Living with Atrial Fibrillation: What are Your Experiences?

https://www.healthline.com/health/atrial-fibrillation/watchman-procedure-for-afib#overview
What is the Watchman procedure for atrial fibrillation?

One goal of AFib treatment is reducing the risk of serious blood clots that can lead to stroke or other health complications.The Watchman procedure is another approach to reducing the risk of stroke in people with AFib. It uses a catheter to place a small, parachute-shaped device that blocks off the left atrial appendage (LAA)Trusted Source.

The LAA is a small pouch located in the upper left chamber of your heart. It’s estimated to be the source of over 90%Trusted Source of blood clots that lead to stroke in people with AFib. As such, blocking the LAA can greatly lower your risk of stroke.
Does the Watchman procedure cure atrial fibrillation?

The Watchman procedure does not cure AFib. It’s used to help reduce the risk of stroke due to AFib.

Small note: believe it is a Watchman device. I have been told it is can ultimately (not immediately) mean no more blood thinners, but does not affect afib itself, only the clots. It is for non-valvular afib. https://www.watchman.com/en-us/home.html

Thanks for the clarification. I’m going to schedule an ablation and hope for the best.

I hope that this is not true. I will find out tomorrow.

The walkman does not cure Afib. It only prevents clots from moving out of the heart and to other places like and the lungs and brain where it will cause major problems. Meantime Afib is still wearing out your heart and contributing to dementia.

I see. I have an appointment tomorrow to see if I am a candidate for the new walkman. I, too have had Afib for a while. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks so much! I am reading the Afib Cure. Unfortunately, I am in Afib 100% of the time so I am also seeing an electrophysiologist. Apparently Afib increases the likelihood of dementia—so I will probably have an ablation.

@yeb
I high recommend reading the book "AFib Cure" written by two expert Cardiac Electrophysiologists, Dr. John Day and Dr. Jared Bunch. The book is available on Amazon, and it includes a thorough explanation of AFib, meds, treatments, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Day's website has a list of resources, newsletter, blog, etc. on his website at drjohnday.com.

Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in heart health. I have embraced these changes and I have not had an AFib episode in over a year, however, I only have an occasional AFib episodes.

You may also consider a second opinion for your AFib treatment with a Cardiac Electrophysiologist.

Hi,
I was diagnosed with a fib approximately four years ago. It all started with an EKG at my regular doctor when my heart rate showed 34 BPM.
I had been practicing yoga for the previous five years and was able to lower my heart rate by relaxing which I did during the EKG. This obviously got everybody excited so I was recommended to a cardiologist who prescribed Eliquis 5 mg twice a day.
My actual normal resting heart rate is in the upper 40s to mid 50s.
I have never felt any effects of a fib and I have been going to the gym daily for the past 18 years. Previous to that. I was an active runner and competed in 4 marathons.
So bottom line, they say I have it, but I have never felt any irregularity in my heart rate.
I am 83 years old and I do wish I could get off the Eliquis.
PS. I also take blood pressure medicine.

@importantmatters768 are those blood pressures that you posted? Is the 166 heart rate or respiratory rate?

@gloaming and others may come along to discuss the Watchman with you.