7 Ways to Stop an AFib Attack - John Day

[Vince1001]

youtube.com/watch?v=W9a54B-...(Not working as expected?)

A useful video ( 7 mins) from the author of the excellent book - The Afib Cure. Might be useful to newcomers...

1) Medication PIP

2) Rehydrate

3) Optimise electrolytes

4) Exercise it away (my second choice)

5) Relax (my first choice)

6) Vagal manoeuvres

7) Cardioversion

[mjames1]

Thanks for posting, Vince. Some good basic concepts with the important message being the Boy Scout moto, "Be Prepared".

I would just add a number 8. And that's for when number 1 (anti-arrhythmic drugs) are not prescribed, where number 2-7 don't work -- and where number 8, electrical cardioversion (ECV), isn't readily available.

So number 8 is have on hand beta blockers and/or calcium channel blockers to control your rate until either you naturally convert, get to the the doctor for an ECV, or take another approach.

Rate control drugs won't necessarily get you out of afib, but they will hopefully get your heart rate down to a level where you will be safe and functional. Of course, if your afib is not fast afib you may not need this step.

Jim

[CDreamer]

Excellent video and so reassuring saying all of the things many of us ‘oldies’ have been saying for many years.

I love the ‘be prepared’ and carry on attitude. How come more doctors can’t/won’t say this during consultations?

Rehydrate & Electrolytes when travelling would be my ~No1.

Exercise - mmmmm - he does caution not for those whose heart rate is especially height - but what would be your especially high? I know mine was over 120 - nowadays cardiac exercise is out of the question in any case! Could be good for those under 65 though so I would add - know your body

Vagal - YES

Relax - YES, simple relaxation exercises will bring HR down without needing rate control drugs which for me are not an option.

[ozziebob]

Hi Vince,

I have only just seen the Dr Day video you Posted 6 months ago because it was recommended by ThreeCats in a current Post.

Regarding this video however, I could not fail to notice that his 1. recommendation was having a first aid kit of medications ready to be used as PIPs.

But besides sanctioning the expected Flecainide and beta blocker as PIPs, he also very significantly recommends the "blood thinner" Eliquis (Apixaban) to be taken as a PIP during these AF events.

So, if I understood the video properly, Dr Day is recommending the PIP use of anticoagulants? It would be good if he had given a fuller explanation of this approach because in UK this approach is not yet approved.

Do you know of any other Dr Day videos where he talks about using anticoagulants as a PIP?

What do you think of this part of the video? or is it too risky to comment?

This use of anticoagulants is on ongoing interest to me, so further comments are welcome.

ozziebob (aka bob)

[Desertflowerchild in reply to ozziebob]

In his book, if my recollection is correct, he defines the PIP use of anticoagulants as taking them for a full month after an afib episode, which limits the application to those whose PAF events are few and far between.

[ozziebob in reply to Desertflowerchild]

Yes, this Post seems a lifetime ago now. As you probably know, the best practice for a PIP approach to anticoagulation is currently being researched by Dr Rod Passmore in USA. I will be following with interest if any interim results are released, but it will take years. Personally I'm hoping the figure of 30 days you mention will eventually prove unnecessary, and a much shorter period approved.

[Desertflowerchild in reply to ozziebob]

youtube.com/watch?v=Qmouf0A...(Not working as expected?)

[ozziebob in reply to Desertflowerchild]

Thanks, I haven't seen that video, but I'm familiar with Dr Wolf's videos on the same channel. Will watch tomorrow.

[Bee-Honest]

Excellent video, just viewed it. After 20 years of PAF I wish I had been told about these easy procedures for some quick relief. Managing it much better with my experience.

[Vince1001]

Hi Ozziebob,

Glad that the video was of benefit. To answer your question this is the only video I've seen for Dr Day. I've scanned his book "The Afib Cure" where it has several pages about this issue. He references Rod Passman who is pushing this strategy. See link:-

aerjournal.com/video-index/...

On a personal note - it's not for me! I had a TIA 18 months ago and spent a couple of nights in the stroke ward. It was enough to reinforce the benefits of the regular medication. Fortunately I made a full recovery...

Vince

[ozziebob in reply to Vince1001]

Vince,

Thanks for video link. I hadn't seen that before. It seems the PIP approach is still awaiting trial results and improved technology.

Unfortunately I have to consider my 2016 chronic bilateral subdural haematomas (frighteningly large in the scan image), and fearful of bleeding to unconsciousness while at home alone on anticoagulation, an approved PIP approach for anticoagulation cannot come quickly enough for me. At the moment my choice to remain uncoagulated.

bob