'd by my cardiologist. He discharged me saying in writing that I would not need anti coagulants till 65 as my stroke risk was minimal. I had a fairly large infarction in February. Thankfully I got to ward 41 of RVI and was given a thrombectomy.
Wow! I have had Afib since I was 40 I’m now I’m 64. Won’t nor will I take a blood thinner. Controlling it w diet and exercise and propanol.
This is wonderful to hear. I have paroxysmal Afib and have been scared that I would have a stroke during an episode. I have learned so much from you. Thank you.
What is paroxysmal ?
Thanks
@joanneurbanowicz4994 Atrial fibulation that comes and goes. If the heart returns to its normal rythym within seven days then that is paroxysmal A-fib.
Another great video thanks! I have very random Afib (been 12 months now since the last!), have no comorbidities, am getting on a bit at 49 years old, but this has really helped put my mind at rest regarding the stroke risk, Many thanks for your great work :)
Thank you DOC for your videos! They are literally life-saving
Very useful info and enlightening! You are a very knowledgeable doctor on AFIB. You reduced my anxieties. Thank you!
Dear sir I can not ever thank you enough for this video which popped up tonight after I’d been praying for an answer to wether I should take the blood thinners that Drs are constantly advising me to take, they made me feel so ill I stopped them, now I’m told I’m a ticking time bomb for a stroke if I don’t take them. Normal bp not diabetic age 69 recent diagnosed with afib. Thank you and God bless you always for caring about your patients the way you do
Ask Dr. GUPTA if karilla ( bitter melon) nd vitamin C eg: orange daily can suffice for pills. It has my sister.
Great explanation as usual, what Dr Gupta is effectively telling us is that everybody has the same body but none of us are the same !
Great video, I am 30 diagnosed a year ago with paroxysmal Afib and haven’t had an episode since but have had some pvc’s here and there. My doctor initially prescribed baby aspirin which I bruised very easily from and so I stopped. I know now that I had this condition for at least 8 years and just thought it was anxiety related. Typically mine were always triggered by something that caused dehydration. I appreciate your video and the time you spent on presenting this information. I think every since been diagnosed I have felt different even though I know it wasn’t my first episode. This video has really helped put things into a better perspective.
Hey how are you now? Are you on blood thinners or any medication?
I would also love to hear how you are doing now ? Also if you’re in blood thinners ? I’ve just been out on rivaroxaban and I’m not happy about it. I’m 47 years old and as of yet haven’t had any scans to see wether or not I have any other heart issues related to my afib.
If you have another attack, try the Modified Valsalva Manoeuvre (see Gupta's video on it)
@@raff23able I’m doing pretty well. That was 01/2020 when I had that episode and I’ve only had one other one in 09/2021 (self converted within a day) which I most likely induced from a long week of drinking and not properly hydrating. Also, my new doctor doesn’t have me on any medication at this time because of my low CHAD score.
Thank you, you are just incredible! Thank you especially for all your research and your wonderful way of communicating it. You give us so much peace! If only there were more doctors like you! Blessings on your life - professional and private!
I had a A-Fib for the first time in my life. I had low cholesterol, no strokes, blood clots, pain, etc. I was in the Internalist doctor's office to check my blood for Thyroid levels. I took my Thyroid meds and didn't take Metformin since I was fasting when my heart started to race. I now know I should take the Metformin even if I don't eat. Originally my levels were all in range. My T3 level was a low normal and my doctor decided to give me a regular thyroid pill plus T3 pill. After A-Fib my doctor took me off the Thyroid pills. I'm 79 with Type 2 Diabetic. I do get exercise, etc. Cardiologist wants me on blood thinner, etc Thank you for your study analysis.
Same. I was put on a very low dose of Levothyroxin for hypothyroidism. Had my first AFib episode two weeks ago and was taken off the Levo. I am 64 years old. I do have high blood pressure that I take meds for. Was put on metoprolol and xarelto also.
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 what was your experience with Metroprolol? I know two people, who fainted, and were taken off of it.
@@annsupdates4909 Welp, even though I was only put on very low dosage I experienced major fatigue!! And I did some research and found that contrary to what most doctors were taught, that this go-to drug for heart patients did NOT in fact prevent heart attacks or heart failure. It did Not improve heart function. It was a study done over about, I think it said 20 years? And it was a double -blind study with several thousand heart patients that were followed. So over a year ago I ditched the metoprolol completely. But like I said, I was on a very low dose to start with! I still take the blood-thinner because of the high risk of stroke from blood-clots due to Afib. Also want to say that if my resting heart rate was high then I might have considered staying on the metoprolol?🤔 Because yes, it Does lower your heart rate! But it ALSO lowers everything else! Our bodies have beta-cells throughout, not just in our hearts! So *everything* gets slowed way down! That's WHY you can feel so sluggish and fatigued on a beta-blocker such as metoprolol!😉
Tip: I do keep a script of metoprolol around. Why? Because when I have an Afib episode I will sometimes take a tablet to help slow my heart rate down. Thank Goodness I don't experience Afib very often anymore!#YAY!
Hope this was helpful and you could understand me in spite of my rambling and long, run-on sentences!!😊
@BPJ I Agree. And if my heart rate was high, then I would take the beta blocker. But my resting heart rate is in normal range already, and the metoprolol makes it drop too low which made me feel very slow and sluggish!
I always try and eat clean and nourishing meals. And I exercise daily, along with staying active with doing chores and housework ect.
And thank heavens, my Afib episodes are much less intense and much less frequent lately! #YAY! (Wishing you all the best!😉)
If you go on Keto and make intermittent fasting, you'll not be diabetic patient...so, you don't need to take Metformin and nothing else...
Berberine is the best for diabetic patient.
Love all the info I get from you......Thank you. I have AFib and had ablasion but still having issues . My Dr is keeping me on all 3 meds do to my age and other health issues. Have a great day.
This consultant is so clear and encouraging. I'm joining his FB page right away!
I 1000000% agree,
Too often people confuse causation with correlation,
What I mean by that is just because something happens to be present during a study doesn't mean it is the cause of the effect, so thank you for pointing that out.
By making this I am sure you will be able to prevent people from making bad choices when it comes to their health and medications.
Thank you Doctor.
Finally, a doctor who actually thinks! What about thiamine deficiency/treatment to solve both AFib and stroke issues?
The best video about a-fib
Had to listen to this video because of the title. It has sown a bit of confusion, but I completely understand your point Dr. Gupta - it is other health problems + age + Afib that increases risk of strokes rather than Afib on its own. Like many others, I thank you for trying to help patients with AF. Although I have been told I am at risk of a stroke (having AF, being over 65 and female), I have decided against anticoagulation for the moment, preferring to find my own way of stopping my Afib through supplements (magnesium taurate), ppi therapy for gastric problems and treatment for sleep apnea before going down the ablation/anticoagulation route. Not sure why but my symptoms have eased considerably but only time will tell if this continues, since I believe Afib is usually progressive. One thing I do know is that it helps to want to take control rather than just leave it to cardiologists/electrophysiologists. Good luck everyone.
Therese Paolini hi may i Just asi how are you doing now and whether you had aby blood clot without anticoagulation? My mom takes them but hates them because it give her heartburn but i am afraid of stroke.
Therese Paolini hh
,
L
I had an attack for 2 weeks. Took Heart Calm magnesium and the Afib gradually got better where I can't feel it anymore.
i was taking eliquis i got so sick of it... so many bieffects... i could not have a regular day or life while taking it... headaches! felt sick to my stomach i had to run to the toilets many times per day... neckpains out of breath because it causes to red bloodcells decreasing... i slept 5-7 times per day because i was exhausted.... i felt hungover like hell... so this is good to hear... thank you!
Provocative title ? to say the least! Love it!
Timely discussion. I recently had an ablation for AFIB, and the electrophysiologist advised that I should continue eliquis for a few weeks more. I related to him that I had only minor, occasional bruising, and that my incidence of retinal migraine had dropped markedly after starting eliquis. I also mentioned that his cardiology group had started me on this drug based on my CHADS score. Given any voice in the matter, I'll chose to continue this rather expensive regimen. Thank you for giving me more ammunition for this fight.
I have been in at fib since January 2022. I had moved into a disability apt for a few months and was also experiencing dehydration quite a bit in Florida. I drank appx 2 cups.of Star books coffee each.day and occasionally started drinking Matucha tea. Also I found out the people.above my apt that had moved in smoked medical Marijuana which also smelled.of chemicals. I asked management to move me to a different apt dud to my becoming dizzy and not feeling well. They continued to ignore me. The next thing I remember was not being able to catch my breath and felt I was dying. I ended up in ER with very fast atrial fib . I was admitted to icu and told.i needed to go on a blood thinner. Everything happened so quick and I never had this before or understood what was happening to me. They decided to tube me and a procedure to try to put me back in normal sinus rhythm. I was scared and took the Eliquis 5mg 2x a day. The procedure showed I had a blood clot in left Atrium. I was.told I had to stay on blood thinner. I was also told I had hbp, and chf. .I was tubed and had.same procedure 2 more times within 2-3 months. Last procedure was told it " looked like a calcification in my left Atrium. I WAS.PUT ON PRADAXA 150MG 2XDA. METOPROLOL SUCC ER 100 MG ,DIGOXIN 125 MCG 1 TAB X1 A DAY, ZESTRIL 2.5 MG 1.TAB A DAY , LASIX 20 MG 1 TAB DA AND TAKEN OFF ELIQUS AND THE OTHER MEDS. WE HAD A major hurricane 2 MONTHS LATER. I WAS EVACUATED TO HURRICANE SHELTER
for 3.months with no medical care. FROM there I WAS sent by Red Cross to
Another town to heart hopital. I LOST EVERYHING I HAD. I HAD NO MONEY SO AND COULD NOT AFFORD MY PRADAXA DOE.TO COST. MY NEW DOCTOR CHANGED MY PRADAXA BACK TO ELIQUIS 5 MG X2 ADAY. TODAY IS MARCH 24 AND I STARTED ELIQUIS YESTERDAY WITH THE DIGOXIN, ZESTRIL AND.LASIX . I AM SCARED AND..AM SCHEDULED TO SEE A CARDOLOGIST.I HOPE SOON. I AM STILL IN AT. FIB AND HAVE HAD NO LAB WORK YET . STILL NOT SURE ABOUT CLOT OR IF ITS CALSIFICATIED?
ALSO IS THERE A INTERACTION BETWEEN MY.DIGOXIN AND ELIQUIS? ZESTRIL? LASIX? ANY SUGGESTIONS. I NEED YOUR EMAIL PLEASE. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED. J.
My Doctor is trying to scare me into going on Warfrin for my AF. I'm right out refusing because I don't believe I will have a stroke from AF. I was on so many heart meds after a heart attack in 2014 that made me so ill that I could barely function. I came off all meds and swore I'd rather die than feel that disabled ever again. .. So next time I go my doctors for something and he hijacks that app to discuss Warfrin like he does everytime, I am showing him this video. . So thankyou for reinforcing what I feel instinctively about the risk of stroke from AF and need for Warfrin
The risk of strokes goes up with age (>65) and additional comorbidities. The aim of the video was to make people aware that it is those things in addition to the AF that increase the risk of strokes
I feel that perhaps the title of the video is misleading . I’m am 74 and newly diagnosed with Paroxysmal A fib . And Zero co morbidities . So am now on a blood thinner , a beta blocker and an antiarrythmic .
do you know that Warfarin is actually "rat poison" ? . if you don't believe, go and check in the supermarket aisle. My mom died from bleeding stroke (non-ischemic) in 2007. She had been on warfarin for a year. The INR level of the blood need to be reviewed through daily blood test best done in hospital setting.
@@Bunny69Bee sorry to hear that about your mom 💜
Some of the medicines prescribed for AF can heighten the risk of stroke.
Which ones? Please say more
I also wanted to say that having just found your channel you have explained more things to me in an hour or so than all the experts who have treated me have done in the almost 18 months since I had my stroke. Thank you so much for this site with this absolutely excellent information and clearly explained detail.
(29 F with afib)When I asked my electrophysiologist at the Cleveland clinic(highly rated for the cardiology department), if getting an ablation would stop my risk of strokes he flat out said "no". He had no hesitation in his answer. 100% confidence. He said they do it when the palpitations/afib interferes with someones life too much or start to cause physical changes in the heart.
Prior to the appointment I was going to ask to get an ablation; after his answer it felt like it was the equivalent of "cosmetic surgery" for your heart.
I agree. I had one episode other then a skipped beat once in a while which has happened since I was in my 20s now 50's. My electrophysiologist said ablation right away. I want to fix the cause not the symptom. Some people that have had ablation either have to have more than one or have to have ablations every few years as thought the heart heals and goes right back to the previous afib. Anxiety is my biggest hurdle.
Your cardiologist at the CC was exactly correct.
Wait what? That's confusing. I don't understand.
Does your cardiologist mean that we all (AFib or not) have an equal chance of stroke?
@@JWard2 That is precisely what this video says. Afib is not a risk factor in CHA2DS2 - VASc which the doctors use to decide whether or not to put you on anticoagulants. If you are over 65, presto, here is a prescription.
Seems like the same story as statins, the pharmaceutical companies have another tool to fatten their bank accounts.
@@JWard2 IF you also have co-morbidities such as over 65 years of age, plus other factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, ect., then AFib or no AFib your risk of stroke is very High!!!
I’ve had AF, 3 ablations, low co morbidity scores and stopped anti coagulation after each procedure. Now have Watchman to block heart pouch where most clots form. Feeling good improving health with Keto, etc! Thanks for your heart ♥️ info! Makes sense. 💥
Dr. Gupta, what was explained to me by a cardiologist after an ER/admission due to AF was that while the heart is in the action of atrial fibrillation, it pumps blood less efficiently. The heartbeat is obviously more erratic and (in my case) was pumping at a much faster rate. He showed me video from an echocardiogram I'd had while in AF to illustrate the point.
The danger, according to him, was that during this time that the chambers of your heart aren't pumping in normal rhythm, some blood will pool at the bottom of the ventricle (I can't remember if he specified which one) and that after your heart returns to sinus rhythm, the heart returns to a more efficient pumping rhythm and can pump out that pooled blood, which can cause clots that can potentially lead to stroke.
So my question is, is this an incorrect description of what happens to the heart's efficiently/pumping/rhythm where a certain amount of blood can begin to clot in one of the chambers of the heart that can then be pumped out after you are converted and return to normal/sinus rhythm?
I'm not doubting the data you presented in the video, I'm just curious as to if that period between atrial fibrillation and conversion to sinus rhythm can indeed cause some pre-clotting or clotted blood to enter the bloodstream as a result of that conversion.
Would really appreciate a reply to this from Dr Gupta. I found the video very interesting and stroke risk is a real worry for us Afibbers and I homed in on the blood clotting/pooling in the atrial appendage, so surely this can happen with or without comorbidities??
My doctor said this too about Afib even thou I have no comorbidities except age (69) and female. My BP is on the low side (usually 110-115 over 65 / 75.
@@susanprice4416 n9
Exact explanation that my doctor gave.
@@susanprice4416 yes, i have the same question. Could the risk of stroke EXIST REGARDLESS of comorbidities like being over 65yo, have High BP etc. Because technically the blood could easily CLOT when the atria is fibrillating like that all the time . Just because the study did not show that data, does not mean that theory is wrong (that you could be at risk of stroke WITHOUT the co-morbs ....
Thank you for such a great explanation of A. fib treatment and anticoagulation! I'm going for a consult today to an interventional cardiologist to discuss possibly ablation for my P. A. fib. I feel much better prepared to discuss this with the info you presented!
Fascinating. I had always wondered why whether I was in AF or not wasn't included in the CHA2DS2VASC score. Yes, it's a scoring system for those with AF, but it doesn't differentiate between AF and NSR, or paroxysmal/permanent etc. which you would think it would if the stroke risk was due, temporally, to AF. The scoring kind of implies that it's for when you are in AF permanently. From my own experience post-ablation, all 3 of my Cardios over the years (one an eminent UK professor, one my EP who did the ablation and is equally eminent and the last my local Cardio who is also well respected in the field) were very clear that I should not **automatically** come off anti-coagulant post ablation and this needed discussion. But they did agree to me coming off since my risks were at the time low - score of 1 due to high BP. I think the provocative title of this video is great since it highlights a misunderstanding - it got my attention!
This guy is an angel and probably one of the most well-spoken intelligent doctors I have ever heard in my life and I am 66 years old and have been in the medical field for 30 years.. God bless him for helping people like us.. I am having palpitations and not sure if I am having a fib or not but I have to wait 3 weeks to get a 72-hour holter monitor which is making me crazy..
I have frequent periods of "racing of the heart" .It is not painful so I felt I did not need to see a Dr. Because of this information I will definitely make an appointment!
Can you please speak to the role inflammation plays in all of these health issues? Thank you for your good work in this area. Much appreciated!
Your video is so timely in my case bc I'm NOT falling into agreement with ER doctors that treated me for heart palpitations as Afib when I was suffering from 3rd degree sun burns all over my body and accidentally took an untimely Rx dose of Prednisone too soon ... Because I was 70 and had the usual age factors, I was told I have Afib despite previously passing rigorous heart testing in January & June 2021.
Thank You - I learn so much for your analytic video content !!! I am willing to make MY health decisions based on my specific health conditions and NOT what is PROTOCOL MEDICINE for the millions of people UNAWARE !!!
Excellent points!
Thanks for making these videos. I find them very helpful.
York Cardiology - Finding these 'old' videos - apart from their invaluable information - its somehow enhancing to have the camera (us) looking up to you! You did a good job of putting the 'tiresome' nitpickers to bed...
Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for this enlightening discourse on stroke, atrial fibrillation, and the scoring system used to consider anticoagulation. It has brought to me a whole new understanding about these, and I am grateful to you for posting this.
thank you so much!
@@YorkCardiology I had some Afib “attacks” lasting about 6-10 hours usually converted in the ER with IV meds from age 35-50. I knew the second I was in Afib as it felt like a fish flopping in my chest. I could not have any kind of normal life if it stayed like that. I was put on Atenolol 25 mg but still had some episodes of Afib even then. I started taking magnesium, fish oil and CoQ10 and cut all caffeine to zero. I can’t say what stopped the Afib attacks but they stopped about 15 years ago and have had EKG test since then showing normal rhythm though I would know anyway if I wasn’t. I still take the Atenolol 25 mg. Would like to wean off that but afraid I would have a rebound effect or have Afib again. I am now 66 years old and told 5 years ago I had sleep apnea. I am only 10-15 lbs over my ideal weight of 160. I tried the best sleep apena machine and three different mask they had but could never tolerate in more then 2 hours and slept very little for the month I tried it. I felt like I was on a ventilator. Did not seem like normal breathing no matter how it was set. Caused a lot of anxiety for sure. That was 4 years ago and I took it back and have not tried it again. My wife says I do still snore but she has never heard me stop breathing. My hemoglobin in past 4 years has went from 16.5-18. After many blood test by hematologist only link was possible sleep apnea. Any ideas or suggestions?
The afib stalls blood flow in the atrium, especially in the left atrial appendage. This leads to the blood clotting in these areas and eventially the clots peel off and cause strokes. Anticoagulants dissolve these clots.
Anticoagulants do not dissolve clots
Anticoagulation causes blood to move more seem less aka this movement makes people feel like their blood has thinned. Dr. Gupta did a video on anticoagulants maybe you could watch it for a better understanding.
@@LadyLøcienneRaynbeau Anti-coagulants interfer with the clotting process. Slows it way down. If I get even a scratch or minor cut I will bleed for quite a long time before to clotting mechanism kicks in enough to stop the bleeding! I take the blood-thinner xarelto.
I haven't noticed any negative side-effects yet, and I've been taking it for almost 3 years now. Of course there's always the risk of an uncontrolled bleeding event, so I try to be very careful! I am 67 and have moderate high blood pressure.
@@LadyLøcienneRaynbeauBlood moving more seamless, obviously doesn't have time to hang around and clot. This is the point.
Do anti coagulants cause calcification of the arteries and joints?
Hi -thanks - clearly explained and makes perfect sense. I'm a cardiology reg. However if AF and stroke not linked then this raises the question as to why we anti-coagulate prior to cardioversion?
Perviz they anti coagulate before a cardioversion because after you get into sinus rhythm the atria still quiver for a while so the blood can still pool, yet I understand why you are asking . I think the main issue would have been that after you convert if there was a clot it would probably push it thru but they usually do a TEE to see if there is one so not sure..
What a relief ! I have been told by two doctors recently that I will have stroke unless I do what they say and take anti coagulants. I did take them for a few weeks and they nearly killed me. Quite horrible. I have discovered that many, many diseases, medications etc. cause AFIB My family has a complicated inherited medical history with Pernicious Anemia, too long to explain here, but they seem to live long with AFIB. My Mother lived to 90 even though she had not been treated for it since she was a child (had to eat raw liver every day) and the injections were only started in her late 50's. She had the excessive bleeding that comes with some P A's I believe the AFIB is caused by the heart trying to get oxygen around to the major organs, not because of heart disease, but because there is a problem in the blood with the corpuscles. I was encouraged by your post. I have so much more information to give but here is not the place. I am English but I live in Texas, where there are diseases that can only be cured by Big Pharma.
I realize your post is 6 months old but I agree with you. I was very borderline with hemoglobin & I have Pots which causes low blood volume. Well, I had a large blood draw & it put me over the edge & I know I have anemia from the horrific symptoms & shortness of breath. A few weeks after taking iron pills the muscle pain went away which I thought was from Pots. Not long after all this I had Afib & was in the hospital for 5 days with 3 attacks while in there. I know my oxygen is low in a different test I took so I know it hasn't built up yet. My electrolytes are low possibly from the low oxygen? My heart started beating faster since the big blood draw since it's trying to get oxygen to other organs. We need our nutrients more than the doctors realize. Plz let me know if you read this. I am part English as well. There is more to this than it's just beating too fast, there is always a reason. My heart itself is fine. I didn't eat meat & my other parts of the storage became too low in my iron.
You say that there is no temporal relationship between the AFib and the stroke, but the prevailing theory is that the blood clots causing the strokes are mainly formed in the left atrial appendage (LAA) due to poor circulation during AFib. These clots can then dislodge at any arbitrary time, so it makes sense that there is not always a temporal relationship. So yes, AFib doesn't cause stroke directly, but it certainly can certainly cause it indirectly. The co-factors in CHADSVASC say something about the increased risk of clotting to occur in the LAA. I would be interested to hear your response :)
Yes, thanks. Dr Gupta is doing a wonderful service with these videos, but I too spotted this logic flaw in the good doctor's argument that the afib events do not directly cause the stroke. Thrombi can form in as little as 5 minutes, but can sit in the LAA for a very long time before being dislodged.
I was thinking along the same lines. The A-fib can cause pooling of blood that can lead to a clot that can result in a stroke. This video was made seven years ago and I wonder if the doctor still stands by the information in this video
Interesting valuable video on AF. Learning lot from your generous video. Thank you Dr
Thank you very much absolutely very true. What I don’t like is the cardiologists that I have seen do not take the time to explain this and also do not take the time to see if you are a true candidate for strokes.
Finally someone who agrees with me and has proof
I was just diagnosed with a fib. I am optimistic with my treatment. Working with my nature path ,doctor and cardiologist
I think part of problem is here in the US the drug companies run ads on tv for blood thinners.
We have Jerry West telling us he has A-fib and takes a blood thinner to prevent strokes.
@RXTE No Cardiologist should be giving you blood thinners unless they have first evaluated you on the CHA2DS2-VASc score, mentioned in this video.
@RXTE : The CHA2DS2-VASc score, can be done verbally. For instance, are you diabetic? Have you ever had a stroke? Do you have history of High Blood pressure. Look at the simple test in the link and if you score a 3 or higher, your doctor might just go ahead and prescribe. www.mdcalc.com/cha2ds2-vasc-score-atrial-fibrillation-stroke-risk
RXTE time USA about the only country that has these tv drug ads on, should be stopped doing these tv ads
@@ccsitaround The U.S. has many tv ads shown daily about many pharmaceutical drugs! Most of them have serious and even deadly side-effects. There are already some class-action lawsuits filed against some of these drug companies..BUT..the commercials just keep on coming!!! Too much money to be made to stop them......
Thank you so much for the much needed information. I have learned so many things watching your videos. It puts at ease with my medical care.
Dr s gupta is a genius,with Brilliant advice , reliable cardiologist no gimmicks he tells you how it is he knows what he is talking about ,why would anyone want to be on blood thinner when you dont really need it, you might need blood thinner but not mainly because of AF I think blood thinner depends on your CHADSVASC SCORE OF 2 and above pls check with your clinician before deciding on what to do. Thank you dr gupta for all your advice. I have used it before and it really helps thanks.
I have read that A fib could cause a clot to break loose from the artery wall that already has plaque breaking through it from a lot of inflammations. So, its not really causing the stroke, but rather it is helping to bring the stroke to happen.
Dr. Gupta sir listen your entire video very interesting and informative shows your mastery and devotion to your profession and your desire to help patients suffering from such symptoms. Laudable. My good wishes 09/11/2019
You are a diamond Sanjay! God bless you for this. 👍🏻
This has been very interesting to hear as I’m waiting to have ablation for AF.In 2017 I had a Takotsubo cardiopathy,long story!,since then I had suffered heart palpitations and my beta blocker dose increased,I was experiencing daily episodes.About 6 months ago I was put on an antidepressant to see if that would help,slight improvement but palpitations didn’t stop.I always if I needed an anticoagulant as I knew there was a worry about pooling which could cause a stroke.I was told I wouldn’t need as I didn’t have high blood pressure.Last October I collapsed in town ,I had a stroke! which affected my right side,i could not speak had weakness in my arm and hand,could not type,write,kept walking into things on my right!
Was able to speak the next day after my stroke as time went by it became a lot better.I have made very good progress.I have always blamed not being on a anticoagulant the reason why had my stroke .Im taking one now! and will do for the rest of my life,I’m 58 by the way.So this was very interesting and changed my way of thinking on what’s happened to me.
Spelling mistake!...Cardiomyopathy
So if I understand this correctly, I shouldn't need anti-coagulants or be worried about stroke. I'm 53 very occasional AFib and no other risk factors( high BP, diabetes ) and otherwise healthy and normal BMI. Your videos are excellent, thanks💕
Thank you Dr. Gupta. You can’t imagine how instrumental you are to people’s peace of mind. The information you provide is always delivered in a manner we can understand. You furnish clear guidelines and explanations so we can make informed decisions. You are one in a million. There’s nothing like peace of mind. You are appreciated. ❤️🙏
I’m believed to have had one episode of AFIB in December I’m 55 and my doctor wanted me on blood thinners straight away, I’ve not gone on them as yet and I’m still here for now, thank you for these videos ♥️
look into taking magneium..this channel recommends 400mg a day..he has lots of videos about it....also as a woman u should be getting 3400mg of potassium per day but thats difficult for many people depending on ur diet....both of these are crucial to the electrical system of ur heart
@@WillyEckaslike thank you for you’re input, I really appreciate this, love the name by the way, not heard that phrase for a long time, had to look twice ☺️
thank you Doctor Gupta. I am thankful that you make your amazing videos to help me understand my heart problems.
What I have been told is that Afib causes clotts, and therefore may create strokes, so the stroke may not happen at the same time as the Afib episode. In any case, I don't think I need the anticoagulant as I am older, but eat only a plant based diet, therefore my blood is good. I certainly don't want a stroke, but also don't like the bruising. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks. I first had AFIB 27 years ago. I agree with you. The other morbidities seem to facilitate stroke vs Afib. Historically, I have always been given coagulants. I had an ablation about 7 years ago. I have been jogging for 35 years and am thankful I am still able to exercise daily. I don't take thinners or any medicine except when i have been in afib. Thanks again.
Thank you Dr. Gupta -- all your videos have and continue to help me understand about atrial fibrillation. Recently my cardiologist and electrophysical cardiologist have proposed an AV ablation and installation of a pacemaker for me and kind of rushed me into setting a date for it which I agreed to. BUT since learning so much from you I have a lot of questions that need answering so I postponed the procedure(s). I am not short of breath, I do not have pain, I do have fatigue but think the proposed procedures will not help that. My comorbidities are hypertension and age (78 yrs). I am taking xarelto, metroprolol succinate and ditilazem. In reading about some Afib procedures I read in two places that the AV ablation/pacemaker procedure is a "last ditch" effort. Any advice is more than welcome although you are so generous with your time doing these videos that I don't want to impose on you. Please bring your pup into the picture sometimes.
I’m convinced my afib started with my acid reflex. I don’t feel right when I’m in acid reflex after eating sometimes and I feel afib come on sometimes. It helps to take even a 15 walk. I was nervous about the walk at first because my pulse rate increased enough to make me doubtful that this was a good idea, but after awhile the pulse rate settled down. Walking helps both the reflex and afib. 15 min a day and hopefully it will help you too
Did you end up having the procedure? I have Afib and consulted with an electro-cardiologist. His advice regarding a pacemaker was simple: as long as the heart is meeting the metabolic requirements of the body, don't do it. You mentioned you were not short of breath, etc., so perhaps your heart is meeting your metabolic requirements? Don't let the docs put a rush on you to get the procedure until you get an unbiased second opinion. "Unbiased" means you may have to travel... local docs tend to toe the line and don't like to contradict one another. I ended up going to another city and consulting with a University-affiliated cardiologist. PS - I should also mention that my echo-cardiogram was within normal limits.
Okay, okay, I will continue to take my Eliquis without complaint. I totally understand now, thanks to you, Dr. Gupta. I will still complain about the cost, however.
I was taking Eloquis for 1 1/2 years & have recently quit after reading the side effects... Internal bleeding & Many law suits! I have chosen to talk with my Health Food expert & am now taking Nattokinase, which dissolves blood clots. I also take L-Arginine & COQ10 that both help with the AFib! Hope this helps people out there who want to get off the Eloquis like I did!!
How much here in Australia it is cheap senior is $7.00.but normal price under $30 must about 20 here
Fascinating video, so informative, many thanks.
Sandra from SC - Nice explanation about factors that should be considered in making sound medical decisions. Its important that patients understand how these decision are made. I used to think drs had a secret wheel of fortune that they spun before they walked in to your appointment and you got whatever the spinner happened to land on. Laughing. I am a much better purveyor of my own health care now that I am informed. Thank you for all you do!!!!!!
Many, many thanks dr. Gupta. Your information is tremendously appreciated!
Wow! You made you click bait title make sense. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us in You Tube!
This is a great example of confusing correlation with causation.
answered my questions exactly and gave me new insight in to that larger picture
Great video. You made it very easy to understand!
I'm not on facebook because I do not support communists but I do enjoy you on youtube. I appreciate your thorough information and even though Im an older lady, I still like looking at a handsome man who just happens to be smart and accomplished as well. God Bless.
Great commonsense advice backed up with studies! I raised the same issues with my GP and cardiologist and was put on anti coagulants for afib even though my Chads score was Zero. Same when I went to the
hospital with tachycardia......they wanted to double my dose of anti's but I refused.
Very interesting, but I presumed I was put on anticoagulants to help me when I went into Afib( make it easier for the heart to pump the blood), my doctor & consultant have never said to me Im putting you on anticoagulants for any other reason. Thankyou for the video, its made me look at my health in other ways( being overweight etc)
After 12 strokes, and with Afib, I challenge you to find what else caused my many strokes. Only 1 doctor out of many saw the Afib; the others thought the EKG was the Cape Argus.
I have AFib full time. I was diagnosed in November 2017. I had a cardiologist give me a cardioversion last October and it corrected my AFib for only two days. And now they want to do a sleep test and ablation or meds that correct it. I calm my AFib down by meditation. But it is still in AFib but not so strong. They have me on some blood thinners that I have to take twice a day. Plus they told me to drink tons of water. I’m 55 now and my AFib was mainly because of stress and lifestyle. I reduced my stress as much as I can and am on the keto diet to lose my over weight problem which came on when I was put on meds for my AFib. I weighed 175 before diawith AFib.
How are you doing today? I believe stress brought on my afib. Just started blood thinners.
Thank you Dr Gupta. Your reading and summary of the many studies are so useful. The concept of "risk" is being used to dispense long term medications. After my ablation the medics say I should stay on Apixaban when I ask why they say increased risk of stroke. They then say 1% increase to which I reply 99% no change in risk which as a healthy 72 year old I will take. Similarly statins are dispensed due to Qrisk which is basically about age. The side effects of these pharmaceuticals also increase risk but that is never considered.
I had my ablation on 5/3/24 and I had a few incidents of Afib but these have steadily diminished and are just becoming a memory.
Yet another clear and concise explanation, thankyou Sanjay
Turly amazing Dr. Gupta. You help so much for me and the people who have FB. Really eased my mind.
Makes a lot of sense.
Blood vessel wall condition with associated co morbidities are more important factors.
I am sure the same principle applies to those with high blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke.
Enlightened!
Great. Thank you for this very interesting subject.
U and ur community r my hope💖
My husband recently diagnosed by P AFib (no symptoms)
His bp is normally low, just that his pulse gets to 80sh-90sh sometimes
So we r opposing beta blockers
As of Eliqius, we’re looking for alternative anticoagulants
I want my husband to have comfortable rest of his life, not suffering side effects of drugs
Started him recently on Berberine, hawthorn and magnesium
Watching for hydration and electrolytes as well
Bp and pulse r perfect now
No symptoms whatsoever
He’s 88, in good health naturally
We want him to be comfortable and live long wo torture of procedures and hard drugs
Would welcome any constructive suggestions 💕
Thank you so much. I now have better understanding of Afib.
You are so right! I have paroxysmal AFbib; the Dr. Prescribed Xarelto. I noticed my palpitations are not as frequent now. I fainted last October.
I had thyroid surgery almost two years ago and my Dr. Found out the thyroid hormone was high, he said I probably fainted because the hyperthyroidism triggered an AFib. the TSH was 1.1. He adjusted the dosage of Levothyroxine.
Now an electrophysiologist wants me to stop taking the anticoagulant; however My Neurologist told me very serious, “never stop taking them”. I have had many little strokes.😳
So even if my Atrial AFib is better, I could have a stroke because of my high B/P, and the previous little brain strokes he saw I had.
I appreciate all of your videos. I wish I would have seen them about 8 years ago when I first experienced my first pals that sent me to the hospital. Of course, by the time you get there, nothing. They send you to a heart doctor and by the time you get there and wear the monitor they are gone. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea which led to aflutter. After 2 cardioversions and 2 ablations, I now have afib. I am exercising and trying to lose weight now.
How are you doing today?