Atrial fibrillation is one of the main types of cardiac arrhythmia – or abnormal heart rate or rhythm. Atrial fibrillation causes a rapid and irregular heartbeat, during which the upper two chambers of the heart that receive blood (the atria) quiver or "fibrillate" instead of beating normally. Because of this irregular beating the heart cannot pump blood away from itself efficiently and therefore blood tends to collect and pool in the heart increasing the risk of clotting. These clots can then travel the body in the blood supply and may become lodged elsewhere causing strokes or pulmonary embolisms.
Unfortunately research published in the November 6th 2007 issue of Neurology has also shown that the rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease may progress more rapidly in those people suffering with atrial fibrillation – and they believe that by treating this condition it may actually slow or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's. In fact the research showed that atrial fibrillation may increase the rate of progression of Alzheimer's disease by up to 75%.
The lead researcher in the study reported that “the possibility that specific vascular conditions may affect how fast a person with Alzheimer's disease declines provides new opportunities for slowing the rate of Alzheimer's progression. Treatments for atrial fibrillation (and high blood pressure) are relatively inexpensive and safe and may reduce memory decline in Alzheimer's disease patients with these conditions.”
There several types of medication and, if necessary, surgical interventions available in the treatment of atrial fibrillation but there are several common-sense approaches that you can also undertake to minimise your risk of getting atrial fibrillation or reduce the severity of it should you already suffer from the condition.
These steps are to:
1. Control your cholesterol and high blood pressure.
2. Maintain your correct blood sugar levels and control your diabetes.
3. Do not drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day.
4. Stop smoking.
5. Control your weight and / or lose weight if necessary, and
6. Get regular exercise – 20-30 minutes 2-3 times a week.
So, now you've reduced your risk of atrial fibrillation and therefore Alzheimer's, I suggest you read my other articles and purchase my book The Alzheimer's Alternative which will show you other ways to greatly lessen your chances of developing Alzheimer's and slow it's progression.
Dr. Steffan H. Abel D.C. has been involved in Chiropractic and healthcare research for over 20 years. He has run his own successful practice in the north of England for the last 19 years. During which time he has treated over 10,000 patients and given over 100,000 treatments. He has lectured and taught extensively in both Europe and America to students, chiropractors and medical doctors.
He has studied Hypnotherapy, N.L.P. and qualified as a Life Coach. He has also studied various Chiropractic-based treatments (gaining a M.Sc. in post graduate Clinical Chiropractic in 2003) as well as energy therapies such as Seichem and Reiki. In 2001 he became a Fellow of the College of Chiropractors and a Fellow of the Association of Osteomyology and in 2007 became a Fellow of the European Academy of Chiropractic.
In his spare time he spends between 15 and 25 hours per week researching all areas of “alternative” and allopathic healthcare in order to bring the best advice to his patients through his practice and writing and has just finished his latest book The Alzheimer's Alternative (www.alzheimersalternative.com). When not working he is to be found enjoying life with Sue, his partner, – whom he loves tremendously!
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