September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month: Topic Suggestions for Articles and Shows

MALIBU, Calif. - Aug. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- In 2009, the U.S. Senate declared September as Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. According to its spearhead, Melanie True Hills, founder of StopAfib.org: "Too many of those affected by the condition don’t realize that they have it, and many who have it don’t realize the seriousness of the affliction. And all too often, healthcare providers may minimize the effects of the condition.

Afib month is also a way to help patients and healthcare providers learn more about this complex condition."

Atrial Fibrillation: The New Epidemic in Cardiovascular Disease
Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) seen by physicians. It's estimated that 2.2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation and by 2050 that number will rise to over 7.5 million. Because it is common in people over age 60, this "epidemic" will greatly affect the 'baby boomer" generation. It is one of the most under treated heart rhythm disorders in America and accounts for about one-third of hospital admissions. Treating A-Fib patients costs the U.S. $26 billion annually.

A-Fib Facts Source: Visit A-FibFact.info, http://www.A-FibFacts.info, for statistics with reference citations. Or download the A-Fib Facts Sheet at http://a-fib.com/media-room/

Suggested Atrial Fibrillation Articles and Show Topics
Steve S. Ryan, PhD, author of Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure and publisher of Atrial Fibrillation: Resources for Patients, A-Fib.com, has compiled a list of suggestions for interviews, articles and radio or TV shows.

• Dementia and A-Fib: What Baby Boomers need to know about Alzheimer’s and aging.
• A-Fib and Stroke Risk: Dangers of anticoagulant therapy. Are there alternatives to blood thinners?
• The A-Fib–Magnesium Link: Common mineral deficiencies in A-Fib patients; recommended nutritional supplements
• What the Pharmaceutical Industry Won’t Tell You about A-Fib: You don’t have to live the rest of your life on medications. Procedures to cure your Atrial Fibrillation: Catheter ablation and Maze surgery.
• Does the Media Lie? Misinformation about A-Fib and its treatments in the press and on the internet. Specific examples: WomanHeart.com, NY Times, WebMD/MedicineNet.com
• When “Living with A-Fib” Isn’t Enough: Beyond Drug Therapy. Catheter ablation and Maze surgical treatments to cure your A-Fib.
• A-Fib Triggers: The Big Four. Hypertension, Obesity, Sleep Apnea & Diabetes
• A-Fib & Anxiety: The debilitating effects of Fear and Depression. Quality of Life issues beyond the physical symptoms.
• Is A-Fib in your DNA? Does A-Fib run in families? Can you pass it on to your kids?
• Patient’s Checklist: How to Find the Right Doctor for Your A-Fib and Treatment Goals. A checklist of Interview questions for cardiologists and surgeons.
• Silent A-Fib and Stroke: The Walking Time Bomb. 50% of those with Atrial Fibrillation don’t know they have A-Fib and don’t know they’re at high risk for a debilitating stroke.
•  The New Anticoagulants & Stroke Risk: How safe are the new anticoagulants (NOACs) compared to warfarin? Which is the most dangerous? (Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis versus Coumadin.)

Need an Expert Quote?
Want to talk with a former A-Fib patient? Need A-Fib guests for your show? Or a patient advocate for those suffering with A-Fib? Or an article written? Contact Dr. Steve Ryan by email (mailto:ssryan@a-fib.com), or by phone (310) 266-7642 (cell) or (310) 457-7126 (home office).

About Steve S. Ryan, PhD
Dr. Steve Ryan, PhD, is a former A-Fib patient, a noted healthcare educator and advocate for patients suffering from the heart condition Atrial Fibrillation. In 2002, Dr. Ryan started Atrial Fibrillation: Resources for Patients (www.A-Fib.com) a source of unbiased, independent, well-researched information on current and emerging treatments, resources and medical research, written in plain language for patients and their families.

In 2014, A-Fib.com was named a 'Top Atrial Fibrillation Blog' by Healthline.com. It has received the HON Code Certification from the Health on the Net Foundation, signifying a credible, trustworthy medical web site. Every month thousands visit A-Fib.com seeking hope and guidance. Healthcare professionals and groups around the world refer their patients to www.A-Fib.com. Dr. Ryan is also author of the 5-star rated patient guidebook, Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure, available on Amazon.com and BeatYourA-Fib.com.

Dr. Ryan earned his Ph.D. in Educational Communications from the Ohio State University and for many years taught film and television courses at the college level. He and his wife, Patti, live in Malibu, California. For a more detailed background, see Steve S. Ryan, PhD on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesryan.

Online Media Kits at http://a-fib.com/media-room/ and http://beatyoura-fib.com/Press.html.

Online Resources:
•  Atrial Fibrillation Association, http://www.atrialfibrillation.org.uk/
•  Atrial Fibrillation: Resources for Patients, www.A-Fib.com
•  National Stroke Association: http://www.stroke.org/
•  Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care: http://www.scpcp.org
•  StopAFib.org