Re: New to group...AF- Does it always need to be treated?-

[Guest guest]

Crocker ,

Four words. Get a second opinion.

AF needs to be treated. There isn't a good AF that is treatment free. You

need a quick education on what AF is and how to deal with it and with whom.

1. AF won't kill you.

2. You are a member of this board.

3. AF is an electrical problem in the upper heart chambers (Atria).

4. Learn all you can about AF. What it is. What drug therapy's are

available. What surgical solutions/cures are available. Ref.

_http://www.ccjm.org/toc/atrial_fib.htm_

(http://www.ccjm.org/toc/atrial_fib.htm) and

_www.affacts.org_ (http://www.affacts.org) .

5. Be aware that GP's know little about AF beyond what was taught in med

school. Cutting edge AF research, AF research centers and top

Electrophysiologists MD's are not part of their world. The same can be said of

many

cardiologists.

Electrophysiologists (EP's), are cardiologists that specialize in heart

arrythmia's. They are heart electricians.

6. If you live in a major metro area and there is a medical school and

hospital affiliated with it, call to see who there EP's are and request an

appointment. Don't count on your GP or cardiologist to do it. But remember,

it's

your body. Demand it. Your heart has an electrical problem. You don't need to

see a plumber.

7. You have to be pro-active. AF is still a mystery problem. It doesn't get

better on it's own.

Ask lots of questions on the board. Learn all you can. It's your body. Your

with 2500 plus members with AF and all are dealing with it. We will all help

you as best we can.

Your safe here.

Rich O