Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Welcome to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
Did you know that the average heart beats 100,000 times a day? Millions of people live with heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) which occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats don't work properly. Let's connect with each other; we can share stories and learn about coping with the challenges, and living well with abnormal heart rhythms. I invite you to follow the group. Simply click the +FOLLOW icon on the group landing page.

I'm Kanaaz (@kanaazpereira), and I'm the moderator of this group. When you post to this group, chances are you'll also be greeted by volunteer patient Mentors and fellow members. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.

Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

Profile picture for eileena @eileena

Natural methods are really great. However, since MDs get so little training in nutrition and the pharmaceutical industry does really have heavy hands in getting MDs to embrace the drugs they manufacture there is little room for natural methods.

Try changing your MD for an Osteopath. They do have more nutrition education in their curriculum path to earn that Osteopath title. But some of them are reluctant to buck the pharmaceutical industry and the AMA.

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This makes perfect sense. Thank you.

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Profile picture for mayofeb2020 @mayofeb2020

My thoughts exactly! When you go to doctors, they want to know all the meds you are taking, all the numbers like cholesterol, bp etc, but seldom do they ask what you eat or your lifestyle. If they ask a patient to describe what's in his/her pantry or refrigerator, they would probably have been able to diagnose the patient's health issue with better clarity. I'm getting a loop implant to test fir afib and my doctor also puts me on zeralto and statin even though my cholesterol level is ok. I'm taking CO Q10 as statin depletes me of coq10 in my body. I called zeralto and they don't know if it will interfere with the medication.

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I spoke with my doctor about CO Q10 when he put me on xarelto and he said it was ok.

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Profile picture for kates1221 @kates1221

I was diagnosed with afib and high blood pressure. I was put on a blood thinner, medicine to keep my heart from racing and two blood pressure medicines. I was told that my afib is permanent and has no cure. Has anyone been told this and should I get a second opinion on whether or not an ablation will help me? I am a former dancer and life long exerciser. I also had surgery to repair a hole in my heart at age six. I am 66 years old and this is the first time I've had trouble with my heart. I was also told that years of physical exercise and prior heart surgery probably predisposed me to the problems with my heart. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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Hi @kates1221, many members suggested getting a second opinion. Here's an article about the value of second opinions that may interest you:
- Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-researchers-demonstrate-value-of-second-opinions/

For all, you may be interested in watching this archived Expert Q&A. Mayo Cardiologists Christopher McLeod and K.L. Venkatachalam discuss Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) symptoms, causes, risk factors, and more.
- Video Q&A about Atrial Fibrillation https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-atrial-fibrillation/

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Hi all, I'm just catching up on all the messages posted the last couple of days and have some useful information to share regarding how to use Mayo Clinic Connect, related discussions, and starting new discussions.

First Tips on How to Use Connect
@backpacker2020 asks "Is there a way to search the discussions for a particular topic/condition?"
You can use the main search bar, which can be found at the top of any page. Learn more tips from members in this discussion
- How to Search on Connect - It can help you! https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/search-it-can-help-you/

Also, find a group relevant to your interests in the Group Directory: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/groups/

@lov asks "How do we tell where the new messages are?"
You can sort the discussion from Newest to Oldest to see the newest post first. This article explains further, with pictures
- [TIP] Customize the Order You View Posts - See New Posts First https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-customize-the-order-you-view-posts-see-new-posts-first/

You may also be interested in this article.
- Replies and @mentions: How do I know who is replying to whom? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/replies-and-mentions-how-do-i-know-who-is-replying-to-whom/

Learn more about how to use Connect in the How to Get Started guide: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/
Follow the About Connect blog for tips and how-to instructions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/

If you have any technical issues or questions, send me an email using this form: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

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Hi, I am Karen from Vegas right now I go to Nevada Heart and Vascular. I am a school teacher with the severally emotionally disturbed kiddos in a special school. In the last 2 years I have had a stroke, 2 heart Caths, and now I have a Defibulator ( i did not spell that right). I am going to go on a disability retirement because I am not 65 and my husband and I are going to move to Jacksonville Florida so I can be close to the Mayo Clinic and get out of this hot hot heat. I am only working to save money and pay off some bills, I am so excited to come that I wish I could leave right now. I am the mother of 10 children and have 21 grandchildren and I want to live. Thank you for letting me express myself, no one at works understand my situation or how I feel.

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OldKarl here. I am already a member of several other Mayo groups. When you have multiple systemic diseases, all incurable and all eventually fatal, everything of body, mind and spirit is up for grabs. For my heart rhythm issues, I have frequent spells of tachy, early or extra beats, slow, diastolic disorders, dilated cardiomegaly, QRS bounces, etc. These have been dXed as many different disorders, from excess vitamin D to Polio to Amyloidosis. I have a list of about 100 different dX in my 80 years. The current certain dXes impacting the heart include RyR1, RyR2, FKTN, Gelsolin, CAA, RA, Radon, Chronic Bronchiectasis, Cancers: Prostate, Thyroid, Melanoma, Esophageal. Married 60 years, 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren (including 2 Marine Great Grandsons)

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Profile picture for mayofeb2020 @mayofeb2020

My thoughts exactly! When you go to doctors, they want to know all the meds you are taking, all the numbers like cholesterol, bp etc, but seldom do they ask what you eat or your lifestyle. If they ask a patient to describe what's in his/her pantry or refrigerator, they would probably have been able to diagnose the patient's health issue with better clarity. I'm getting a loop implant to test fir afib and my doctor also puts me on zeralto and statin even though my cholesterol level is ok. I'm taking CO Q10 as statin depletes me of coq10 in my body. I called zeralto and they don't know if it will interfere with the medication.

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May I make a suggestion. Our hospital blood thinning lab was staffed with a pharmacist. They knew the foods to avoid.

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Profile picture for mayofeb2020 @mayofeb2020

My thoughts exactly! When you go to doctors, they want to know all the meds you are taking, all the numbers like cholesterol, bp etc, but seldom do they ask what you eat or your lifestyle. If they ask a patient to describe what's in his/her pantry or refrigerator, they would probably have been able to diagnose the patient's health issue with better clarity. I'm getting a loop implant to test fir afib and my doctor also puts me on zeralto and statin even though my cholesterol level is ok. I'm taking CO Q10 as statin depletes me of coq10 in my body. I called zeralto and they don't know if it will interfere with the medication.

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mayofeb2020 @mayofeb2020,

The drug company does not know the side effects? Typical of those businesses. I can access this information through my Naturopath. He has more access to the literature than I do, so when in doubt I visit him at his office.

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Profile picture for eileena @eileena

Natural methods are really great. However, since MDs get so little training in nutrition and the pharmaceutical industry does really have heavy hands in getting MDs to embrace the drugs they manufacture there is little room for natural methods.

Try changing your MD for an Osteopath. They do have more nutrition education in their curriculum path to earn that Osteopath title. But some of them are reluctant to buck the pharmaceutical industry and the AMA.

Jump to this post

You are smart. Google. Then avoid the trap of buying products and go to the natural foods. What do you have to gain.. No Diets. Eat healthy.

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Profile picture for kates1221 @kates1221

I take xarelto. It supposedly doesn't interact with any type of food, but I worry about the blood thinning effects of some foods like garlic, which I think would really help my blood pressure. One burning question in my mind is, if these foods thin the blood naturally, why are they not the first line of defense instead of blood thinning medication. My whole life I have used natural remedies for different things. But this time, I told myself that this is not a cold, or a pulled muscle. This is my heart. It terrified me and I am afraid to make a mistake by using non FDA approved methods to prevent blood clots cause by my afib. So I follow my doctor's orders and take my meds. Any ideas on this?

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My thoughts exactly! When you go to doctors, they want to know all the meds you are taking, all the numbers like cholesterol, bp etc, but seldom do they ask what you eat or your lifestyle. If they ask a patient to describe what's in his/her pantry or refrigerator, they would probably have been able to diagnose the patient's health issue with better clarity. I'm getting a loop implant to test fir afib and my doctor also puts me on zeralto and statin even though my cholesterol level is ok. I'm taking CO Q10 as statin depletes me of coq10 in my body. I called zeralto and they don't know if it will interfere with the medication.

REPLY
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