Month: September 2023

2023-09-08T11:01:01

(BPT) – From record-breaking blizzards in upstate New York and devastating wildfires in California to powerful hurricanes off the coast of Florida, natural disasters are becoming increasingly common because of the ongoing climate crisis. While everyone is affected by severe weather, it poses a particular risk for people living with disabilities.

When a natural disaster hits, the routines and the infrastructures people with disabilities depend on can be dangerously disrupted. Also, state- and county-level disaster response protocols may pose a danger to people living with paralysis, as they may not have made those protocols with the disability community in mind. That’s why it’s crucial that people living with paralysis and their caregivers know how to prepare themselves.

With this in mind, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create the Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet. This comprehensive, crucial resource can aid national organizations, people living with paralysis and other disabilities and their caregivers to prepare for impending weather, including wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Below are some ways the booklet can help you identify your mobility needs, assess challenges and create tangible solutions in case of a power outage, hurricane, wildfire, tornado and extreme heat.

Power outage

Power outages are common during various natural disasters and storms. Because they are so common, it’s important that people who use power wheelchairs and/or ventilators know what they’ll need to do to prepare.

First, you’ll need to identify your frequently used electricity-dependent medical equipment. If you have extra batteries, know how long they’ll last and understand how to use a backup power supply.

Next, contact your local utility company and register as a power wheelchair user or dependent on a ventilator. This registration list is used to prioritize power restoration services.

Finally, contact emergency services to understand their protocols for those who require electricity to support medical equipment. This includes information on priority shelter placement or transportation to local EMS facilities.

Hurricane

Hurricanes are tropical storms with wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour. While these storms pose a significant threat to coastal communities, they can also cause torrential rains and severe flooding hundreds of miles inland.

To prepare for a hurricane, look around the interior of your home and identify what items need to be secured. Securing these items will prevent injury from falling debris.

Know your evacuation routes and leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued. If you’re at home when a hurricane strikes, head to the highest level or shelter in a windowless room.

Wildfire

Although wildfires may begin in natural areas like forests and prairies, they can quickly threaten residential communities. Hazardous air conditions and emergency evacuation are likely, like those issued in the recent Canadian fires in the Northeast. If you live in an area where wildfire risks are possible, it’s critical that you identify a safe space in your home that can be closed off before a wildfire strikes.

Another thing to remember is that regional power grids may be shut off to lower the risk of igniting power lines. Contact your local utility company and government agencies to find out how residents will be notified of a public power shutdown.

During a wildfire, if possible, get out of your wheelchair and onto the floor. Smoke rises, and the best air for breathing will be down low. Wear an N95 mask to limit smoke inhalation, and call 911 if you are trapped.

After the wildfire has been contained, don’t touch fallen power lines and continue to wear masks. Make sure to wash service animals and/or pets to remove residual ash.

Tornado

Tornadoes are most common in the Great Plains but occur throughout the U.S. and can be triggered by thunderstorms, tropical storms or hurricanes. The funnel-shaped cloud, containing violently spinning air, can leave a path of devastation a mile wide and 50 miles long.

In case of a tornado, identify a safe space to take shelter in your home. If the basement is not accessible, plan to use a windowless room, such as a bathroom or closet, on the lowest possible level of the home. Don’t forget to lock your wheelchair wheels.

Extreme heat

As a result of climate change, extreme heat is increasingly becoming an issue throughout the country. It can pose a specific risk for people who have difficulty regulating body temperature due to spinal cord injury.

Get in touch with local emergency management officials to locate community cooling centers. Make sure to visit ahead of time to ensure they are accessible.

Pay attention to your wheelchair and mobility equipment, which can become extremely hot when left in the sun. Overheated equipment can burn the skin of individuals who brush up against hot armrests and seats or who place bare feet on a metal footrest.

Beyond preparation

In addition to ensuring the safety and livelihood of those living with disabilities and their caregivers, the Reeve Foundation’s Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet is a powerful reminder to local and government leaders that people living with disabilities should be top of mind and included in the conversations of natural disaster response protocols.

To learn more and download the Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet, please visit ChristopherReeve.org.

This publication is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $8,700,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.

2023-09-08T13:31:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Intercept Pharmaceuticals

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare liver disease that causes the body to attack its own cells in the bile ducts of the liver. Bile ducts are tube-like structures that carry bile from the liver to the intestine to help digest food. However, when bile can’t flow through the bile ducts, it collects in the liver and causes damage.

The most common early symptoms of PBC are pruritis (itching) and fatigue, though some PBC patients do not show symptoms at the time of diagnosis. If PBC progresses, it can cause an increase in risk of liver cancer, the need for liver transplant and death.

There is no cure for PBC, however, there are treatment options that can help people manage their disease. In recognition of September’s PBC Awareness Month, let’s look at five key facts about this condition and hear from healthcare providers, advocates and people living with PBC:

Fact #1: PBC is progressive and chronic, which means it won’t just go away and can get worse over time

Damage from PBC can cause fibrosis (scarring) and, in its most severe form, lead to cirrhosis (severe scarring). In some cases, this can result in liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.

Dr. Kris Kowdley, Director of the Liver Institute Northwest and Professor of Medicine at Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University, explained, “PBC can progress slowly for some people, while others may advance to end-stage liver disease or liver failure much more rapidly. Therefore, it’s important to catch it as early as possible so that we can treat the disease to slow the rate of progression and minimize the amount of damage and scarring to the liver. With early detection, we can hopefully reduce the risk of the patient developing cirrhosis or other complications of liver disease.”

Fact #2: Because many people with PBC have no symptoms, the disease is often discovered from abnormal results on routine liver blood tests

Most people with PBC do not experience symptoms at the time of their diagnosis. Instead, it is detected during routine blood tests which assess damage to the liver by measuring different enzymes and proteins in the blood.

One of the key enzymes used to help diagnose PBC is alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, which can also monitor disease progression and track how well someone is responding to treatment. More recent studies have shown that other liver enzymes beyond ALP are also important in assessing total liver health. Treatment can help improve these enzymes and reduce liver damage.

Dr. Kim Brown, Division Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Associate Medical Director of the Henry Ford Hospital Transplant Institute, stated, “We typically look at ALP levels when assessing PBC, though recent research shows that there are several biomarkers that should be measured and assessed. While still considered the cornerstone of PBC evaluations, we now look beyond ALP to include other liver enzymes as well as liver fibrosis when evaluating total liver health.”

Fact #3: While PBC is more common in females, it can affect anyone

People with PBC have historically been portrayed as middle-aged Caucasian women; however, it is widely recognized now that men and people of color are affected in higher numbers than once believed.

Wayne, a man living with PBC, was diagnosed in 1992, and before his diagnosis, the only person he knew with PBC was his father. He was shocked when he walked into his first PBC support group meeting and was surrounded by women. While more common in females, PBC can impact individuals from any background and may also be hereditary. A PBC diagnosis is often delayed among males because of the myth that PBC is rare in males, thus, the disease course in males tends to be more aggressive with worse outcomes.

Research also suggests that people of color living with PBC tend to have more severe disease when first diagnosed and experience worse long-term outcomes.

As Donna Cryer, a key advocacy leader and Founder, President and CEO of the Global Liver Institute, stated, “No matter who you are, you should be able to receive timely and thorough diagnosis and care for PBC. Equitable care for PBC patients requires us to move beyond harmful stereotypes and improve the system so that everyone has the same opportunity.”

Fact #4: PBC was once called primary biliary cirrhosis

For many years, PBC wasn’t diagnosed until it was late-stage and patients had already developed cirrhosis. Unfortunately, the negative stigma associated with cirrhosis led some people to incorrectly believe PBC was related to alcohol consumption.

Almost 10 years ago, a dedicated group of patient leaders and medical professionals, with the support of industry partners including Intercept Pharmaceuticals, teamed up and advocated to have the name changed to more accurately reflect the disease. Carol Roberts, President of the PBCers Organization who played a pivotal role in the movement, said, “Prior to the name change many patients did not share their diagnosis with others, even friends and family, because of the stigma. This prevented them from receiving the support they needed while dealing with the diagnosis. The name change helps them feel more comfortable sharing the diagnosis, allowing them to receive support and understanding, while increasing awareness of PBC.”

Fact #5: Even with initial treatment, up to 50% of people have uncontrolled disease

For many people, the first treatment their doctor prescribes is not enough to adequately control their PBC. Medical guidelines recommend that liver function tests are repeated every three to six months to monitor the disease and help determine if their initial treatment is working, or if additional therapy should be considered.

With this, it’s important for people with PBC to talk to their doctor about symptoms and test results to understand how they’re responding to treatment and if more can be done.

Visit LivingwithPBC.com for helpful resources, including discussion guides, tips for managing symptoms, patient videos and the PBC Living^® app that tracks test results.

2023-09-08T14:01:02

(BPT) – Hepatitis C (HCV) is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ due to silent symptoms that may not appear until years after exposure. In fact, of the more than 2 million Americans who are living with HCV, it is estimated that 40% are unaware of their condition.¹

In the past ten years, cases of acute HCV have more than doubled with the opioid epidemic and substance use exacerbating the rise, and COVID-19 further limiting access to care.^2-4 If left untreated, HCV can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer and even death.¹

Fortunately, about 95% of chronic HCV cases can be cured with available treatments, and the virus can be detected through a simple blood test.^1,5

This National Recovery Month, opioid addiction advocate Devin Lyall, the Founding Executive Director at Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Dr. Ada Stewart, family physician at Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers and Gilead Sciences are encouraging testing and treatment for HCV, especially in vulnerable populations where substance use continues to impact communities.

Impact of the Opioid Crisis on HCV in the U.S.

In the United States, injection drug use is the leading cause of HCV transmission and comes with the risk of acquiring other blood-borne diseases such as HIV underscoring the need for awareness and screening among those affected by the opioid addiction crisis.^1,6 One person living with HCV who injects drugs is likely to transmit HCV to an estimated 20 other people through sharing equipment used to consume drugs.⁷ While the Southern and Appalachian regions are most impacted by the opioid crisis and have the highest increase in acute HCV cases, the impact is felt around the country with each community facing their own set of challenges.⁸

“As someone who experienced opioid addiction and has been cured of hepatitis C, I know first-hand how important it is to raise awareness of the impact of this crisis,” said Devin. “This is why I’m passionate about helping others in this situation and educating on the connection between the opioid epidemic, especially in vulnerable populations — if we can provide people a safer way to consume drugs that reduces risk of spreading transmittable diseases, like HCV, while working with them on their recovery journey, it not only positively impacts that individual, but our community as a whole.”

HCV Screening & Finding Care

Screening is the only way to know if someone is living with HCV. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends every adult be tested for HCV at least once in their lifetime as well as those with risk factors should be screened yearly.^1,5 However, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic HCV screening decreased by 25% compared to the year before due to several barriers — housing instability, medical provider availability, opioid addiction and financial concerns — that may have impacted access to treatment and care services.⁹

“By prioritizing vulnerable populations for HCV care, such as people who are experiencing addiction, we can advance national efforts to screen, treat and cure HCV,” said Dr. Stewart. “These individuals are often stigmatized or deprioritized for care due to concerns about adherence or potential drug interactions, but the data show this is not the case and that an increase in screening and linkage to care can lead to people being cured of HCV in these communities.”

Moving Toward HCV Elimination

As a nation, there is a need to work together to achieve the shared goal of HCV elimination — bringing together national and state governments, policymakers, public health officials, physicians, and community organizations to ensure vulnerable communities are not left behind or forgotten. Gilead Sciences has implemented several public and private partnerships during National Recovery Month and beyond to facilitate HCV care through efforts such as Gilead Relink as well as the FOCUS, HepConnect and LEGA-C programs with the goal to advance HCV testing and linkage to care.

Visit HepCHope.com to learn more about HCV testing and find support.

2023-09-08T14:01:02

(BPT) – For dancers, their body is their instrument. This is certainly true for Hannah, a young dancer who has always loved the performing arts and expressing herself through movement and music.

“My story will always start and end with my body as art,” Hannah said. “Growing up, I learned I could create something beautiful with different parts of my body, from the sound of my voice to the way I move my muscles through dance.”

While studying to become a theater artist in college, Hannah started encountering symptoms she couldn’t explain, including severe abdominal pain and nausea. At first, she assumed it was related to her menstrual cycle. But when the symptoms became worse and persisted while interfering with her daily life, she went to the emergency room to try and find answers.

This was the start of Hannah’s journey to figure out what was happening to her body. Doctors tried to treat her for gastrointestinal disorders, but her symptoms kept recurring. The pain in her abdomen, low energy, severe nausea and dizziness made it impossible for her to do what she loved — and finally landed her in the hospital’s ICU.

“I was under constant medical supervision, and I was terrified,” Hannah explained. “This was a body that I trusted and thought I knew well, but suddenly I felt betrayed and confused. The doctors still weren’t sure what was happening to me.”

Eventually, Hannah was discharged from the hospital with no answers. Hannah stated, “I tried to return to my ballet class, but I had lost 15 pounds in the course of a week, and I couldn’t even stand in first position without feeling dizzy. I was like a musician who had lost their instrument.”

While Hannah was resting and recovering, her doctors worked to determine the correct diagnosis — though they did have suspicions of what could be causing her issues.

It wasn’t until a class trip to London that she finally received answers. While visiting the home of William Shakespeare, abdominal pain sent her to the emergency room again. After numerous tests, the British doctor came in and diagnosed her with acute hepatic porphyria (AHP).

What is AHP?

Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is a family of rare genetic diseases characterized by potentially life-threatening attacks and, for some people, chronic debilitating symptoms that negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life. There are 4 types of AHP: acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), hereditary coproporphyria, (HCP), variegate porphyria (VP) and ALAD-deficiency porphyria (ADP); with AIP being the most common type of AHP. AHP can affect people of any race, ethnicity, age or gender; however, approximately 80% of people diagnosed with AHP are women. Because AHP can have a wide range of symptoms that may resemble other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose.

“I learned that AHP is a genetic disease that causes symptoms when toxins build up in the liver and then are released throughout the body,” said Hannah. “My symptoms are usually triggered by my period. I worked with my doctor to develop a management plan and learned to live a new normal as I integrated this into my life.” In people with AHP, there are certain triggers that can cause symptoms of the disease. Some known triggers include hormonal fluctuations, infection, stress, use of certain medications, alcohol consumption and fasting/low-carbohydrate diets.

Back on her feet

Eventually, Hannah’s doctor recommended that she try GIVLAARI^® (givosiran), explaining that it was an injection administered once a month by a healthcare professional. Her doctor informed her of the possible risks and side effects, including the possibility of severe allergic reactions, liver problems, kidney problems and injection site reactions. GIVLAARI can also cause increased levels of blood homocysteine (a type of amino acid).

Hannah has experienced side effects when receiving her injections. “When I receive my injections, I sometimes experience a little bit of a stinging sensation at the injection site, as well as fatigue.”

Since starting treatment with GIVLAARI, Hannah has experienced fewer AHP attacks. “It almost feels like the spotlight of my life is back on me. Of course, this is just my experience, and everyone’s will be different.”

Currently, Hannah teaches numerous styles of dance, choreographs regionally and weaves yoga and dance into her preschool students’ daily routines. “When I teach, it’s from the heart. That’s where my strength comes from now,” she says.

As Hannah reflects on her AHP journey, she explains, “Having AHP has taught me that although the show goes on, part of being resilient is knowing when to rest and take time for yourself, and when to ask for help. After everything I’ve been through, I’ve realized my body is a work of art now more than ever. I want patients and doctors who encounter this condition to know that while the pain is real, so is the strength to overcome the pain.”

Please see Important Safety Information for GIVLAARI below.

To learn more about GIVLAARI, visit GIVLAARI.com.

Hannah is an Alnylam patient ambassador and was paid to share her story.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use GIVLAARI if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to GIVLAARI.

GIVLAARI can cause:

• Severe allergic reaction
  Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction during treatment:
  • Swelling — mainly of the lips, tongue or throat which makes it difficult to swallow or breathe
  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Feeling dizzy or fainting
  • Rash or hives
  • Itching

  If you have a severe allergic reaction, your doctor or nurse will stop GIVLAARI treatment right away and you may need to take other medicines to control the symptoms.

• Liver problems
  Your doctor will check your liver function by doing blood tests:
  • Before you start using GIVLAARI
  • Once a month for the first 6 months of treatment
  • And when they think it is needed

  If these tests show abnormal results, your doctor or nurse will decide whether to temporarily interrupt or stop treatment with GIVLAARI.

• Kidney problems
  Your doctor will check how your kidneys are working while you are using GIVLAARI.

• Injection site reactions
  GIVLAARI is given as an injection under the skin (called a “subcutaneous injection”). Reactions to this injection may happen during treatment with GIVLAARI.
  Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of an injection site reaction during treatment: redness, pain, itchiness, rash, discoloration, or swelling around the injection site.

• Increased blood homocysteine levels
  GIVLAARI may cause increased levels of homocysteine (a type of amino acid) in your blood. Your doctor will check your homocysteine levels before and during treatment by doing blood tests. If your levels are increased, your doctor may check your folate, vitamins B12 and B6, and tell you to take a vitamin B6 supplement.

What are the common side effects of GIVLAARI?
The most common side effects of GIVLAARI are nausea and injection site reactions. These are not all the possible side effects of GIVLAARI. Talk to your doctor about side effects that you experience. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

WHAT IS GIVLAARI^® (givosiran)?

GIVLAARI is a prescription medicine used to treat acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) in adults.

For additional information about GIVLAARI, please see the full Prescribing Information at https://www.alnylam.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/GIVLAARI-Prescribing-Information.pdf.

GIVLAARI and its associated logo are trademarks of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. © 2023 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sponsored by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AS1-USA-01513

2023-09-07T07:01:01

(BPT) – Bryan, a dedicated father of three sons and a busy driver for a shipping company, was 52 years old when he underwent a quadruple bypass procedure following three heart attacks and was diagnosed with heart failure. Bryan saw his life change and, since then, he has found a new passion as a volunteer for The Mended Hearts Inc. (MHI), supporting others living with heart failure. Through his work with MHI, he shares his own journey with heart failure and how he finds joy in everyday activities, maintains a trusting relationship with his doctor, spreads awareness, and gives back to the community.

Heart failure is a common, serious condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. More than 1,000,000 new cases are diagnosed in Americans over the age of 55 each year. Currently, more than 6 million American adults have heart failure, and that number is expected to increase to nearly 8 million by 2030.

“When I was diagnosed with heart failure, I couldn’t believe it,” said Bryan. “But my cardiologist was able to explain the diagnosis in such a way that I could understand how it would impact my life.”

Since being diagnosed with heart failure, Bryan has enjoyed the support of his close friends and family. They help him stay on a healthy diet, accompany him on walks, and remind him to take his medications. Bryan’s children are among his biggest advocates, always looking out for him with the best of intentions. “My sons inspire me to continue looking forward to each day, even when some days are tougher than others,” said Bryan.

Bryan also maintains an open and trusting relationship with his doctor and continuously monitors his health, which has allowed for him to feel like a partner in his care.

“All the steps I am taking in my daily life allow me to find joy in the simplest activities,” said Bryan. “I want to be able to watch my two grandchildren, age two years and five months, grow. Family is everything to me.”

For people with heart failure, like Bryan, and their loved ones, At the Heart of the Matter: Moving Forward After Your Heart Failure Hospitalization is a program that provides support and educational information. Sponsored by Merck in collaboration with MHI, the program was created to help people living with heart failure better understand their condition and play a more proactive role in their care.

“I’ve learned that things can change in the blink of an eye, and it’s important to take life by the reins and enjoy it for all it’s worth. Living with heart failure is a wake-up call to start living your life and find your purpose,” explains Bryan. “I have had the humbling experience of giving back to my community and helping others through their own unique experiences with heart failure, which, in turn, helps me. Knowing that there are others in the community who have experienced similar challenges motivates me to keep going.”

For resources on living with heart failure and to see more stories from patients like Bryan, visit AtTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

2023-09-07T10:23:00

(BPT) – Eating a well-balanced diet can positively impact your mood, energy levels and sleep, but did you know it can also impact your immune system function? The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the body’s largest immune organ, so it’s important to prioritize gut health to support your overall well-being.

“Our bodies are interconnected in many ways, and supporting one function will in turn lead to improved function elsewhere,” said Olivia Robertson-Moe, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP). “For example, focusing on improving your digestive health can help support the immune system and your body’s response to toxins.”

According to Robertson-Moe, the foods we eat affect the composition of the bacteria in our gut, or the microbiome, which then affects our immune cell function and production. So, the phrase “you are what you eat” can be taken quite literally. However, it’s not always clear what foods we should and should not be eating. So, for more easy ways to support your digestive health, Robertson-Moe recommends the following tips:

1. Take a supplement with key prebiotics such as GI Stability™ from Standard Process, a leading whole food-based nutritional supplement company. It supports the GI tract by delivering 2’-FL, a prebiotic first identified in human milk, that is able to reach the lower GI tract where it is broken down to feed the growth of beneficial microbes.*^
2. Adding fermented foods to your diet can support the microbiome. Fermented foods contain live probiotic bacteria that can benefit the microbiome by supporting the diversity of your gut bacteria. The process of fermentation can also make foods easier to digest. If you want to support your gut and immune function, try incorporating fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt and kefir.
3. Reducing stress is key to good gut health. Stress may negatively impact digestion, increase gut permeability, and alter the composition of the gut bacteria. A nutrient-rich diet combined with regular exercise, meditation and breathwork is a great way to reduce stress and support good gut health.

Our guts have the essential job of making sure any toxins or particles that aren’t supposed to pass through the intestinal lining don’t. These toxins may cause inflammation, pain and food sensitivities; that’s why it’s important to prioritize our digestive system health and promote a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports a healthy immune system response. So go with your gut if you’re looking to improve your overall health.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

^To date, shown in multiple animal studies, infants, and one adult human study.

2023-09-07T15:45:00

(BPT) – A few years ago, Kathy F. was at lunch when her heart suddenly began to race.

Her immediate thought: “I had too much caffeine in the tea I drank.”

But when her Apple Watch detected an unusually high heart rate, she knew it was time for an intervention. She left the eatery, went home, and immediately called her cardiologist.

After some testing, the 55-year-old Floridian became one of millions of Americans living with atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common arrhythmia. This condition causes the heart to beat too slowly, quickly, or irregularly. While treatable, an AFib diagnosis and its treatment options often confuse and scare the newly diagnosed.

“It was kind of scary to think about having any kind of procedure, especially one having to do with your heart,” said Kathy, one of many AFib patients who have successfully undergone catheter ablation after drug therapy failed or was an ineffective treatment option.

But, she said, there are many resources available today to help AFib patients manage their physical and emotional well-being. In celebrating AFib Awareness Month, Kathy shares the advice to listen to your body, have a relationship with your cardiologist or primary care doctor, ask questions, and be open to learning about all potential treatment options.

Listen to your body. If something does not feel right, bring it up to your doctor.

Following her AFib diagnosis, Kathy’s cardiologist placed her on multiple blood thinners, but her symptoms persisted.

When a heart is in AFib, it may not be pumping enough oxygen-rich blood out to the body, leading to symptoms such as a racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue or weakness.

Kathy’s AFib episodes would last between two to 12 hours. They became so debilitating that she could not focus, especially at work, and they would occur at unforeseen times.

“Wherever I went, I was always thinking, ‘Am I going to have an episode?'” said Kathy, president of a non-profit that operates five special needs schools in North Florida.

Concerned, she returned to her cardiologist, who had treated her previously for a pulmonary aneurysm. Her cardiologist referred her to Dr. Saumil Oza.

“Some have described AFib as a sensation that feels like fish flopping around in the chest,’’ said Dr. Oza, an electrophysiologist in Jacksonville, Florida, who performed Kathy’s catheter ablation.

After another unsuccessful round of blood thinners, Dr. Oza recommended Kathy undergo catheter ablation.

“I didn’t look back,” she said. “It (catheter ablation) was an instant relief for me.”

Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor.

Because the diagnosis and treatment of AFib can be confusing and scary, Kathy recommends communicating with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist early and often.

Dr. Oza agrees.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary, so it is essential to communicate with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist, especially women. Women, he said, often ignore their symptoms and as a result often do not get treated as quickly. Their AFib symptoms are often dismissed as stress, lack of sleep, or panic attacks.

“Medications can help control the symptoms and keep the AFib at bay, however, when that doesn’t work, we have to move on to other treatments like catheter ablation,” said Dr. Oza. “Again, only a cardiologist or electrophysiologist can determine whether ablation is an appropriate course of treatment for you, which is why having discussions with your clinician is key.”

It is ok to seek out other credible resources for information.

Kathy underwent catheter ablation in 2020. Initially, and out of fear of the unknown, she hesitated about the procedure.

“I was scared,” said the mother of four adult children.

It was not until after some research and speaking with a trusted friend who had undergone the procedure that her thoughts changed.

“She (friend) confirmed it was not as scary as I thought it would be,” said Kathy. “My advice is to talk to your doctor, get as much information as possible, and seek the best option. But also talk to people and do your own research.”

To learn more about AFib and what resources are available to help you cope with the diagnosis and treatment options, visit GetSmartAboutAFib.com.

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THERMOCOOL^® Navigation Catheters are indicated for the treatment of drug refractory recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, when used with CARTO^® 3 Systems (excluding NAVISTAR™ RMT THERMOCOOL™ Catheter).

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only a cardiologist or electrophysiologist can determine whether ablation is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks including bleeding, swelling or bruising at the catheter insertion site, and infection. More serious complications are rare, which can include damage to the heart or blood vessels; blood clots (which may lead to stroke); heart attack, or death. These risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body’s ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.

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