Who and Why

Welcome.

I am Julia and I have atrial fibrillation (AFib).

I am not sure for how long I have had atrial fibrillation. By the time it was discovered/ diagnosed (accidentally, and almost a year ago, at the time of this writing) I was found to be in "persistent" AFib, later confirmed by several heart rate studies.

Atrial fibrillation by itself is not a disease, rather an altered electrical heart pattern.

Many humans feel their atrial fibrillation acutely, but some do not. I happen to not feel it at all. This may sound scary to some - to me, it simply begs the question of whether atrial fibrillation is my body's "normal" or if it is something to be "fixed."

I have been told by most of the medical professionals I have consulted with that persistent afib is unfixable on its own. I have had one well-qualified medical professional tell me that persistent afib can be fixed. With lifestyle changes and medications, simultaneously, she said.

A researcher by nature, and a global citizen by my life circumstances, I am evaluating my options. I know that I want to live a long, healthy and vibrant life. I know that I want my heart to be healthy. So, I am continuing to research, test and evaluate.

For now, I am choosing zero medication or medical intervention. I am choosing many changes in my lifestyle, behavior and diet. I am choosing to reflect on the countries, cultures and customs I have known and lived among. I am choosing to bring forward and embrace the ones I consider heart healthy for my body.

I am choosing to modify, as needed, what serves me now and let go of what does not. This is what this site is about.

In a few years from now, I may choose a certain medical route to convince my heart to adopt a sinus rhythm. Until then, all the lifestyle, behavior and diet choices I am making are designed to get my body, heart and soul into the best shape possible. So that any medical intervention I may choose for myself, should I choose any, has the best chance to succeed.

This is a journey, not a destination. I hope you find useful what I am sharing here and choose to apply what suits you, whether your goal is better heart health, healthy looking body, or simply a more healthy mindset.