BajaNomad

A Simple Way to Prevent Stroke...take your pulse

EnsenadaDr - 7-24-2014 at 10:11 PM

An irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation is a big cause of stroke, especially for people who have recently had a stroke. But it's not something that most people can feel.

Doctors test for atrial fibrillation by hooking people up to an electrocardiogram machine at the office, or having them wear a Holter monitor for a day or a week. There are also implantable monitors to check for afib, but they aren't widely used.

Learning to take your own pulse may be as effective and a lot simpler, according to German researchers.

They trained 220 older people who had had a stroke to tell the difference between a normal pulse and the fluttery abnormal rhythm of afib.

The training was considered a success if the people were able to correctly measure their pulse twice in a row; 196 people aced the test, for an 89 percent success rate.

To find out if the amateurs' measurements actually detected afib, the patients also were being continuously monitored on an electrocardiogram. But they weren't able to see the ECG monitor while doing the self-test.

It found that 57 of the patients had irregular heartbeats.

Turning the standard ambulance into a specialized stroke treatment unit could help.

The patients who checked their own pulse rate provided reliable results 89 percent of the time. They identified irregular rhythms 54 percent of the time, and normal rhythms 96 percent of the time. They incorrectly thought they had afib just 3 percent of the time.

False positives are one downside of having people self-test, says Dr. Bernd Kallmunzer, a neurologist at Universitatsklinikum Erlangen in Germany who led the study. They typically would be told to go get an ECG test. But because there were only 6 people who thought they had afib when they didn't, "the number of 'unnecessary' ECG recordings are expect to be rather low," Kallmunzer said in an email.

Relatives also were trained to take the patients' pulses, and they did even better, identifying irregular rhythms 77 percent of the time.

The results were published online Wednesday in the journal Neurology.

"Many times people don't know they're in afib," says Dr. Ralph Sacco, chairman of the department of neurology at the University of Miami. "This group is trying to propose a more simple, cheap method that may work, having stroke patients and their caregivers monitor pulse.

"There's very little downsides other than maybe the extra anxiety if you thought there was something wrong if it wasn't," Sacco told Shots.

He can foresee the day when people would check their pulse rates the way they check their blood pressure, but notes that the test will be less useful in younger people and older people not at risk of stroke.

People with atrial fibrillation can be given medications that substantially reduce their risk of a blood clot and stroke.

Want to try it yourself? The American Heart Association has written instructions. Or check out this nifty video from the British Heart Foundation that also lets you hear the difference between regular and irregular heartbeats.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/07/24/334459624/a-simpl...

bajabuddha - 7-24-2014 at 11:55 PM

Didn't work. Took my pulse, then I had a stroke. Then, I had another stroke. Then, I decided to.... never-mind.

So how does feeling a bit of A-fib relate to an embolism/aneurism event? Are you having one, or is it a precursor? The article you copied says it's for people who already have experienced one, more or less. Pretty large and vague spectrum there.

Also, how does B/P react when an event is imminent, both stroke and heart attack? For those who monitor regularly with heart disease(s), what precursors are red flags? Not just the 'squeezing, pain, numbness, radiating pain' symptoms, but what does B/P and pulse do? Increase, decrease, A-fib mildly or strongly present?

EnsenadaDr - 7-25-2014 at 01:13 AM

Each case is different. You would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis. Feel free to call your doctor and make an appointment. Thanks for asking!
Quote:
Originally posted by bajabuddha
Didn't work. Took my pulse, then I had a stroke. Then, I had another stroke. Then, I decided to.... never-mind.

So how does feeling a bit of A-fib relate to an embolism/aneurism event? Are you having one, or is it a precursor? The article you copied says it's for people who already have experienced one, more or less. Pretty large and vague spectrum there.

Also, how does B/P react when an event is imminent, both stroke and heart attack? For those who monitor regularly with heart disease(s), what precursors are red flags? Not just the 'squeezing, pain, numbness, radiating pain' symptoms, but what does B/P and pulse do? Increase, decrease, A-fib mildly or strongly present?

vandenberg - 7-25-2014 at 07:24 AM

Most blood pressure monitors (I have several) show an irregular heartbeat.

bajabuddha - 7-25-2014 at 08:09 AM

There's a difference between an irregular heartbeat and A-fib though. When I went through my EMT training they brought in a 'ringer' one evening, an older gal (long-time EMT) that had lived with an irregular heartbeat for years. First time I took her pulse doing basic assessment I jumped out of my skin! She just grinned at me and said, "good catch..."

I just find this whole article medical mumbo-jumbo with no clear path or answers. "Take your pulse and prevent a stroke". Huh? Basic health awareness, yes. Makes any sense? No. Sowwy.

vandenberg - 7-25-2014 at 12:50 PM

In the last 2 years I had 2 stents installed. The cardiologist who did the procedure made me take a full aspirin a day, 325mg, and that ,with the plavix 75mg makes my blood so thin that I ruin a lot of clothes with just miniscule scratches that bleed forever. Our kitten made me look like coming from a severe whipping. My regular cardiologist wanted to put me on warfarin or pradaxa, but I'm afraid ,taking that, I will bleed forever.


Answers??

DianaT - 7-25-2014 at 01:17 PM

Some people have a normal irregular heart beat periodically with no problem and no need for meds. It just happens according to two cardiologists I have been sent to over the years when the regular doctor picked up on a temporary irregular beat.

See a doctor in person.

Martyman - 7-25-2014 at 02:00 PM

I had a-fib. I then had a process called a cardioversion where they stopped and re-started my heart. I've had a steady beat for 3 years now.

Udo - 7-25-2014 at 02:11 PM

In another few weeks, my cardiologist is scheduling me for another cardioversion.
I had one last year, but the circumstances were different, and therefore the need for a new one.
Hopefully this one will stick. The last one only lasted 5 days.

danaeb - 7-25-2014 at 02:20 PM

Has your Dr. dicussed watching your diet regarding foods high in vitamin K?

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
In the last 2 years I had 2 stents installed. The cardiologist who did the procedure made me take a full aspirin a day, 325mg, and that ,with the plavix 75mg makes my blood so thin that I ruin a lot of clothes with just miniscule scratches that bleed forever. Our kitten made me look like coming from a severe whipping. My regular cardiologist wanted to put me on warfarin or pradaxa, but I'm afraid ,taking that, I will bleed forever.


Answers??


[Edited on 7-25-2014 by danaeb]

DENNIS - 7-25-2014 at 02:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
In the last 2 years I had 2 stents installed. The cardiologist who did the procedure made me take a full aspirin a day, 325mg, and that ,with the plavix 75mg makes my blood so thin that I ruin a lot of clothes with just miniscule scratches that bleed forever. Our kitten made me look like coming from a severe whipping. My regular cardiologist wanted to put me on warfarin or pradaxa, but I'm afraid ,taking that, I will bleed forever.


Answers??


Don't cut yourself, and have tourniquets around just in case.

But...most importantly, don't stop living.



.

[Edited on 7-25-2014 by DENNIS]

EnsenadaDr - 7-25-2014 at 02:27 PM

BTW Dennis when are we going to eat hamburgers in Sano's parking lot?

DENNIS - 7-25-2014 at 03:09 PM

................................................soon.................................................

greengoes - 7-25-2014 at 03:27 PM

Right after the phish taco assignation, maybe.

bajabuddha - 7-25-2014 at 03:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
In the last 2 years I had 2 stents installed. The cardiologist who did the procedure made me take a full aspirin a day, 325mg, and that ,with the plavix 75mg makes my blood so thin that I ruin a lot of clothes with just miniscule scratches that bleed forever. Our kitten made me look like coming from a severe whipping. My regular cardiologist wanted to put me on warfarin or pradaxa, but I'm afraid ,taking that, I will bleed forever.


Answers??

Van, I have FIVE stents AND a collateral artery, which is a home-grown stent the heart grows itself when an artery is blocked (very severe hereditary heart disease). My cardio doc has me on 81 mg. aspirin (made for heart disease control) and will be for the rest of my life. When a stent is placed, I take at least a one-year run of Plavix; there are lots of different kinds of stents, some medicated, some not, but Plavix and now a newer and more expensive drug called Effexa (sp?) are the go-to drugs. Talk to your cardio doc about reducing the aspirin; that much can cause stomach damage and internal bleeding.

Is your cardio team a well-reputed group? If you're relying on the VA, RUN AWAY. Sounds like you might get a 2nd opinion.

wessongroup - 7-25-2014 at 04:07 PM

WOW .. you guys take it slow ... :):)

bajabuddha - 7-25-2014 at 04:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
WOW .. you guys take it slow ... :):)

To hell with that! I'll take it all as fast as I can !!! :lol: ;D

edit: maddafact, it's time for my 5 pm martini as we speak; toodle-oo!:bounce:

[Edited on 7-25-2014 by bajabuddha]

vandenberg - 7-25-2014 at 04:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabuddha
Is your cardio team a well-reputed group? If you're relying on the VA, RUN AWAY. Sounds like you might get a 2nd opinion.



Sutter medical group, one of the most reputable groups in Northern California.
Have several cardiologists look after me.
Mostly nice people but the head honcho kind of an arrogant pain.

vandenberg - 7-25-2014 at 04:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Don't cut yourself, and have tourniquets around just in case.

But...most importantly, don't stop living.

[Edited on 7-25-2014 by DENNIS]


I'm trying buddy and hope my martinis help my cause.:biggrin::biggrin:

Bajahowodd - 7-25-2014 at 04:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Some people have a normal irregular heart beat periodically with no problem and no need for meds. It just happens according to two cardiologists I have been sent to over the years when the regular doctor picked up on a temporary irregular beat.

See a doctor in person.


This!

Fact is that big Pharma has a bunch of ridiculously priced drugs, and they prey on people's fear.

It's all about profits. Not saving lives.

LancairDriver - 7-25-2014 at 05:12 PM

Here's an inexpensive and easier and more reliable way to check pulse rate as well as blood oxygen level from a finger.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Veridian-Deluxe-Pulse-Oximeter-Blo...

DENNIS - 7-25-2014 at 05:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
Here's an inexpensive and easier and more reliable way to check pulse rate as well as blood oxygen level from a finger.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Veridian-Deluxe-Pulse-Oximeter-Blo...


I use one along with the wrist cuff type which I prefer because it has a de-fib indicator as well.

bajabuddha - 7-25-2014 at 05:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
Here's an inexpensive and easier and more reliable way to check pulse rate as well as blood oxygen level from a finger.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Veridian-Deluxe-Pulse-Oximeter-Blo...


A pulse-oximeter is that little finger clamp put on you on every assessment you go to at the Dr's office. Doesn't measure B/P, just oxygen saturation levels in your blood and basic pulse. Pulse? Easy-peasy. Li'l dent in your thumb-side wrist, you can feel pulse rate, pace, and tempo. Oxygen levels are what you are assimilating at the moment.

Two points; Effexa is NOT the drug I was thinking of, forgot the new name, tossed the bottle. Plavix is the main go-to. And Van, the 'arrogant' doc you were referring to? I already ditched one for that reason, went to another group, internationally renown. Like Dr. Oz, sometimes ego and prestige takes precedence over patient care. Que no?

willardguy - 7-25-2014 at 05:54 PM

you guys take your own vitals huh?

bajabuddha - 7-25-2014 at 05:59 PM

UURRGGG. GRRKKKKHHH.. HHNNNNNN.................. beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

mtgoat666 - 7-25-2014 at 06:05 PM

I took my pulse this morning and I did not have a stroke all day! It worked!

bacquito - 7-25-2014 at 06:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
An irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation is a big cause of stroke, especially for people who have recently had a stroke. But it's not something that most people can feel.

Doctors test for atrial fibrillation by hooking people up to an electrocardiogram machine at the office, or having them wear a Holter monitor for a day or a week. There are also implantable monitors to check for afib, but they aren't widely used.

Learning to take your own pulse may be as effective and a lot simpler, according to German researchers.

They trained 220 older people who had had a stroke to tell the difference between a normal pulse and the fluttery abnormal rhythm of afib.

The training was considered a success if the people were able to correctly measure their pulse twice in a row; 196 people aced the test, for an 89 percent success rate.

To find out if the amateurs' measurements actually detected afib, the patients also were being continuously monitored on an electrocardiogram. But they weren't able to see the ECG monitor while doing the self-test.

It found that 57 of the patients had irregular heartbeats.

Turning the standard ambulance into a specialized stroke treatment unit could help.

The patients who checked their own pulse rate provided reliable results 89 percent of the time. They identified irregular rhythms 54 percent of the time, and normal rhythms 96 percent of the time. They incorrectly thought they had afib just 3 percent of the time.

False positives are one downside of having people self-test, says Dr. Bernd Kallmunzer, a neurologist at Universitatsklinikum Erlangen in Germany who led the study. They typically would be told to go get an ECG test. But because there were only 6 people who thought they had afib when they didn't, "the number of 'unnecessary' ECG recordings are expect to be rather low," Kallmunzer said in an email.

Relatives also were trained to take the patients' pulses, and they did even better, identifying irregular rhythms 77 percent of the time.

The results were published online Wednesday in the journal Neurology.

"Many times people don't know they're in afib," says Dr. Ralph Sacco, chairman of the department of neurology at the University of Miami. "This group is trying to propose a more simple, cheap method that may work, having stroke patients and their caregivers monitor pulse.

"There's very little downsides other than maybe the extra anxiety if you thought there was something wrong if it wasn't," Sacco told Shots.

He can foresee the day when people would check their pulse rates the way they check their blood pressure, but notes that the test will be less useful in younger people and older people not at risk of stroke.

People with atrial fibrillation can be given medications that substantially reduce their risk of a blood clot and stroke.

Want to try it yourself? The American Heart Association has written instructions. Or check out this nifty video from the British Heart Foundation that also lets you hear the difference between regular and irregular heartbeats.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/07/24/334459624/a-simpl...


I had an irregular heartbeat for years and the doctors were aware of it but told me not to worry. I have high blood pressure and was taking .25mg of Amlodapine and Losarten (100 mg). My doctor at Sharp took me off of the Amlodapine and there is no longer any irregularities in my heart beat. HOWEVER, I have a slow heart beat and very soon I am to have a pace maker installed.
Any of the Nomads had much experience with pacemakers?

Bajaboy - 7-25-2014 at 06:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
An irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation is a big cause of stroke, especially for people who have recently had a stroke. But it's not something that most people can feel.

Doctors test for atrial fibrillation by hooking people up to an electrocardiogram machine at the office, or having them wear a Holter monitor for a day or a week. There are also implantable monitors to check for afib, but they aren't widely used.

Learning to take your own pulse may be as effective and a lot simpler, according to German researchers.

They trained 220 older people who had had a stroke to tell the difference between a normal pulse and the fluttery abnormal rhythm of afib.

The training was considered a success if the people were able to correctly measure their pulse twice in a row; 196 people aced the test, for an 89 percent success rate.

To find out if the amateurs' measurements actually detected afib, the patients also were being continuously monitored on an electrocardiogram. But they weren't able to see the ECG monitor while doing the self-test.

It found that 57 of the patients had irregular heartbeats.

Turning the standard ambulance into a specialized stroke treatment unit could help.

The patients who checked their own pulse rate provided reliable results 89 percent of the time. They identified irregular rhythms 54 percent of the time, and normal rhythms 96 percent of the time. They incorrectly thought they had afib just 3 percent of the time.

False positives are one downside of having people self-test, says Dr. Bernd Kallmunzer, a neurologist at Universitatsklinikum Erlangen in Germany who led the study. They typically would be told to go get an ECG test. But because there were only 6 people who thought they had afib when they didn't, "the number of 'unnecessary' ECG recordings are expect to be rather low," Kallmunzer said in an email.

Relatives also were trained to take the patients' pulses, and they did even better, identifying irregular rhythms 77 percent of the time.

The results were published online Wednesday in the journal Neurology.

"Many times people don't know they're in afib," says Dr. Ralph Sacco, chairman of the department of neurology at the University of Miami. "This group is trying to propose a more simple, cheap method that may work, having stroke patients and their caregivers monitor pulse.

"There's very little downsides other than maybe the extra anxiety if you thought there was something wrong if it wasn't," Sacco told Shots.

He can foresee the day when people would check their pulse rates the way they check their blood pressure, but notes that the test will be less useful in younger people and older people not at risk of stroke.

People with atrial fibrillation can be given medications that substantially reduce their risk of a blood clot and stroke.

Want to try it yourself? The American Heart Association has written instructions. Or check out this nifty video from the British Heart Foundation that also lets you hear the difference between regular and irregular heartbeats.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/07/24/334459624/a-simpl...


So all I have to do to prevent a stroke is take my pulse....sounds pretty easy to me:?:

DENNIS - 7-25-2014 at 06:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy

So all I have to do to prevent a stroke is take my pulse....sounds pretty easy to me:?:


Only works if you take it with an X-acto knife.

wessongroup - 7-25-2014 at 07:40 PM

SF 17 ... :lol::lol: ... should the blade be sharp

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Popular blood thinner Pradaxa maker withheld critical safety data

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/11316/20140726/popular-blo...

Say, would this be "criminal" ... or just "white collar" crime

[Edited on 7-26-2014 by wessongroup]

Lee - 7-26-2014 at 09:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
An irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation is a big cause of stroke, especially for people who have recently had a stroke. But it's not something that most people can feel.

Doctors test for atrial fibrillation by hooking people up to an electrocardiogram machine at the office, or having them wear a Holter monitor for a day or a week. There are also implantable monitors to check for afib, but they aren't widely used.

Learning to take your own pulse may be as effective and a lot simpler, according to German researchers.

They trained 220 older people who had had a stroke to tell the difference between a normal pulse and the fluttery abnormal rhythm of afib.

The training was considered a success if the people were able to correctly measure their pulse twice in a row; 196 people aced the test, for an 89 percent success rate.

To find out if the amateurs' measurements actually detected afib, the patients also were being continuously monitored on an electrocardiogram. But they weren't able to see the ECG monitor while doing the self-test.

It found that 57 of the patients had irregular heartbeats.

Turning the standard ambulance into a specialized stroke treatment unit could help.

The patients who checked their own pulse rate provided reliable results 89 percent of the time. They identified irregular rhythms 54 percent of the time, and normal rhythms 96 percent of the time. They incorrectly thought they had afib just 3 percent of the time.

False positives are one downside of having people self-test, says Dr. Bernd Kallmunzer, a neurologist at Universitatsklinikum Erlangen in Germany who led the study. They typically would be told to go get an ECG test. But because there were only 6 people who thought they had afib when they didn't, "the number of 'unnecessary' ECG recordings are expect to be rather low," Kallmunzer said in an email.

Relatives also were trained to take the patients' pulses, and they did even better, identifying irregular rhythms 77 percent of the time.

The results were published online Wednesday in the journal Neurology.

"Many times people don't know they're in afib," says Dr. Ralph Sacco, chairman of the department of neurology at the University of Miami. "This group is trying to propose a more simple, cheap method that may work, having stroke patients and their caregivers monitor pulse.

"There's very little downsides other than maybe the extra anxiety if you thought there was something wrong if it wasn't," Sacco told Shots.

He can foresee the day when people would check their pulse rates the way they check their blood pressure, but notes that the test will be less useful in younger people and older people not at risk of stroke.

People with atrial fibrillation can be given medications that substantially reduce their risk of a blood clot and stroke.

Want to try it yourself? The American Heart Association has written instructions. Or check out this nifty video from the British Heart Foundation that also lets you hear the difference between regular and irregular heartbeats.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/07/24/334459624/a-simpl...


So all I have to do to prevent a stroke is take my pulse....sounds pretty easy to me:?:


Visited my MD's office recently, her assistant took my B/P -- new Doc, new assistant. After couple tries, I asked what the number was and she said ''99.'' I said right.

Taking a pulse or B/P reading is simple if you've been trained, and practiced these procedures. I have a couple of these and they're accurate. http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Series-Pressure-Monitor-ComFit/d...

I have a-fib and manage it as it's not constant.

If you are a-fib or have cardio problems, I recommend a B/P cuff and Steath -- I have a Littman probably recognized as the standard.

The Cuff is automatic just push a button. Doing the procedure manually takes training and lots of practice.

A PulseOx is useful in some situations. Mostly when there is a question of blood oxygenation where oxygen intake is unstable. (post surgery, ICU). At sea level, oxygen should be high 90s, at elevation maybe low 90s.

My B/P machine gives me a pulse reading. Doing it manually using the brachial or radial arteries is also simple as I've done it hundreds of times.

I thought the article posted was bogus and misleading.

The article states that ''Doctors test for atrial fibrillation by hooking people up to an electrocardiogram machine at the office, or having them wear a Holter monitor….

Learning to take your own pulse may be as effective and a lot simpler, according to German researchers.''

Is that right? Doctors (cardiologists) use a EKG machine (to test electrical activity in the heart) but it's simpler and ''as effective'' to just take your own pulse?

Laughable.

EnsenadaDr - 7-26-2014 at 11:17 AM

I didn't say that checking your pulse was ÄLL you have to do. I found this article to be very informative for the lay person who knows little to nothing about atrial fibrillation. I check my pulse regularly to check for an irregular heartbeat, and anyone over 50 should check for abnormalities or rhythm changes. IF you find an irregular heartbeat, then you should naturally follow up. It is a warning sign that if continues unchecked, can cause blood clots in your heart and cause a stroke. I am sorry if the article was not self explanatory. Any abnormal finding by a patient should be followed up with medical care. The pulse checking is a screening tool, nothing more.

Also consider...

windgrrl - 7-26-2014 at 11:44 AM

...taking earlier action on reducing risk factors as part of prevention measures:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Atrial fibrillation
Being overweight
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol consumption
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Stress

Source:
http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3483939/k...

micah202 - 7-26-2014 at 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by windgrrl

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Atrial fibrillation
Being overweight
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol consumption
Physical inactivity
Smoking


...the whole funthings list!:(

windgrrl - 7-26-2014 at 12:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
Quote:
Originally posted by windgrrl

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Atrial fibrillation
Being overweight
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol consumption
Physical inactivity
Smoking


...the whole funthings list!:(


Not necessarily.

One can assess one's risk (anonymously) using the link below to see if one cares to make a behaviour change in any one of the areas:
https://ehealth.heartandstroke.ca/heartstroke/hsra/?LID=1&am...

After all, the title of this section is Baja Health and Wellness, not Baja Illness!:tumble:

micah202 - 7-26-2014 at 01:20 PM

.
.....yeh,yeh I know-sometimes we gotta choose

.......I don't like being a quitter,,,but quit smoking 5 weeks ago--used to be able to burn at both ends,,not so much now;)

Lee - 7-26-2014 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I didn't say that checking your pulse was ÄLL you have to do. I found this article to be very informative for the lay person who knows little to nothing about atrial fibrillation.


Do you know what a Titulo de Medico Cirujano is?

Lee - 7-26-2014 at 06:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
It is a Titulo Medico and if you don't like my comments then please refrain from the sarcasm and defamatory comments. I liked the article so what? I like I LOVE LUCY too. Does that make me a bad doctor?
Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I didn't say that checking your pulse was ÄLL you have to do. I found this article to be very informative for the lay person who knows little to nothing about atrial fibrillation.


Do you know what a Titulo de Medico Cirujano is?


[Edited on 7-26-2014 by EnsenadaDr]


You're certainly entitled to your opinion Janene even if you're misguided. If you think the article you posted, with no comment, is informative and helpful to those elderly with no clue about how to take a pulse, and that you believe recognizing a stroke is as simple as taking a pulse, I'd be of the opinion that you are not a competent or knowledgeable health care provider.

It does appear that you are attempting to practice medicine on this forum and are trolling for business and a date with Dennis.

Nothing personal. Hope you are better at diagnostics than you are charting.

LancairDriver - 7-26-2014 at 09:52 PM

It appears the article is slanted toward individuals who have no idea they are at risk of a stroke or heart attack due to Atfib by checking their heart rate. It does not follow up on getting in to see a Doctor ASAP if you detect an irregularity. Some people will figure this out. Others will not. Depends on level of comprehension.

EnsenadaDr - 7-26-2014 at 10:36 PM

Lancair you are right. It sort of is how it is in my office. I will ask a patient if they ever check their pulse. Some say yes, most say no. Then they will ask why. I will then explain that an irregular pulse may cause blood clots and can travel to the brain from the heart and cause a stroke. It is a teaching process in increments, I believe you should assume the person has limited knowledge to start out with. To ridicule people with limited knowledge and say a Doctor is a dummy because they don't start out discussing advanced technology and a technical diagnosis is condescending and rude. Start at the patient's level, work your way up and teach step by step.

EnsenadaDr - 7-27-2014 at 03:49 AM

Have a wonderful weekend to all. I am here to help.

BajaBlanca - 7-27-2014 at 06:36 PM

no pace makers out there? That is something I know nothing about and would be interested in hearing about.


Also, if you snore, this contributes to irregular heart beats. I am no doctor but I highly recommend the CPap. It has certainly helped my husband.

JZ - 7-28-2014 at 04:48 PM

Here is a tip for anyone with afib. Don't get the normal ablation everyone gets. The success rates are too low.

Get Thoracoscopic Maze Surgery. You won't have afib anymore.

Late 30's I had afib. Super great shape otherwise, worked out 5+ times a week. Zero issues with my heart. It was mostly brought on by alcohol and caffeine.

I saw specialists at USC and UCLA. They were pushing me to ablation. I did a bunch of research and didn't like the probability of success.

I had the mini-maze procedure done at the Ohio State University. 4 years later not a single episode of afib.

Tip number 2, do your own research, not all Dr.'s are created equal. Just look at the OP... LOL.

SFandH - 7-28-2014 at 05:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
4 years later not a single episode of afib.


Serious question. How do know that?

Lee - 7-28-2014 at 06:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
4 years later not a single episode of afib.


Serious question. How do know that?


I think you're asking how do you know you didn't have a a-fib event?

Although a MD is quoted in the posted article stating '''many patients don't even know they are having a-fib,'' I question where did he draw that conclusion? His own experience or something he read?

I know immediately when I've gone a-fib -- I can feel it -- my body vibrates, my chest pounds a bit, I take my pulse (brachial) and it's definitely irregular, I get light headed.

Maybe someone who's never had a-fib wouldn't know what it was -- otherwise, a person who has had the event definitely knows something is happening.

JZ - 7-28-2014 at 07:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
4 years later not a single episode of afib.


Serious question. How do know that?


I check my pulse. I've worn 10-day monitors as a check-up.

For a while I had PACs, but those are 95% gone.

Trust me I knew when I had afib before. No medication. Just did a 6 mile hike today in the mountains in 95 degree weather.

LancairDriver - 7-28-2014 at 08:52 PM

I am certainly no Cardiology expert by any means, but I have a couple of long time Cardiologist fishing buddies who are. Over the years I have benefited by listening to many cases and theories on heart health while sitting in a boat. A couple of important tips I believe have helped me avoid problems is taking an Aspirin every day. Another simple way is to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate daily with a cuff type monitor. As discussed previously, this will monitor blood pressure, heart rate and most will detect and display irregular rate. There is a fine line between ATFIB and irregular heart rate, Atfib being potentially the most serious. Some people can't detect less severe episodes of Atfib without a monitor of some kind. If detected, get to an emergency room ASAP. The finger Oxymeter with heart rate display is an excellent detector of not only blood oxygen level, but heart rate is very obvious as most models will display the rate and also a pulse blip like you would see on an EKG machine. A normal rate will display steady as a rock, and irregular or Atfib will be all over the place. I am convinced that spending a few minutes daily will give you a benchmark that you can see sliding into the abnormal and take necessary preventative action if needed. I have learned the Docs have no confidence in the heart rate displayed with the cuff monitor. The sampling rate is not reliable but may be a fairly reliable indicator of irregularity. This simple procedure has worked for me for some time now. A great way to tell when to cut back on Cerveza and double cheeseburgers.

bajabuddha - 7-29-2014 at 06:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So I receive a personal U2U from a poster in this thread that says Doc -- I'm out of line with my personal comments. Sorry for that. The ''article'' really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm described as NOT a ''good patient.'' The article aside, you come across as a caring and knowledgeable person. Good success in your practice.

When I asked the poster to post their comments, they said that the "friends" I already had on Nomads would not be swayed on what he said. Go figure. Sounds to me like they are afraid to let anyone know about their U2U. So slam and discredit the Doctor on the WWW, but follow up personally to appease him/her?

[Edited on 7-29-2014 by EnsenadaDr]


Hypocrites in BN??? SAY IT AIN'T SO !! :o :O :no:

SFandH - 7-29-2014 at 06:23 AM

Thanks JZ and Lee for answering my question (even though I left out the word "you"). I didn't know whether or not afib can be felt in any way without feeling your pulse.

EnsenadaDr - 7-29-2014 at 06:30 AM

Some people get a feeling also of palpitations in the chest. Symptomatinc Afib which has shortness of breath and dizziness accompanying it is a real medical emergency so head over to the ER immediately.

JZ - 7-29-2014 at 09:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So I receive a personal U2U from a poster in this thread that says Doc -- I'm out of line with my personal comments. Sorry for that. The ''article'' really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm described as NOT a ''good patient.'' The article aside, you come across as a caring and knowledgeable person. Good success in your practice.

When I asked the poster to post their comments, they said that the "friends" I already had on Nomads would not be swayed on what he said. Go figure. Sounds to me like they are afraid to let anyone know about their U2U. So slam and discredit the Doctor on the WWW, but follow up personally to appease him/her?

[Edited on 7-29-2014 by EnsenadaDr]


You are insufferable.

Lee - 7-29-2014 at 10:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So I receive a personal U2U from a poster in this thread that says Doc -- I'm out of line with my personal comments. Sorry for that. The ''article'' really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm described as NOT a ''good patient.'' The article aside, you come across as a caring and knowledgeable person. Good success in your practice.

When I asked the poster to post their comments, they said that the "friends" I already had on Nomads would not be swayed on what he said. Go figure. Sounds to me like they are afraid to let anyone know about their U2U. So slam and discredit the Doctor on the WWW, but follow up personally to appease him/her?

[Edited on 7-29-2014 by EnsenadaDr]


You are insufferable.


FYI:

in·suf·fer·a·ble

synonyms: intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, insupportable, unacceptable, oppressive, overwhelming, overpowering;

More antonyms:

having or showing unbearable arrogance or conceit.
"an insufferable bully"

More synonyms: conceited, arrogant, boastful, c-cky, c-cksure, full of oneself, self-important, swaggering; More

willardguy - 7-29-2014 at 10:45 AM

thats totally inappropriate. its lewd, lascivious, salacious, outrageous! :lol:

EnsenadaDr - 7-29-2014 at 11:16 AM

So cough it up Lee!! Why don't you admit to writing me the U2U?
Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So I receive a personal U2U from a poster in this thread that says Doc -- I'm out of line with my personal comments. Sorry for that. The ''article'' really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm described as NOT a ''good patient.'' The article aside, you come across as a caring and knowledgeable person. Good success in your practice.

When I asked the poster to post their comments, they said that the "friends" I already had on Nomads would not be swayed on what he said. Go figure. Sounds to me like they are afraid to let anyone know about their U2U. So slam and discredit the Doctor on the WWW, but follow up personally to appease him/her?

[Edited on 7-29-2014 by EnsenadaDr]


You are insufferable.


FYI:

in·suf·fer·a·ble

synonyms: intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, insupportable, unacceptable, oppressive, overwhelming, overpowering;

More antonyms:

having or showing unbearable arrogance or conceit.
"an insufferable bully"

More synonyms: conceited, arrogant, boastful, c-cky, c-cksure, full of oneself, self-important, swaggering; More

micah202 - 7-29-2014 at 11:39 AM

....does that mean you'll finally fess-up to those loveletters you wrote me!!??;);)
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So cough it up Lee!! Why don't you admit to writing me the U2U?
Quote:




[Edited on 7-29-2014 by micah202]

Lee - 7-29-2014 at 01:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So cough it up Lee!! Why don't you admit to writing me the U2U?


There's nothing to fess up Janene. Thought my snarky comment about you passing bogus and misleading medical information and trolling for business here, plus a date with Dennis, might have hurt your feelings. I think you're still hurt but you can take it.

You are educated but your lack of judgment represents the turd in the punch bowel. I mean, who wants health care from someone rolling in OT slime?

You have your supporters here but detractors, as well. Please, reread the definition below and what some nomads think of you?

in·suf·fer·a·ble

synonyms: intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, insupportable, unacceptable, oppressive, overwhelming, overpowering;

More antonyms:

having or showing unbearable arrogance or conceit.
"an insufferable bully"

More synonyms: conceited, arrogant, boastful, c-cky, c-cksure, full of oneself, self-important, swaggering;

EnsenadaDr - 7-29-2014 at 03:01 PM

so did you write me that kind email about what a caring person you thought I was? One thing I am that you are definitely not, is direct. I would not send a U2U and have it represent the total opposite of the spectrum that you are writing here. On the East Coast we call those types of people transparent. No actually I am trying to give people simple tips to help better their lives. So again, I will ask you, did you write the very kind U2U or not?
Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So cough it up Lee!! Why don't you admit to writing me the U2U?


There's nothing to fess up Janene. Thought my snarky comment about you passing bogus and misleading medical information and trolling for business here, plus a date with Dennis, might have hurt your feelings. I think you're still hurt but you can take it.

You are educated but your lack of judgment represents the turd in the punch bowel. I mean, who wants health care from someone rolling in OT slime?

You have your supporters here but detractors, as well. Please, reread the definition below and what some nomads think of you?

in·suf·fer·a·ble

synonyms: intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, insupportable, unacceptable, oppressive, overwhelming, overpowering;

More antonyms:

having or showing unbearable arrogance or conceit.
"an insufferable bully"

More synonyms: conceited, arrogant, boastful, c-cky, c-cksure, full of oneself, self-important, swaggering;

EnsenadaDr - 7-29-2014 at 03:04 PM

You initiated all the U2U's. As a matter of fact I get many notifications that a person near Seattle keeps looking at my profile. When I saw where you are posting from, it all made sense.
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
....does that mean you'll finally fess-up to those loveletters you wrote me!!??;);)

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So cough it up Lee!! Why don't you admit to writing me the U2U?
Quote:




[Edited on 7-29-2014 by micah202]

micah202 - 7-29-2014 at 03:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
....wowwwweeeee,,since you bring it up....remember posting quotes of me from the ToyotaVanPeople forum?..some strange effort to 'out' & intimidate --I think I used the word PATHETIC at the time...sometimes things don't change much.......obsessed indeed!!

...you can post whatever you want--if it actually ever matters,I'll post proof of what I say.

...try cutting-back on the coca---it's said to cause psychosis and paranoia :wow::wow::wow:


Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
You initiated all the U2U's. As a matter of fact I get many notifications that a person near Seattle keeps looking at my profile. When I saw where you are posting from, it all made sense.
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
....does that mean you'll finally fess-up to those loveletters you wrote me!!??;);)

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
So cough it up Lee!! Why don't you admit to writing me the U2U?
Quote:








[Edited on 7-29-2014 by micah202]

willardguy - 7-29-2014 at 03:34 PM

anyone else looking for a doctor? :lol:

bajabuddha - 7-29-2014 at 04:05 PM

I'm thinking about writing Jerry Springer.

JZ - 7-29-2014 at 05:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
anyone else looking for a doctor? :lol:


Not another one bro, we have one too many around here as is.

micah202 - 7-29-2014 at 05:22 PM

.
....maybe we should ask Elsa how to prevent unwanted 'strokes' :tumble::tumble:


.

Lee - 7-29-2014 at 06:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
so did you write me that kind email about what a caring person you thought I was? One thing I am that you are definitely not, is direct.


I'd like to get back to the article you posted, Janene, for just a moment, shall we?

You think taking a pulse to determine a possible stroke is equivalent to having a EKG exam. Is that correct?

OK. I admit to being kind, sometimes. If I had to guess, I'd say you're a caring person. And you accuse me of not being direct? I'm shattered.

Seriously, I believe you lack professional judgment -- I know people who should not be in health services. Liability isn't an issue for you in Mexico, is it? I mean, malpractice doesn't even exist, does it?

Lee - 7-29-2014 at 08:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
You are insulting. Just because I am not the mainstream profile of a physician, and enjoy bantering and communicating and posting on the Forum, I lack judgment in your esteemed and credentialed (I am not sure in what, however) mind. Where did I say that I think checking your pulse is better than an EKG? I think you probably need to go back to English Comprehension 1st year of college if indeed you did attend a university or college. I am saying that a simple check of your pulse, as I do almost everyday can alert you to possible problems and yes, if afib is found or an irregular heartbeat, it can help you prevent a stroke if you seek medical treatment. I am standing by the article and I am sorry if you don't like it. You have the problem in resolving the fact that a physician can't be a good physician and have another side to them that can like to banter with sarcasm and humor. I have nothing to prove to you and I resent you making comments about my judgment and lawsuits when you know nothing about the patients I have treated in the past and present. I caution you to think twice before you make these comments again.


[Edited on 7-30-2014 by EnsenadaDr]


Honestly, too much justification. The article is black and white and it's simplistic and misguided. So is your judgment here for posting the article and that's my opinion. Nothing personal here -- I'm not addressing your personal views or banter. I think you are misguided posting the views you have. I have to think putting your foot in your mouth, repeatedly, is tiresome and reflects badly on who you state you are. Get over yourself Janene.

micah202 - 7-29-2014 at 08:52 PM

.
....yes.

Bajaboy - 7-29-2014 at 09:24 PM

I'm probably a bit slow but I'm still confused how checking your pulse can prevent a stroke? That is the subject of this thread right?

I am not a doctor but I do have an opinion. Seems to me that maybe one should eat a well balanced diet, get plenty of exercise, consult your physician of choice regularly, and explore BAJA as much as possible. In my opinion, take it for what it's worth, this seems to be a better route to stroke prevention.

EnsenadaDr - 7-29-2014 at 10:13 PM

thanks for all of your thoughts. Have a wonderful week and all of your contributions are valuable. Salud!

bajabuddha - 7-29-2014 at 10:48 PM

Curriculum vitae and credentials? Then you can call bullchit bullchit? I'm sure the gown fit, but man, where did they find a big enough cap and tassel? Whew. I think i'll check my pulse and have a couple strokes.

EnsenadaDr - 7-30-2014 at 01:57 AM

Have a wonderful week to all and see your physician for any serious health issues. Thank you all for your input.

SFandH - 7-30-2014 at 08:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
I'm probably a bit slow but I'm still confused how checking your pulse can prevent a stroke? That is the subject of this thread right?


The title of the thread is poorly worded that's for sure. I guess it boils down to if your heart is flopping around like a freshly caught fish on the deck, which you can detect by feeling your pulse before you faint and hit the deck like a sack of potatoes, a piece of sewerage glukus on the inside of a coronary artery caused by eating McDonald's french fries for decades may break off and get caught between the rocks in ones noggin, causing a really bad headache and other assorted serious problems.
:spingrin:

vandenberg - 7-30-2014 at 08:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
break off and get caught between the rocks in ones noggin,
:spingrin:


Thanks for that info.
No wonder I'm overweight with all those rocks.

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

LancairDriver - 7-30-2014 at 08:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
I'm probably a bit slow but I'm still confused how checking your pulse can prevent a stroke? That is the subject of this thread right?


The title of the thread is poorly worded that's for sure. I guess it boils down to if your heart is flopping around like a freshly caught fish on the deck, which you can detect by feeling your pulse before you faint and hit the deck like a sack of potatoes, a piece of sewerage glukus on the inside of a coronary artery caused by eating McDonald's french fries for decades may break off and get caught between the rocks in ones noggin, causing a really bad headache and other assorted serious problems.


:spingrin:


It appears the problem with this thread is that the article was written with the assumption the level of comprehension was somewhat higher than has been encountered here. Probably should have included detailed instructions complete with maps to medical facilities on action to be taken if an irregular pulse is detected.:lol:

willardguy - 7-30-2014 at 08:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
I'm probably a bit slow but I'm still confused how checking your pulse can prevent a stroke? That is the subject of this thread right?


The title of the thread is poorly worded that's for sure. I guess it boils down to if your heart is flopping around like a freshly caught fish on the deck, which you can detect by feeling your pulse before you faint and hit the deck like a sack of potatoes, a piece of sewerage glukus on the inside of a coronary artery caused by eating McDonald's french fries for decades may break off and get caught between the rocks in ones noggin, causing a really bad headache and other assorted serious problems.


:spingrin:


It appears the problem with this thread is that the article was written with the assumption the level of comprehension was somewhat higher than has been encountered here. Probably should have included detailed instructions complete with maps to medical facilities on action to be taken if an irregular pulse is detected.:lol:

maps to medical facilities! uh oh, someone's heartbeat just rose! :lol:

LancairDriver - 7-30-2014 at 08:37 AM

maps to medical facilities! uh oh, someone's heartbeat just rose!

I thought that might happen.:lol:

micah202 - 7-30-2014 at 09:03 AM

.
.....''to break one's heart,,is to open it''.....perhaps if more hearts are broken here,,,,we'll have a friendlier board!?:?::?: