New to Afib, blood thinners and beta blocker

@mannism & @mrsbirns Please be VERY CAUTIOUS about ordering any supplements online to replace proven and prescribed medications. If you are having difficulty with prescribed medications, please reach out to the prescriber, and if you do not get satisfaction, find a new doctor. There are alternatives to most medications. Many will have some side effects, but the decision must be whether the benefits outweigh the negatives.

There are ZERO independent, peer reviewed studies of the Dr Sinatra's regimen being safe and effective in place of prescribed meds. Only ads and promotions by his "Healthy Directions" company. There are also a number of reports on the internet indicating problems with delivery, getting the right product, or being able to cancel.

There are studies showing that some supplements help with some medical conditions, and can improve your health. The problem is that they are not regulated by the FDA, and manufacturers can make all sorts of unsupported or even false claims. If you decide to try a regimen of supplements, you need to get completely educated first on what each ingredient does and how they interact. Supplements are not necessarily benign or safe for everyone.

Have you considered finding a local functional medicine doctor who will help you create a total healthy lifestyle program, which minimizes the number and dose of medication, and possible replaces some with exercise, diet, supplements and close monitoring?
Sue

Thank you for this and I agree. I was so angry with myself for I was totally caught off guard with this doctor--first time I saw him and before he ever knew anything in-depth about my overall health condition, he prescribed Eliquis and Metropolol. He scared me so badly I found myself just getting the prescriptions and taking them! And I have been an advocate for preventive medicine and healthful living and have been loyal to my plan for over 40 years! I only went to this md because I wanted script for my mammogram and bone density test. (BTW) after my bone density test he said "looking good" you might want to take calcium in the future. I am 73 years old. Did he really think I am that stupid? I do have a functional md I work with and just want to find a way to wean myself off these two meds I have been taking for about 30 days--because I have been afraid to stop. I am familiar with Dr. Weil. My husband passed away last year after many years of everything imaginable (stroke, cancer, congestive heart failure, kidney dialysis) and saw how badly the AMA handles things so I was determined not to fall into this trap--but I did! I don't want to stay there long.

Your functional MD may have a recommendation for you as far as a cardiologist who is more attuned to your needs. I think there are several things in play when it comes to "pills first" medicine, especially in the high risk specialties.

First, crazy time constraints - imposed by demands of their practice, and the number of people needing to be seen after almost 2 years of Covid-caused pent up demand, plus long-Covid caused additional demand.

Second, in my experience, most people want a "magic bullet" or "instant solution" - they do not want to make major changes to lifestyle, diet, exercise, etc because it is a lot of work. Or they may tell the doctor they will, but not really do it.

Third, and I don't want to start a discussion about this, but health insurance companies and malpractice companies have protocols in place and if the doctors don't follow them and there is a bad outcome, there livelihood can be in jeopardy. Sometimes, but not always, these protocols are "best practices" for the patient's outcome, other times, they are "best outcomes" in terms of people complying so if there is a problem, the doctor & insurer feel like they have done their best.

Have you asked your trusted doc for help in finding someone?
Sue

Not yet. But I am seeing her next week. It’s amazing. I have always taken (and consistently) taken such good care of myself. I wonder if aging just makes us less confident in “what could happen” that we listen to things that might not be best for us. Still can’t believe his actions—and my response. Thanks for input!

The shock is that you can be totally healthy with no major diseases at 74 and have AFib. No matter what, the cardiologists use the CHADSVASC risk calculator, which is weighted against women. Even if you don’t have AFib or any other risky disease and are 75, you are deemed a 3, which is high risk for stroke and need blood thinners. It seems good health is ignored. My risk is 5.5% on Cleveland Clinic and before AFib, it was 4.4%.

Listen to your inner voice - I think as we slow down, we are more aware of what is best for us. It is never wrong to keep asking questions, and except in an emergency, take the time to explore all the options. A second, or even third voice, can help. I have been pressured for 20 years to take statins because of family heart risk history. Instead I committed to a healthy lifestyle, and have passed the family's " first heart attack age" by over 15 years.
Sue