There is hope for you

AFIB treatment options have given hope to millions of people throughout the world and will continue to do so. It is something that is ever-changing and new developments are always on the horizon. Our job, as AFIB warriors, is to keep on hoping, believing and managing our bodies.  Here’s the deal…..

What you must know and believe is that there are options available. Do not be struck down by the AFIB dragon. Sometimes easier said than done …..I agree.  You have a few AFIB treatment options to work with.

During my own journey, I have had those “what to do now” days and weeks, but hoping and believing pulled me through to the next option. I think you will agree with me that being confronted with AFIB is a shock. Here are some AFIB treatment options for you, actually…… for your doctor to implement.

We all know prevention is better than cure and here are some tips to prevent AFIB on the link.

AFIB TREATMENT OPTIONS

OPTION 1

Is it Paroxysmal or Persistent AFIB? If it is paroxysmal there is a chance that it could go away if some triggers are avoided. If not, move on to the next option.

OPTION 2

Rate or Rhythm control.

In plain words, Rate control manages the “speed” of the heartbeats. It slows down the heart rate but there is still fibrillation within the atria(top heart chambers), meaning it is still “out of rhythm”.There are many people who live a normal “out of rhythm” life.

The alternative is rhythm control and it is a strategy of restoring the sinus rhythm and thus keeping the heart “in rhythm”.

 

OPTION 3

If you go the Rhythm control route your doctor will still give anticoagulation drugs for you if you have stroke risk factors. To get you in rhythm (no it does not have anything to do with your dance moves) there are the following options.

OPTION 3.1

Antiarrhythmic drugs:

OPTION 3.1.1

The first group is called Sodium channel blockers. These could include: Flecainide (Tambocor), Propafenone (Rythmol), Disopyramide and others.

OPTION 3.1.2

The second group is called Potassium channel blockers namely: Amiodarone (Cordarone and Pacerone), Dronedarone (Multaq). Sotalol (Betapace) is both a beta-blocker and potassium channel blocker.

OPTION 3.2

Ablation. This can include catheter ablation but other types of ablation are also available.

OPTION 3.3

Cardioversion. Yes, they will shock it in rhythm for you! It sounds scary but it actually is a non-invasive, quick and painless experience. I’ve had 8 throughout my life. Only once did I have some acid reflux problems a day or so after the procedure.

OPTION 3.4

Surgery like a MAZE procedure.

OPTION 4

If you go the Rate Control route you will probably take a Beta Blocker like: Metoprolol (Lopressor), Bisoprolol (Zebeta), Acebutolol (Sectral), Atenolol (Tenormin), Nadolol(Corgard) or Propranolol (Inderal).

OPTION 5

Pacemaker! It is usually implanted in people whose heart beats to slow but in people who have atrial fibrillation, it is used to help their heart beat regularly. Fitting a pacemaker is usually a minor procedure. A local anesthetic is used and you are conscious during the procedure.

OPTION 6

Alternative remedies.

There are many! One of the problems with these type of remedies is that not all of them have been proven in scientific trials. Is the reason that there is not enough money to be made with them? I don’t know. It is sad and more information and trails should be available about what works and what does not.

Get more sleep and sunshine and less environmental toxins and air pollution.

Get adjusted? Chiropractic adjustment.

Acupuncture.

Homeopathic remedies.

Vagal maneuvers(Only to be done by a doctor).

Breathing technics.

Manage sleep apnea, eating habits, stress and overall living a healthy lifestyle.

Some of the above-mentioned options may also be used together. We as AFIB warriors must keep ourselves fit,  healthy and mentally strong!

Tweet this thought technique #thoughtarrest

If I left out any other AFIB treatment options,  or you want to add your own experience with AFIB treatment options, please leave a comment.