I am 88 years of age. my heart attack was seven years ago followed by 4 vessel bypass. I the developed paroxysmal a- fib with mild attacks continuing unto this day.
between then and now, i developed a-flutter which led to an ablation which was botched by using a wrong size catheter with forceful bleeding which the solitary nurse in the recovery room could not stem.i insisted that the electrophysiologist return to monitor me and additional nurses were deployed. it It was two months later when i developed a DVT that he confessed his error. Ten days in patient treatment and all was corrected.This happening in a hospital which is routinely in the top 10 U.S teaching hospitals.
I have always persisted in vigorous instructor led physical workouts. Thre one hour water exercises plus two per week one hour land execises.
The gymn is five minutes away and never crowded.
The cost of these expertly and skillfully led training sessions is one dollar aweek.
For three years i have been the only man that stayed the course. The 15 women who regularly attend complain that there husbands will not exercise.
We laugh and joke but attend always despite the sometimes inclement weather. i believe the regular exercise plus a careful diet and absence of drinking and smoking assists in managing the a-fib.
my strength is dwindling but i will always keep up the exercise and food restraint.
i hope this account helps.My mind remains strong though delayed word recall is begiining to occur. My hobbies are scholarly pursuits and advanced amateur photography mainly shot from my porch. we have a large back yard and abundant wild life as my subjects
.Walking and balance are becoming an issue which is limiting.
I am blessed with a wife who loves me deeply and acts as my guide, nurser and helper.
So mind, body exercise and fun and jollity at the gymn helps too.
with not feeling alone.The women nver stop talking ,laughing and singing.This does not interfere with the hard instructor led routines.
I see my cardiologist twice a year but for reasons unclear to me he gave me his private cell number with instruction to call 24/7 in 2010..
i have not ever called but my daughter did one one when i developed serious to me -fluuter . this led to an ablation which has worked.
i am indeed very fortunate as a U.S. medicare patient. No private care.
Again this is just one man's experience but i hope the information helps others.