I come back to this book every few years and find a new, refreshing message within it each time. It is a book about following one’s dreams, seeking them outside one’s self and ultimately finding them within. The world was huge and inexhaustible; he had only to allow his sheep to set the route for…
As an electrophysiologist in Boulder, Colorado I get a lot of questions about how much exercise is recommended for patients with arrhythmias. Exercise is good for you but is more better? Anecdotal evidence has suggested that endurance exercise increases the risk of atrial fibrillation. A recent study published in European Heart Journal addressed this issue….
Published in NEJM Jan 2. 3 salient points: The “drinkers” had 10 drinks per week – less than 2 drinks per day. What we usually refer to as “social drinking” 🙂 Quitting alcohol reduced chances of recurrence of AFIB by 20% (absolute risk reduction) – or 55% relative risk reduction. This is HUGE! Getting patients…
A new concept introduced by Felipe Bisbal et.al. from Dr. Eugene Braunwald’s team last week. In cardiology we have understood these concepts individually, but synthesizing them brings into stark relief why maintenance of normal rhythm is paramount. The authors state: “Atrial dysfunction has been widely considered a marker or consequence of other cardiac conditions rather…
Fat tongues cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can lead to AFIB. Abstract from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. This BBC article does a good job explaining.
Stereotactic non-invasive ablation for atrial fibrillation is here! Matter of time before it is widely available. Article link here.
Just got back from a 10 day trip to Peru. What a diverse country – in terms of landscape, ecology, food… Here are some interesting facts about Peru followed by some photos. Twice the size of Texas Birthplace of potatoes. Still has the best potatoes in the world. 3800 different varieties. Value of annual world…
Relationship between AFIB and dementia is strong but a recent study looking at pooled data showed correlation between AFIB and Alzheimer’s disease. Retrospective studies but good pooled data: Six studies, 56,370 patients , hazard ratio of 1.3 (meaning if you have AFIB you are 1.3 times more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease). Treating AFIB is…
Very inspiring. I’m going to start using my dumb phone after reading this book. Digital Minimalism – A philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things that you value, and then happily miss out on everything else. Some…
Would you drink it if it were called nut juice?