Announcements
WebMD Privacy Policy Changes Coming -- Please Read!
New US Diet Guidelines: What Not to Eat
Instead of just giving Americans a list of healthy food choices, the federal government takes a stab at showing us what not to eat. Get the facts here.
Instead of just giving Americans a list of healthy food choices, the federal government takes a stab at showing us what not to eat. Get the facts here.
Includes Expert Content
Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure
I_Love_Beach_Music posted:
My 43-year husband had a heart attack at the end of December. He had a 100% blockage in the LAD, he had just started cholesterol medication 2 weeks earlier. His cholesterol was just was just over the level to be considered high. He is 5'11" weighing about 235.
We lead a busy life, like any other parents of two children, with full time jobs. His choice exercise was riding his bike at 4 a.m. about 12 miles and between 12-15 mph. In the last 6 months or so he was not as consistent as he would have like or should have been.
His enzymes at their highest level were 97, which as I understand is a "middle of the road" heart attack. He was in the Cardiac Care Unit for 7 days because of atrial-fibrillation and because his ejection fraction was 25-30%. (I believe his AF is a flutter not a quiver — flutter being the better type to have, I think.)
He had a cardio inversion day 5 post heart attack, normal sinus rhythm only lasted about 5 days. He was discharged with a heart monitor / defibrillator. At no time has he been able to identify that he was in AF.
The doctor has asked that he not return to work until May. I believe his intends to try the cardio inversion again in mid-April.
His mother died 3 years ago from complications of diabetes, but had a history of atrial-fibrillation and was cardio inverted twice.
I have the upmost respect for the cardiologist, but have a few questions. I understand the combination of the two complications can be lethal and the doctor is hoping for improvement over time.
In your experience, what is the percentage of patients that improve from an extremely low ejection fraction, to an ejection fraction of 40% or more?
He is walking on the treadmill 15-30 minutes at a time at approximately 2.8 mph, which did cause an "alarm from the defibrillator" which he was able to delay and then stop the shock as per the instructions.
We live near two large teaching / university hospitals, I've thought about requesting a second opinion, but we are apprehensive about doing so.
What is your experience in reference to partial or complete recovery for someone with the two complications. I understand that you've not examined and are basing an opinion on information I giving — just wanted an thoughts from another professional.
Anytime and consideration you give would be greatly appreciated.
We lead a busy life, like any other parents of two children, with full time jobs. His choice exercise was riding his bike at 4 a.m. about 12 miles and between 12-15 mph. In the last 6 months or so he was not as consistent as he would have like or should have been.
His enzymes at their highest level were 97, which as I understand is a "middle of the road" heart attack. He was in the Cardiac Care Unit for 7 days because of atrial-fibrillation and because his ejection fraction was 25-30%. (I believe his AF is a flutter not a quiver — flutter being the better type to have, I think.)
He had a cardio inversion day 5 post heart attack, normal sinus rhythm only lasted about 5 days. He was discharged with a heart monitor / defibrillator. At no time has he been able to identify that he was in AF.
The doctor has asked that he not return to work until May. I believe his intends to try the cardio inversion again in mid-April.
His mother died 3 years ago from complications of diabetes, but had a history of atrial-fibrillation and was cardio inverted twice.
I have the upmost respect for the cardiologist, but have a few questions. I understand the combination of the two complications can be lethal and the doctor is hoping for improvement over time.
In your experience, what is the percentage of patients that improve from an extremely low ejection fraction, to an ejection fraction of 40% or more?
He is walking on the treadmill 15-30 minutes at a time at approximately 2.8 mph, which did cause an "alarm from the defibrillator" which he was able to delay and then stop the shock as per the instructions.
We live near two large teaching / university hospitals, I've thought about requesting a second opinion, but we are apprehensive about doing so.
What is your experience in reference to partial or complete recovery for someone with the two complications. I understand that you've not examined and are basing an opinion on information I giving — just wanted an thoughts from another professional.
Anytime and consideration you give would be greatly appreciated.
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Atrial Fibrillation and Heart FailureMy 43-year husband had a heart attack at the end of December. He had a 100% blockage in the LAD, he had just started cholesterol medication 2 weeks earlier. His cholesterol was just was just over the level to be considered high. He is 5'11" weighing about 235. <br />We lead a busy life, like any other parents of two children, with full time jobs. His choice exercise was riding his bike at 4 a.m. about 12 miles and between 12-15 mph. In the last 6 months or so he was not as consistent as he would have like or should have been. <br />His enzymes at their highest level were 97, which as I understand is a "middle of the road" heart attack. He was in the Cardiac Care Unit for 7 days because of atrial-fibrillation and because his ejection fraction was 25-30%. (I believe his AF is a flutter not a quiver — flutter being the better type to have, I think.)<br />He had a cardio inversion day 5 post heart attack, normal sinus rhythm only lasted about 5 days. He was discharged with a heart monitor / defibrillator. At no time has he been able to identify that he was in AF. <br />The doctor has asked that he not return to work until May. I believe his intends to try the cardio inversion again in mid-April. <br />His mother died 3 years ago from complications of diabetes, but had a history of atrial-fibrillation and was cardio inverted twice.<br />I have the upmost respect for the cardiologist, but have a few questions. I understand the combination of the two complications can be lethal and the doctor is hoping for improvement over time. <br />In your experience, what is the percentage of patients that improve from an extremely low ejection fraction, to an ejection fraction of 40% or more?<br />He is walking on the treadmill 15-30 minutes at a time at approximately 2.8 mph, which did cause an "alarm from the defibrillator" which he was able to delay and then stop the shock as per the instructions.<br />We live near two large teaching / university hospitals, I've thought about requesting a second opinion, but we are apprehensive about doing so.<br />What is your experience in reference to partial or complete recovery for someone with the two complications. I understand that you've not examined and are basing an opinion on information I giving — just wanted an thoughts from another professional.<br />Anytime and consideration you give would be greatly appreciated. <br />
James Beckerman, MD, FACC responded:
It's very difficult to predict recovery for any particular patient - although I think it's a very good sign that he is able to exercise as well as he is doing - many people with even higher ejection fractions cannot do so.
As hard as it may be, I try to encourage people to stay on their meds, live a healthy lifestyle (as your husband is doing) - and get a follow-up echocardiogram within a few months of the initial heart attack. I am frequently happy to see improvement even over that period of time.
Take care and best to your husband.
As hard as it may be, I try to encourage people to stay on their meds, live a healthy lifestyle (as your husband is doing) - and get a follow-up echocardiogram within a few months of the initial heart attack. I am frequently happy to see improvement even over that period of time.
Take care and best to your husband.
Report This| Share this:Atrial Fibrillation and Heart FailureIt's very difficult to predict recovery for any particular patient - although I think it's a very good sign that he is able to exercise as well as he is doing - many people with even higher ejection fractions cannot do so.<br /><br />As hard as it may be, I try to encourage people to stay on their meds, live a healthy lifestyle (as your husband is doing) - and get a follow-up echocardiogram within a few months of the initial heart attack. I am frequently happy to see improvement even over that period of time.<br /><br />Take care and best to your husband.
CAT9LIVES responded:
Hello; I know what you are going through. I too had AFIB. and a cardio inversion. I had the TET prior and boom the very next day after leaving the hospital my AFIB was back. So... went to my Cardiologist and this time had a halter and he confirmed I had Permanent AFIB. I had been doing my research and had come up with Cardiac Cryoablation. Thankfully my cardiologist referred me to a Rhythm Specialist (Dr. Wilbur Zu - you can google name or go to www.stopafib.org). March 13th I went in for full electro study and Cardiac cryoablation (only missed about 4 days of work). After cryoablation I still had a track in the top chamber of my heart that they didn't find while doing the study. They tried to "flip it with medicine" before I was released from the hospital. Back to the my cardiologist another heart halter. I still had AFIB... Back to Dr. Zu another cardio inversion... Same thing After 6 weeks when my heart had healed from the procedure in June I was scheduled for another Cardiac ablation but not cryoablation... Today I have the "flutter". I was in AFIB after my 1 week visit from the hospital and then was told to go to the hospital the next day for another cardiac inversion. I showed up and was in normal sinus rhythm and after all the admitting was just sent home. . The flutter is liveable and I am told that most patients it just fades away in 4 - 6 months. I can feel mine when I lay down..I never knew I had heart trouble till I was on a operating table last November and went into AFIB. I don't have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, any blockages or sugar diabetes.. My advice.. considering his Mother's health issues ask for a referral to a Cardiac Rhythm Specialist from your Cardiologist and do your research and find the best treatment for your husband.
My husband had his 1st hear attack at age 54. He has had hypertention since he was 36 and then Type II diabetes at age 40 then the high colestorl started to appear. After he stabalized from his heart attack he had a heart catharazation and it was discovered he top branch blockage.and 2-3 others as well. To date he has had 7 stents. February 2008 a pacemaker / defibrillator implanted. Then September 2010 his batteries needed changing so they just swapped out the device. They had to tweak his pacemaker rhythm but today is unbelievable. He was given 5 - 7 years to live and this is now our 11th year since his 1st heart attack. Our sharing is that today we both go to the same Cardiologist just different problems.
Hope these words give you encouragement. I use to lay awake at night thinking how unfair it was. I was only in my early 50's all our plans ... actually it was a reality check for us and our priorities. What really mattered was we had each other and every day are give another 24 hours together. I spent so much time worrying in those years I am sure it was a contributing factor in my Cardiac AFIB as Stress is number 1 cause. Now I us the Just for Today.. and will it matter in 10 years and its been working. I have calmness I haven't felt in years. Take care of yourself as the "Caretaker" has the burden that isn't easy. Internet research has been my lifeline... for my Laser Spine Surgery... which really saved my life and also my Cardiac Cryoablation. I would go to a good Rhythm Specialist as the procedure has only been allowed in the USA in 2010. God bless you... CAT
My husband had his 1st hear attack at age 54. He has had hypertention since he was 36 and then Type II diabetes at age 40 then the high colestorl started to appear. After he stabalized from his heart attack he had a heart catharazation and it was discovered he top branch blockage.and 2-3 others as well. To date he has had 7 stents. February 2008 a pacemaker / defibrillator implanted. Then September 2010 his batteries needed changing so they just swapped out the device. They had to tweak his pacemaker rhythm but today is unbelievable. He was given 5 - 7 years to live and this is now our 11th year since his 1st heart attack. Our sharing is that today we both go to the same Cardiologist just different problems.
Hope these words give you encouragement. I use to lay awake at night thinking how unfair it was. I was only in my early 50's all our plans ... actually it was a reality check for us and our priorities. What really mattered was we had each other and every day are give another 24 hours together. I spent so much time worrying in those years I am sure it was a contributing factor in my Cardiac AFIB as Stress is number 1 cause. Now I us the Just for Today.. and will it matter in 10 years and its been working. I have calmness I haven't felt in years. Take care of yourself as the "Caretaker" has the burden that isn't easy. Internet research has been my lifeline... for my Laser Spine Surgery... which really saved my life and also my Cardiac Cryoablation. I would go to a good Rhythm Specialist as the procedure has only been allowed in the USA in 2010. God bless you... CAT
Report This| Share this:Atrial Fibrillation and Heart FailureHello; I know what you are going through. I too had AFIB. and a cardio inversion. I had the TET prior and boom the very next day after leaving the hospital my AFIB was back. So... went to my Cardiologist and this time had a halter and he confirmed I had Permanent AFIB. I had been doing my research and had come up with Cardiac Cryoablation. Thankfully my cardiologist referred me to a Rhythm Specialist (Dr. Wilbur Zu - you can google name or go to www.stopafib.org). March 13th I went in for full electro study and Cardiac cryoablation (only missed about 4 days of work). After cryoablation I still had a track in the top chamber of my heart that they didn't find while doing the study. They tried to "flip it with medicine" before I was released from the hospital. Back to the my cardiologist another heart halter. I still had AFIB... Back to Dr. Zu another cardio inversion... Same thing After 6 weeks when my heart had healed from the procedure in June I was scheduled for another Cardiac ablation but not cryoablation... Today I have the "flutter". I was in AFIB after my 1 week visit from the hospital and then was told to go to the hospital the next day for another cardiac inversion. I showed up and was in normal sinus rhythm and after all the admitting was just sent home. . The flutter is liveable and I am told that most patients it just fades away in 4 - 6 months. I can feel mine when I lay down..I never knew I had heart trouble till I was on a operating table last November and went into AFIB. I don't have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, any blockages or sugar diabetes.. My advice.. considering his Mother's health issues ask for a referral to a Cardiac Rhythm Specialist from your Cardiologist and do your research and find the best treatment for your husband. <br /><br />My husband had his 1st hear attack at age 54. He has had hypertention since he was 36 and then Type II diabetes at age 40 then the high colestorl started to appear. After he stabalized from his heart attack he had a heart catharazation and it was discovered he top branch blockage.and 2-3 others as well. To date he has had 7 stents. February 2008 a pacemaker / defibrillator implanted. Then September 2010 his batteries needed changing so they just swapped out the device. They had to tweak his pacemaker rhythm but today is unbelievable. He was given 5 - 7 years to live and this is now our 11th year since his 1st heart attack. Our sharing is that today we both go to the same Cardiologist just different problems. <br /><br />Hope these words give you encouragement. I use to lay awake at night thinking how unfair it was. I was only in my early 50's all our plans ... actually it was a reality check for us and our priorities. What really mattered was we had each other and every day are give another 24 hours together. I spent so much time worrying in those years I am sure it was a contributing factor in my Cardiac AFIB as Stress is number 1 cause. Now I us the Just for Today.. and will it matter in 10 years and its been working. I have calmness I haven't felt in years. Take care of yourself as the "Caretaker" has the burden that isn't easy. Internet research has been my lifeline... for my Laser Spine Surgery... which really saved my life and also my Cardiac Cryoablation. I would go to a good Rhythm Specialist as the procedure has only been allowed in the USA in 2010. God bless you... CAT
Featuring Experts
James Beckerman, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at the Providence St. Vincent Heart Clinic in Portland, Ore. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard Co...More
Helpful Tips
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as a booster of heart health. It is linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, ... More
Was this Helpful?
6
of
6 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Expert Blog
The Heart Beat - James Beckerman, MD, FACC
Dr. James Beckerman shares how small, livable lifestyle changes can have a real impact on your risk of heart attack and stroke...Read More
Recent Posts
- The Force of the Quantified Self 05/08/2012
- The Dark Side of the Quantified Self 04/10/2012
- The Full Story 04/05/2012
- How to Save a Life…on Spring Break 03/23/2012
- Can Hipsters Save Healthcare? Lessons from SxSW 03/19/2012
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the Duke Health General and Consultative Heart Care Center
Other Heart Disease Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Advertise With Us|WebMD Corporate|Medscape Reference|eMedicineHealth|RxList|Medscape|MedicineNet|BootsWebMD
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.