Mellanie,

I wanted to share how grateful I am for your guidance.

It was virtually 9 months ago when I sat down to interview you about your AFIB experiences for EmpowHer.com.

In the middle of our interview, while you were explaining your symptoms, it was the first time in my life I became aware about my strange vibe, that I had always felt, but had no idea it was a problem.

Following our interview I saw a heart specialist and sure enough, I had an irregular beat that needed attention.

I talk a lot in speeches, programs, and articles about the financial toll that atrial fibrillation takes on us and our families.

A new study from The Commonwealth Fund reinforces the burden of rising medical costs in the U.S. on individuals and families. Those of us that have suffered with atrial fibrillation will not find this information at all surprising.

Stress reduction through heart coherence, by Vreni Gurd, is great food for thought for anyone dealing with stress, especially for those with atrial fibrillation triggered by stress.

Some interesting comments from the article:

The brain and the heart are connected via the autonomic peripheral nervous system, which is not under conscious control and regulates organ function.

By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Aug. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Light to moderate exercise -- just walking a few blocks or even dancing -- can help prevent the abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation in those most vulnerable to it -- older people, a new study finds.

WEDNESDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- When added to heart failure, the irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation can form a deadly combination.

Now, an international study shows that a less onerous strategy called "rate control" may be the best first option for keeping patients healthy under these circumstances.

Anyone know of alternative options to treating atrial fibrillation? Typical drugs can affect liver and kidneys with long-term use. And what if this condition is further complicated by the existence of moderate mitral stenosis?

Find out if it's common for women to experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

See how Dr. Shukla explains Persistent AFib, which does not convert back to normal rhythm on its own. Medical treatment is needed to stop the AFib.