146 – Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: Watchman, Medications & Other Treatment Options

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks about atrial fibrillation (afib) with Cara Pellegrini, MD, a specialist in cardiac electrophysiology and an expert on the Watchman device and other ways to treat this common heart arrhythmia. They cover:

• What is afib & what causes it?
• What are the symptoms of afib & how is it diagnosed?
• How is afib treated?
• What to know about blood-thinners for afib
• Treating afib in frail older adults
• Atrial fibrillation & stroke risk
• Watchman for afib & stroke prevention
• Who should consider Watchman?
• Afib in dementia
• How lifestyle changes can powerfully affect afib
• What to ask doctors about afib
  

Related episode: 

• 016 – 3 Reasons You Should Have a Home Blood Pressure Monitor

Related Resources:

• Heart & Rhythm Society: Guide to Atrial Fibrillation
• CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score for Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Risk
• Dr. Cara Pellegrini’s Watchman Videos