Dr. John Day, Cardiologist

Can You Stop Blood Thinners After a Successful AFib Ablation? At St. Mark’s, we’ve now treated nearly 1,000 patients with the new pulsed field ablation (PFA) technology. PFA is not only faster and safer than traditional methods, but we’re also seeing higher success rates and a much lower need for repeat ablation procedures. Because of these improvements, many of our patients are now asking: Do I still need to take blood thinners for the rest of my life? This is…

Slow Aging with Vitamin D, Omega-3s, and Exercise: Science-Backed Strategies Aging is inevitable, but what if you could slow it down? New research from the DO-HEALTH trial suggests that three simple lifestyle habits—taking vitamin D, consuming omega-3s, and doing regular exercise—can help slow biological aging. These findings could mean more energy, fewer illnesses, and a longer, healthier life. Let's break down the science and how you can apply it to your daily routine. The Science Behind "Slow Aging" Aging isn't…

When is the Right Time for an Atrial Fibrillation Ablation? If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), you may be wondering about the best treatment approach. A growing body of research suggests that the earlier you seek treatment—especially with catheter ablation—the better your long-term health outcomes will be. Thanks to advancements like pulsed field ablation (PFA), in our experience procedures are now faster, safer, and more effective than ever before. Why Early Treatment Matters…

Is Your Risk of an Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Going Down? If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), you may have heard about the CHADS-VASc score. It’s a scoring system doctors use to estimate your risk of having a stroke due to an atrial fibrillation blood clot. Each risk factor—such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, or past strokes/TIAs—adds points to your score. Age is also a factor, with people over 65 getting one point and those over 75 getting…

Could Heart Rate Recovery Be the Secret to a Longer Life? Your heart is more than just a muscle—it’s a key predictor of your overall health and longevity. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to measure heart health is through Heart Rate Recovery (HRR). But what exactly is HRR, and what does it reveal about your future well-being? What Is Heart Rate Recovery? Heart Rate Recovery refers to how quickly your heart rate slows down after exercise. A…

Six Simple Lab Tests that Predict Whether You'll Live to 100 Imagine celebrating your 100th birthday with family and friends, full of energy and vitality. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? A recent study has shed light on how optimizing six simple lab tests could predict whether you’ll live to 100. These tests are likely already part of your annual check-up with your primary care physician. As you read this article, it might be helpful to review your own lab…

Can Vigorous Daily Exercise Guarantee that You'll Never Get Dementia? Imagine if you could reduce your risk of dementia by 88% and, even in the rare case you developed it, delay its onset by a 10 years!  This isn’t just wishful thinking – it’s a scientifically proven possibility, as revealed in the groundbreaking study, "Midlife cardiovascular fitness and dementia: A 44-year longitudinal population study in women," published in the scientific medical journal Neurology. In this inspiring research, women with the…

My Apple Watch Detected AFib When Mick bought the first FDA-approved EKG smartwatch, the Apple Watch 4, he didn’t do it for the atrial fibrillation (AFib) and EKG features. He just happened to be a really big fan of Apple products. Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, commonly use the term 'ECG' to refer to 'EKG,' both of which mean the same thing. But thank goodness he was, because in the year before he made that purchase, he had noticed that…

New Research in Atrial Fibrillation: Further Evidence of Why Pulsed Field Ablation Is a Game Changer Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart condition where the heart beats irregularly and often too fast. It can lead to serious health problems like stroke, dementia, and heart failure. To treat AFib, doctors sometimes use a procedure called ablation, which targets the malfunctioning heart tissue to stop the irregular beats. There are different ways to perform ablation: pulsed field ablation (PFA), radiofrequency ablation…

Can a Mediterranean Diet Prevent Atrial Fibrillation from Coming Back After an Ablation? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm problem. After a procedure called AFib ablation, which aims to fix this issue, AFib can still come back in some patients. However, there might be a way to reduce this risk with the help of a Mediterranean diet. Let's explore what a Mediterranean diet is, what a recent study says about it, and how it might help patients with…

Taking the Stairs Prevents Heart Disease and Extends Your Life Have you ever thought about how the simple act of taking the stairs can change your life? Research has shown that something as ordinary as climbing stairs can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and even increase your lifespan. A recently presented meta-analysis study of 9 studies involving 480,520 people concluded that choosing the stairs instead of the elevator decreases your risk of heart disease killing you by 39%…

Latest Research on Atrial Fibrillation and Fish Oil Supplements: What You Need to Know Since I last wrote about atrial fibrillation and fish oil supplements 3 years ago (here), there have been even more studies showing an increased risk of AFib and strokes from fish oil supplements. This latest study, published in the prestigious British Medical Journal, on the effects of taking fish oil in 415,737 patients especially caught my attention. Needless to say, I personally stopped taking fish oil…

Is Diltiazem Dangerous to Use with Eliquis or Xarelto? A recent study involving 204,155 Americans with atrial fibrillation just concluded that using ditiazem with either Eliquis (apixaban) or Xarelto (rivaroxaban) was potentially dangerous due to increased bleeding risks. Is this really the case? And if it is, what steps should you take if you have been prescribed these medications? Keep reading to find out more. What is Diltiazem? The cardiac medication diltiazem also goes by the brand names of Cardizem,…

What's Better for Your Heart: Plant-Based Meats or Animal Meats? In the realm of nutrition science, the debate over the health benefits of plant-based diets versus animal-based diets continues to captivate researchers and health enthusiasts alike. A recent study conducted in Singapore aimed to shed light on this ongoing discussion by investigating the effects of plant-based "meats" compared to animal-based "real" meats on heart health among people at risk of diabetes. The Plant-Based Meat vs Animal Meat Study This study…

Is Practicing Daily Forgiveness and Gratitude Better for Blood Pressure than a Medication? Does your blood pressure occasionally run higher than 120/80? And do you subconsciously keep reaching for your smartphone? Well, here's some news that might just make you feel better about it! A recent study presented this week at our annual American College of Cardiology meetings in Atlanta explored this topic. Could something as simple as reading a daily text message encouraging you to practice daily gratitude and…

Intermittent Fasting: Miracle Diet or Hazardous to Your Heart? A recent study involving more than 20,000 adults discovered that people who adhered to an 8-hour time-restricted eating plan, a form of intermittent fasting, were 91% more likely to face a higher risk of dying from heart problems. How could this be? Isn't intermittent fasting supposed to be heart-healthy, as I've previously reported in our 2 best-selling books The Longevity Plan and The AFib Cure? Read on to learn more... The…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…