Dr. John Day, Cardiologist

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…