#362 Can Exercise Triple Your AFib Ablation Success Rate?

Can Exercise Triple Your AFib Ablation Success Rate? Regular physical activity has long been recognized as a cornerstone of optimal cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes – all factors that contribute to atrial fibrillation (AFib). In a recent study conducted by my friend Dr. Oussama Wazni and his colleagues at the renowned Cleveland Clinic, the role of exercise in enhancing success rates for atrial fibrillation…

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#361 Do You Really Need 10 Servings of Vegetables and Fruit Daily for Optimal Health?

Do You Really Need 10 Servings of Vegetables and Fruit Daily for Optimal Health? The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advocate for consuming 3.5 to 5 servings of vegetables and fruit daily. However, for those aiming to minimize the risk of heart disease, strokes, and cancer, this may not be enough. Based on an extensive study I've examined, achieving the goal of avoiding these diseases requires a more substantial intake. In fact, this study suggests that optimal protection against heart…

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#360 Does the Mediterranean Diet Prevent Atrial Fibrillation?

Does the Mediterranean Diet Prevent Atrial Fibrillation? While researchers associate the Mediterranean diet with a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes, they continue to research its direct impact on preventing atrial fibrillation (AFib). In this article I review the latest study on how the Mediterranean Diet may prevent atrial fibrillation. The PREDIMAR Study Researchers conducted a study involving 199 patients from the PREDIMAR trial (PREvención con DIeta Mediterránea de Arritmias Recurrentes). The study aimed to explore the relationship between…

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#359 Latest Research Confirms Tomatoes Lower Blood Pressure

Latest Research Confirms Tomatoes Lower Blood Pressure In the quest for better health, we often overlook the humble tomato, considering it merely a tasty addition to salads or sandwiches. However, science reveals that tomatoes offer much more than just flavor – they could be the key to reducing high blood pressure. Let's delve into the latest scientific study reporting the benefits of tomatoes in lowering blood pressure, which can help prevent atrial fibrillation and other heart problems, potentially extending your…

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#358 Does Losing Weight Help Atrial Fibrillation?

Does Losing Weight Help Atrial Fibrillation? Being overweight is directly linked to your chances of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib). Additionally, carrying extra weight makes AFib more likely to worsen over time. This is because the excess weight may cause scarring to the heart muscle resulting in damage to the electrical system of the heart. Furthermore, weighing more than you should may lead to other health conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or diabetes, all of which also contribute…

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#357 Is Optimizing Your Creatinine, Glucose, and Uric Acid Levels the Secret to Longevity?

Is Optimizing Your Creatinine, Glucose, and Uric Acid Levels the Secret to Longevity? In a new study, researchers examined 1,224 Swedish people who lived to 100 to help identify the cause of their exceptional longevity. The secret to why some hit 100 while others don't might be hidden in the routine blood tests of these longest-living individuals. This study discovered that those who reached 100 tended to have lower levels of creatinine, glucose, and uric acid (all simple lab tests…

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#356 Does Aspirin Prevent Atrial Fibrillation Strokes?

Does Aspirin Prevent Atrial Fibrillation Strokes? Unless you or someone close to you has experienced an atrial fibrillation stroke, the idea of taking a blood thinner might not be appealing. Many people are understandably worried about the risk of bleeding, and the financial aspect adds another layer of concern. For individuals without good drug coverage, popular blood thinners, like Eliquis or Xarelto, can cost a staggering $600 per month in the US, often surpassing the expense of a typical monthly…

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#355 Does Testosterone Increase the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation?

Does Testosterone Increase the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation? In our best-selling book, The Atrial Fibrillation Cure, we noticed something missing back then – solid info on how testosterone supplements might affect the risk of atrial fibrillation. But fast forward today and we now have new studies hinting that taking testosterone might actually raise the chances of getting Afib. So, in this article, we're going to discuss why so many men take testosterone, the possible heart-related risks it brings, and what…

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#354 How Many Hours of Sleep Does Your Heart Need?

How Many Hours of Sleep Does Your Heart Need? While everyone knows that not getting enough sleep is bad for your heart and for your lifespan, is there a risk associated with getting to much sleep? Also, for those who struggle to sleep at night, is there anything you can do to erase the risks of not getting enough sleep? Read on to learn the answers to these questions. The Goldilocks Zone of Sleep Getting the right amount of sleep…

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#353 Is There Really a Link Between Atrial Fibrillation Onset Age and Future Dementia?

Is There Really a Link Between Atrial Fibrillation Onset Age and Future Dementia? A study published this past week found that people who develop atrial fibrillation at a younger age are at increased risk of getting dementia later in life. Our research has shown that AFib doubles the risk of dementia but this is the first study to show that the earlier you get AFib the worse your dementia prognosis. Is this really the case and what can you do…

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#352 How Many Steps a Day Do You Need to Cheat Death and Avoid Heart Disease?

How Many Steps a Day Do You Need to Cheat Death and Avoid Heart Disease? Everyone knows that walking is healthy, but have you ever wondered just how many steps it takes to cheat death and steer clear of heart disease? In a world where the pursuit of longevity is a common goal, a recent meta-analysis of 17 studies, involving nearly 227,000 participants followed for 7. 1 years, unveils a captivating connection between the simple act of walking and the…

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#351 The 4 Secrets Why the Tsimane People Don’t Get Heart Disease, AFib, or Dementia

The 4 Secrets Why the Tsimane People Don't Get Heart Disease, AFib, or Dementia Tucked away in the secluded corners of the Bolivian Amazon, there's a community that's a source of fascination for researchers and health enthusiasts—the Tsimane people. Surrounded by the rich and diverse Amazon rainforest, the Tsimane live a life far removed from the advancements of modern society. Across generations, they've thrived by relying on the resources of the land while upholding a distinct social structure that greatly…

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#350 Is it Your Genes or Your Lifestyle that Determines How Long You’ll Live?

Is it Your Genes or Your Lifestyle that Determines How Long You'll Live? Many of my patients believe that their fate in terms of heart disease and early mortality is solely written in their genes. They often tell me things like, "My grandma and mom both had atrial fibrillation, so it was no surprise when I was diagnosed with it." But it's essential to consider whether they shared the same genes or simply shared a similar lifestyle. In other words,…

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#349 10 Reasons Why You Might Be So Tired

10 Reasons Why You Might Be So Tired In the clinic this past week, many of you shared your struggles with fatigue and a desire to understand why you're feeling so tired. Drawing from my years of research and clinical experience, I want to shed light on the 10 common reasons why you might be experiencing low energy levels. 1. Your Sleep Might Be Off Quality sleep is the foundation of boundless energy. Sleep apnea, nighttime awakenings, and even nocturia…

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#348 Too Busy to Exercise? New Study Shows Weekend Warrior Exercisers Get the Same Benefit

Too Busy to Exercise? New Study Shows Weekend Warrior Exercisers Get the Same Benefit In our fast-paced lives, finding the time for daily exercise can be a challenge. But here's some fantastic news that might just make your day: a groundbreaking study conducted by Harvard Medical School, led by Dr. Patrick Elenor, who was my former Stanford medical student and current chief of cardiology at Harvard, reveals that you can enjoy the same health benefits with concentrated weekend workouts as…

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#347 Is Fiber the Secret to Avoiding Heart Disease and Living to 100?

Is Fiber the Secret to Avoiding Heart Disease and Living to 100? Are you looking for a simple yet highly effective way to enhance your cardiovascular health and boost your chances of living a long, vibrant life? Look no further than your daily diet. Increasing your fiber intake might be the key to achieving these goals, according to a recent study. In this blog, we'll break down the findings of this study and provide practical tips on how to integrate…

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#346 Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Game-Changer in AFib Treatment

Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Game-Changer in AFib Treatment Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that affects millions of people worldwide. For years, radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation have been the standard treatments for AF, but a new player has emerged on the scene – Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA). In this article, we'll explore the mechanisms, pros, and cons of PFA in comparison to the traditional methods, and dive into the recent ADVENT Study, shedding light on…

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#345 How to Double the Longevity Benefit of Exercise

How to Double the Longevity Benefit of Exercise In the pursuit of a healthier and longer life, regular exercise has long been regarded as a fundamental component. But is it possible to double the longevity benefit of exercise? We have all heard about the importance of meeting the federally recommended amount of physical activity to reduce the risk of premature death. However, recent research conducted by Harvard's School of Public Health reveals a fascinating new twist. According to their study,…

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#344 Can You Stop the Progression of AFib with a Catheter Ablation?

Can You Stop the Progression of AFib with a Catheter Ablation? The Natural Progression of Atrial fibrillation (AFib) can start with sporadic episodes, where the heart's rhythm is irregular but self-terminates. This stage where AFib terminates on its own is known as paroxysmal AFib. Paroxysmal AFib may not cause significant harm to the heart initially, and some individuals may not even be aware of the condition. Unfortunately, if left untreated, the progression of AFib ultimately may lead from the self-terminating…

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#343 Dr. Day’s 10 Food Suggestions for Longevity and Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Day's 10 Food Suggestions for Longevity and Cardiovascular Health Building and maintaining a healthy diet is a cornerstone for longevity and cardiovascular health. The choices we make about what we eat and drink can have a profound impact on our well-being, energy levels, and long-term health. In this article, I will share my 10 food suggestions for longevity and cardiovascular health. For those readers looking for a deeper dive on nutrition for longevity and cardiovascular health, please check out…

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#342 The 2-Minute Workout to Prevent AFib and Extend Your Healthy Lifespan

The 2-Minute Workout to Prevent AFib and Extend Your Healthy Lifespan Everyone knows daily exercise is at the heart of a long and healthy life. However, it is disheartening to observe that two-thirds of my patients, and most people in the US, don't exercise consistently. In light of this, I would like to share a revolutionary approach inspired by the work of James Clear from his book, Atomic Habits, that can help everyone incorporate exercise into their daily routine. By…

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#341 The 5 Easiest Ways to Effortless Weight Loss: Insights from Over 25 Years of Patient Experiences

The 5 Easiest Ways to Effortless Weight Loss: Insights from Over 25 Years of Patient Experiences Are you tired of the exhausting struggle to lose weight? Countless diets, intense workouts, and endless sacrifices can leave you feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. But what if I told you there's a better way? After decades of working closely with my cardiac arrhythmia patients on their weight loss journeys, I've uncovered 5 simple strategies that consistently yield remarkable results for my patients. Whether your…

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#340 What’s Worse for Living a Long Life—Loneliness or Eating a Bad Diet?

What’s Worse for Living a Long Life—Loneliness or Eating a Bad Diet? If you want to live a longer, healthier, and happier life, it’s every bit as important to be socially connected as it is to what you eat. In fact, it now seems clear from the research that being socially connected is an even more important factor in our current and long-term health than what we eat. Being socially connected can be with your family. It can be your…

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#339 14 Reasons Why You Got AFib

14 Reasons Why You Got AFib So, why did you get atrial fibrillation? There are a lot of possible substrate causes—some of which you can control and some of which you cannot. Below is a list of the 14 most common reasons why our patients have developed AFib. 1. You Inherited the Wrong Gene Some people inherit a genetic predisposition that makes AFib more likely. Up to a third of all people who have atrial fibrillation without another identified cause…

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#338 Will Smiling Help You to Live to 100?

Will Smiling Help You to Live to 100? Smiles. That is what I came to expect more than anything else when I would visit Mawen in her home in Bapan as we described in our best-selling book, The Longevity Plan. At 107 years old when I first met, she was feisty, funny, and ferociously dedicated to helping others understand that life, while not always easy or fair, is too wonderful a thing to waste with sorrow. I cannot recall a…

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#337 Should You Weigh Yourself Daily to Beat AFib?

Should You Weigh Yourself Daily? Should you weigh yourself daily? The simple answer is it depends on what you are optimizing for. If your goal is normal sinus rhythm and longevity then for most of my patients the answer is a resounding "yes." However, for my rare patient that has achieved a very high level of mindfulness, a daily weight check could be counterproductive. So, unless you have years of optimal weight management under your belt using a mindfulness approach,…

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#336 5 Scientifically Proven Reasons Why AFib Ablations Are Better than Drugs

5 Scientifically Proven Reasons Why AFib Ablations Are Better than Drugs The primary goal of anyone who has just experienced their first atrial fibrillation attack is to do everything possible to reverse this condition so that you don't ever get another attack. Ideally, you can make the key lifestyle changes after the first AFib event to maximize the chances of this approach being successful. And of all the healthy lifestyle changes you could make, the most effective is to get…

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#335 The Top 3 Drugs Your Cardiologist Wants to Put You on to Slow Your Heart Rate

The Top 3 Drugs Your Cardiologist Wants to Put You on to Slow Your AFib Heart Rate Of all the drugs that doctors prescribe for AFib, rate controllers are probably the most popular. And yet, in most of the cases we see, these drugs usually don’t reduce AFib attacks and seldom do they prevent them all together. They also don’t always prevent heart failure—because, when it comes to heart failure, rate control alone may not be enough. Many doctors don’t even know this yet, but…

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#334 Could the News and Social Media be Causing Your Heart Problem?

Could the News and Social Media be Causing Your Heart Problem? Good, bad, or otherwise, the news used to come to us in far more manageable doses—a bit in the morning when the newspaper hit the doorstep and a bit in the evening when Walter Cronkite, or another seemingly trustworthy person, sat behind the desk of the evening news. Nowadays, news is a 24-hour affair. And what often passes for news—angry people screaming over one another, blowhard commentators spewing politically predictable talking points, and celebrity…

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#333 Can High Blood Pressure Cause Atrial Fibrillation?

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Atrial Fibrillation? Whenever I meet with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients they always want to know why they got Afib. Sadly, one of reasons is usually something they haven't given much thought to...their high blood pressure. Indeed, high blood pressure or hypertension is one of the main causes of atrial fibrillation. How Does High Blood Pressure Cause Atrial Fibrillation? Hypertension occurs when the force of a person’s blood against the walls of their arteries is high…

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#332 Can You Only Take AFib Blood Thinners When Needed?

Can You Only Take AFib Blood Thinners When Needed? The vast majority of my AFib patients hate their blood thinners. In fact, most would be willing to do just about anything to get off them. While the official AFib treatment guidelines don't yet recognize only taking AFib blood thinners when needed, for some patients this can be a reasonable approach to balancing the risk of stroke versus life-threatening bleeding from blood thinners. Is there a way to only take blood…

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#331 How to Reprogram Your Genes to Live to 100

How to Reprogram Your Genes to Live to 100 Just prior to giving the keynote lecture at a large medical conference organized by Northwestern University in Chicago on the subject of “How to Thrive to 100,” a surprising number of conference attendees I met said something to the effect of, “who in their right mind would want to live to be 100?” That sort of response completely ignores the fact that a person who arrives at 100 still skiing and in good health most likely also…

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#330 The 12 Most Common Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms

The 12 Most Common Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms Most of our patients mistakenly believe they don’t have any AFib symptoms because they can’t feel the palpitations that are commonly associated with this arrhythmia. While many patients do indeed experience palpitations, in my experience most do not. In this article we'll cover the 12 most common AFib symptoms and how to get rid of them once and for all. Read on to learn more... The Top 3 AFib Symptoms Sadly, most AFib patients don't…

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#329 Are Grains Bad for Your Heart?

Are Grains Bad for Your Heart? While there has been a recent flurry of books and websites demonizing grains in every form, the scientific literature does not support this belief. Indeed, in major study after study, real whole or intact grains have consistently been associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality, cancer and premature death. Processed grains, on the other hand, behave just like sugar in the body. And it’s clear that these products are responsible for much of the obesity crisis, as well as the epidemic of…

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#328 Is AFib Caused by Premature Aging? 6 Ways to Reverse Aging

Does Atrial Fibrillation Have to Get Worse with Age? AFib is a heart condition that, for many people, is little more than another inevitable consequence of aging, many doctors still tell their patients that there is nothing they could have done about it—and that there’s not much they can do now but make it “less bad.” They prescribe some drugs, or order up a procedure, and that is that. While AFib may be a warning sign that you are aging too fast, does atrial fibrillation have…

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#327 Does Stress Cause Atrial Fibrillation?

Does Stress Cause Atrial Fibrillation? How dangerous is stress for people suffering from atrial fibrillation? Will keeping stress levels in check help with your AFib? In this article, I'll do my best to answer the question, does stress cause atrial fibrillation. Evangelina's Experience with Stress and AFib Evangelina was 57 years old when she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. It had been two years since her husband passed away suddenly of a heart attack and, while she missed him desperately, life was…

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#326 How To Lose 100 Pounds

How to lose 100 pounds Have you ever wondered what happens to the “biggest losers” on reality TV shows? When the cameras stop rolling, do their incredible transformations stick? Not usually. Researchers have found, in fact, that these contestants’ crash diets send their metabolism into a tailspin, making long-term weight maintenance nearly impossible. In most cases, the weight comes right back and, even six years later, their metabolism is slower than it was before they started filming. This is what…

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#325 Blood Thinners versus Watchman for Atrial Fibrillation: Which is Best?

Blood Thinners versus Watchman for Atrial Fibrillation: Which is Best? No one wants an stroke and most of my AFib patients at higher risk for stroke don't want to take a blood thinner for life. Fortunately, AFib patients at low-risk for stroke don't require blood thinners. But for those who have to take a blood thinner, are there any alternatives? In this article we'll discuss AFib strokes, the role of the left atrial appendage, and whether blood thinners or Watchman…

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#324 How to Exercise without Getting Atrial Fibrillation (Podcast)

Dear readers, Recently I went on the Wise Athletes Podcast to discuss how to exercise without getting AFib. We covered all topics related to exercise, AFib, and why athletes seem to be particularly at risk for AFib. If you love to exercise as much as I do this is definitely a podcast you won't want to miss! Thanks for listening! John Wise Athletes Podcast episode website

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#323 The 12 Best Ways to Fix Atrial Fibrillation with Sleep

The 12 Best Ways to Fix Atrial Fibrillation with Sleep Whenever people try to get healthier, and no matter what the underlying reason for that effort, they almost always start with diet and exercise. Those are two very important factors, but without addressing a third factor—sleep—they are almost assuredly doomed to fail in their efforts to eat better and exercise more. In this article, I'm going to give you my 11 best ways to fix atrial fibrillation with sleep. Most of Us Are…

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