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The AFib Cure: Get Off Your Medications, Take Control of Your Health, and Add Years to Your Life
Most doctors will tell you that there isn't much you can do to treat atrial fibrillation, aside from taking medications for the rest of your life. Cardiologists and a-fib specialists John D. Day and T. Jared Bunch disagree. Atrial fibrillation strikes one in four American adults. Not only do people suffering from this condition suffer from shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, decreased ability to exercise and do activities of daily living, arrhythmia, and palpitations, but their risk of a stroke, cognitive decline and dementia, heart failure, or premature death also shoots way up. Today, a whole new body of research—one most physicians are unaware of—shows that biomarker and lifestyle optimization may put half the cases of atrial fibrillation into remission without drugs or procedures. And for those in whom these remedies are insufficient or not tolerated, new procedures, in combination with biomarker and lifestyle optimization, may offer lifetime remission from atrial fibrillation and its devastating consequences. In clear, accessible, patient-centric language, Drs. Day and Bunch share their revolutionary approach to treating atrial fibrillation, developed through a combined 53 years working with a-fib patients. The effectiveness of their plan has been proven through countless medical studies. And now, in The AFib Get Off Your Medications, Take Control of Your Health, and Add Years to Your Life, they share that plan with you. If you're looking for a drug-free solution to your atrial fibrillation, or have a family history of atrial fibrillation and don't want to suffer the same fate, The AFib Cure is for you. Let The AFib Cure show you how to live longer, healthier, free from medications, and free from the fear of atrial fibrillation overshadowing your life.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2021
252 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 28, 2022
The Afib Cure is the definitive work of two electrophysiologists that brings to bear the latest research and insights from their practice to help you beat Atrial Fibrillation. Written for the laymen/patient, the authors walk you through in easy to understand language what is happening with your heart and the treatments and medications available to you. They also give you hope that a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes can help you live a long life.
The doctors describe your diagnosis of Afib as the 'canary in the coal mine' in regards to your personal health. It definitely has been for me. For two years before, I had steady bouts of tachycardia (extended high heart rates) that had been managed with medication. I had gotten off caffeine and changed some of my snacking habits and lost 10 pounds. But I got complacent with borderline high blood pressure as no high heart rate episodes had occurred (140/90 and sometimes higher but i rationalized it away as rare). I had palpitations, but they didn't last very long. I finally was able to wear a two week Zio monitor and there it was: 99% Sinus Rhythm 1% Atrial Fibrillation. So how do you deal with this?
The authors start out by giving you the conventional treatment, which is really just addressing symptoms. 'Standard' Afib treatment is to manage/assess (1) High heart rates with rate control drugs, (2) Abnormal heart rhythms with rhythm control medications, (3) Stroke risk by prescribing blood thinners - it should be noted that Afibbers have a five times greater chance of having a stroke vs. the normal population. (4) Potential for heart failure - an echocardiagram is a first line test given to understand the 'state of the plumbing' to determine your ejection fraction and potential for heart failure while in Afib.
It here where we need to take a step back and assess the kind of care you have vs the kind of care you need. The cardiologist (like mine) will likely give you some treatment along the four areas above and send you on your way. This is where the field of electrophysiology is key to know and understand. There are cardiologists that specialize in heart rhythms and it is time for you to insist transferring your care to a qualified electrophysiologist. Cardiologists will most likely give you the medication and have you come back for checkups. The electrophysiologist will dig deeper and try to understand the rhythms. This is where the electrophysiologist plays an essential role in beating Afib, not just treating it.
The authors use the acronym B-L-A-S-T to help you remember the electrophysiologist treatment approaches. B stands for Biomarkers - assess yourself with these biomarkers: C reactive protein, Hemoglobin A1C, thyroid panel, comprehensive metabolic panel (look at your electrolytes), lipid panel, Vitamin D, comprehensive blood count, homocysteine, BNP, and HS Tropinin. Each of these markers may contain clues as to why you're in Afib and monitoring these markers periodically will provide the electrophysiologist and accurate map regarding what is going on with your body.
L stands for Lifestyle Optimization. This is where the book really excels. The purely medical approach is to just manage the markers, but the doctors are very clear that your lifestyle is most likely a key driver of your Afib (thyroid hormone issues and excessive endurance training excepted). This includes (a) getting better sleep (addressing potential sleep apnea), (b) maintaining healthy weight (c) stop smoking/vaping, and (d) reducing stress via long walks, meditation, yoga, etc.
A stands for Ablation. Afib tends to be progressive when not addressed so catching it earlier is better if you want to Afib into remission. There are three kinds of Afib - Paroxysmal (tends to go away on its own and lasts less than a week), Persistent (long standing afib that lasts longer than a week and may need other methods to bring you back into sinus rhythm), and Long standing / Permanent (afib that isn't going away and resistant to medication and cardioversions). Ablation is where a doctor terminates faulty electric pathways in your heart using radio frequency or cryo methods. This creates scar tissue which can help prevent the heart from recreating the faulty, chaotic circuits of atrial fibrillation. It is important that you understand and ensure you get the treatment before you reach the Afib tipping point. There is a point where the benefits of Ablation become diminished when you start transitioning into persistent afib. But if you attack early with lifestyle changes and ablation, you have a much greater chance at putting afib into remission.
S stands for stopping unnecessary medications. Once you either make lifestyle changes and / or undertake an ablation (some folks can put into remission with lifestyle alone), it is important that you have a plan with your doctor to get off the meds. Most of the meds have long term side effects that aren't desirable and can actually create issues in themselves. For example, for paroxysmal cases, blood thinners may create more risk of bleeding than they are helping to prevent a stroke. Net, under a doctor's care, ensure you have a plan to assess your medication and try to eliminate.
T stands for tracking. Afib can recur and most do not permanently eliminate it. Net you should be tracking the following items ongoing to ensure your health is maintained: EKG with smartwatch (some Afib is not noticeable), Sleep (7-9 hours with quality REM sleep each day), Exercise (10,000 steps daily), Stress (heart rate variability on your smartwatch), Weight (maintain target BMI), Food (all needed vitamins, nutrients, plant based diet with 100g fiber and 0g added sugars), Meds, Blood Pressure and periodic review of biomarkers.
Afib has been a shock to the system for me and at times very depressing. But this book has been great in that it gave me hope. I don't have to sit around and wait for my afib to get worse while taking terrible medications. I can pro-actively go after this disease and try to improve. The book is great at giving success stories along the way. There are no promises with Afib, but if you commit to changing your lifestyle, they do promise the Afib will get better. Thank you Docs!
The doctors describe your diagnosis of Afib as the 'canary in the coal mine' in regards to your personal health. It definitely has been for me. For two years before, I had steady bouts of tachycardia (extended high heart rates) that had been managed with medication. I had gotten off caffeine and changed some of my snacking habits and lost 10 pounds. But I got complacent with borderline high blood pressure as no high heart rate episodes had occurred (140/90 and sometimes higher but i rationalized it away as rare). I had palpitations, but they didn't last very long. I finally was able to wear a two week Zio monitor and there it was: 99% Sinus Rhythm 1% Atrial Fibrillation. So how do you deal with this?
The authors start out by giving you the conventional treatment, which is really just addressing symptoms. 'Standard' Afib treatment is to manage/assess (1) High heart rates with rate control drugs, (2) Abnormal heart rhythms with rhythm control medications, (3) Stroke risk by prescribing blood thinners - it should be noted that Afibbers have a five times greater chance of having a stroke vs. the normal population. (4) Potential for heart failure - an echocardiagram is a first line test given to understand the 'state of the plumbing' to determine your ejection fraction and potential for heart failure while in Afib.
It here where we need to take a step back and assess the kind of care you have vs the kind of care you need. The cardiologist (like mine) will likely give you some treatment along the four areas above and send you on your way. This is where the field of electrophysiology is key to know and understand. There are cardiologists that specialize in heart rhythms and it is time for you to insist transferring your care to a qualified electrophysiologist. Cardiologists will most likely give you the medication and have you come back for checkups. The electrophysiologist will dig deeper and try to understand the rhythms. This is where the electrophysiologist plays an essential role in beating Afib, not just treating it.
The authors use the acronym B-L-A-S-T to help you remember the electrophysiologist treatment approaches. B stands for Biomarkers - assess yourself with these biomarkers: C reactive protein, Hemoglobin A1C, thyroid panel, comprehensive metabolic panel (look at your electrolytes), lipid panel, Vitamin D, comprehensive blood count, homocysteine, BNP, and HS Tropinin. Each of these markers may contain clues as to why you're in Afib and monitoring these markers periodically will provide the electrophysiologist and accurate map regarding what is going on with your body.
L stands for Lifestyle Optimization. This is where the book really excels. The purely medical approach is to just manage the markers, but the doctors are very clear that your lifestyle is most likely a key driver of your Afib (thyroid hormone issues and excessive endurance training excepted). This includes (a) getting better sleep (addressing potential sleep apnea), (b) maintaining healthy weight (c) stop smoking/vaping, and (d) reducing stress via long walks, meditation, yoga, etc.
A stands for Ablation. Afib tends to be progressive when not addressed so catching it earlier is better if you want to Afib into remission. There are three kinds of Afib - Paroxysmal (tends to go away on its own and lasts less than a week), Persistent (long standing afib that lasts longer than a week and may need other methods to bring you back into sinus rhythm), and Long standing / Permanent (afib that isn't going away and resistant to medication and cardioversions). Ablation is where a doctor terminates faulty electric pathways in your heart using radio frequency or cryo methods. This creates scar tissue which can help prevent the heart from recreating the faulty, chaotic circuits of atrial fibrillation. It is important that you understand and ensure you get the treatment before you reach the Afib tipping point. There is a point where the benefits of Ablation become diminished when you start transitioning into persistent afib. But if you attack early with lifestyle changes and ablation, you have a much greater chance at putting afib into remission.
S stands for stopping unnecessary medications. Once you either make lifestyle changes and / or undertake an ablation (some folks can put into remission with lifestyle alone), it is important that you have a plan with your doctor to get off the meds. Most of the meds have long term side effects that aren't desirable and can actually create issues in themselves. For example, for paroxysmal cases, blood thinners may create more risk of bleeding than they are helping to prevent a stroke. Net, under a doctor's care, ensure you have a plan to assess your medication and try to eliminate.
T stands for tracking. Afib can recur and most do not permanently eliminate it. Net you should be tracking the following items ongoing to ensure your health is maintained: EKG with smartwatch (some Afib is not noticeable), Sleep (7-9 hours with quality REM sleep each day), Exercise (10,000 steps daily), Stress (heart rate variability on your smartwatch), Weight (maintain target BMI), Food (all needed vitamins, nutrients, plant based diet with 100g fiber and 0g added sugars), Meds, Blood Pressure and periodic review of biomarkers.
Afib has been a shock to the system for me and at times very depressing. But this book has been great in that it gave me hope. I don't have to sit around and wait for my afib to get worse while taking terrible medications. I can pro-actively go after this disease and try to improve. The book is great at giving success stories along the way. There are no promises with Afib, but if you commit to changing your lifestyle, they do promise the Afib will get better. Thank you Docs!
December 11, 2022
It is encouraging and hopeful to read a medical doctor who believes that a healthy lifestyle can not only prevent but cure disease. I appreciate Dr. Day’s open and honest thoughts on the medical community and the difficulties of sticking with a healthy lifestyle.
June 10, 2023
so much information on how to deal with Afib
My therapist told me diet has nothing to do with a fib. It’s all in the genes. But why not get healthier? Why not eat better? Why not dedicate yourself to a better life?
My therapist told me diet has nothing to do with a fib. It’s all in the genes. But why not get healthier? Why not eat better? Why not dedicate yourself to a better life?
March 10, 2024
Scary but informative
This book is very informative about what AFib is, what causes it, steps to try to prevent it, the various treatment options currently available, and lifestyle changes to try to manage, improve, and put AFib into remission.
The scary part is that the doctor does not pull any punches. He goes into all of the details of the types of treatment, the types of medication available, with side effects, and the types of surgical treatments available. However, the book focuses strongly on lifestyle modifications to improve the outcome of any treatment, And to help reduce, or eliminate any AFib symptoms.
The only complaint I have about the book is that I would have liked more information about recommended dietary changes. “Eat good food” is a very broad statement; he mentions a few berries, he mentions a few nuts, and seeds; he does mention a brand of bread that would be acceptable for the diet that he is suggesting for AFib. But it would’ve been more helpful for me, personally, to have had a list of recommended foods, especially when it comes to things like pasta. Is whole wheat pasta okay? Is spinach pasta okay? Is all pasta a no-go? It’s a small thing, but I would’ve liked a little more guidance on the dietary principles.
Having said that, I do feel that I know a lot more about the condition now than I did before I read this book. I highly recommend it. I honestly think it could save someone’s life.
This book is very informative about what AFib is, what causes it, steps to try to prevent it, the various treatment options currently available, and lifestyle changes to try to manage, improve, and put AFib into remission.
The scary part is that the doctor does not pull any punches. He goes into all of the details of the types of treatment, the types of medication available, with side effects, and the types of surgical treatments available. However, the book focuses strongly on lifestyle modifications to improve the outcome of any treatment, And to help reduce, or eliminate any AFib symptoms.
The only complaint I have about the book is that I would have liked more information about recommended dietary changes. “Eat good food” is a very broad statement; he mentions a few berries, he mentions a few nuts, and seeds; he does mention a brand of bread that would be acceptable for the diet that he is suggesting for AFib. But it would’ve been more helpful for me, personally, to have had a list of recommended foods, especially when it comes to things like pasta. Is whole wheat pasta okay? Is spinach pasta okay? Is all pasta a no-go? It’s a small thing, but I would’ve liked a little more guidance on the dietary principles.
Having said that, I do feel that I know a lot more about the condition now than I did before I read this book. I highly recommend it. I honestly think it could save someone’s life.
December 9, 2022
For those newly diagnosed with Afib, welcome to the club. Sort of. No one really wants to hear those words because they are scary and introduce you to a world of restrictions and regiments, not fun. This book addresses the concerns and offers some options and plans to maybe get you off the hook.
These doctors approach the afib problem from maybe a different tack. Not to focus simply on treatment and control which equates to medication but to aiming for a cure. This may not be possible for everyone but with the steps outlined here for some, maybe many that may be achievable.
Broken down to bio-markers, ablation, lifestyle, and diet the doctors explain in considerable details the whys and wherefores surrounding the insidious disease. And ultimately for those bold enough to pursue and embrace the journey the light may very well be there at the end of the tunnel. A first rate approach to something everyone who has it would like to get rid of ASAP.
These doctors approach the afib problem from maybe a different tack. Not to focus simply on treatment and control which equates to medication but to aiming for a cure. This may not be possible for everyone but with the steps outlined here for some, maybe many that may be achievable.
Broken down to bio-markers, ablation, lifestyle, and diet the doctors explain in considerable details the whys and wherefores surrounding the insidious disease. And ultimately for those bold enough to pursue and embrace the journey the light may very well be there at the end of the tunnel. A first rate approach to something everyone who has it would like to get rid of ASAP.
July 8, 2024
Highly recommended for anyone suffering from AFib. Within its pages are everything your doctors won't or aren't telling you. Ablation is necessary. Anti-arrythmic drugs won't work to stop your AFib. You need an ablation and you need to implement lifestyle changes so your ablation is successful. I'd just postponed my procedure with my EP, then another episode hit me. I'd dropped 140 pounds, got my sleep apnea in order, fixed my diet, was working out more, but the AFib kept coming. While I'm still too heavy and have some new dietary changes to implement thanks to the advice in this book, I'll be calling my EP tomorrow to reschedule the procedure. This book gave me the questions to ask and the responses to look for to give me the courage to move forward with the procedure.
April 21, 2022
Very informative book
Being recently diagnosed as having acid I searched for information to help me understand it and to see if there were other treatments that did not leave me feeling so tired. This book opened my eyes to see and feel more positive in beating this. Have only had a couple episodes feeling my heart race. Feel it's caused by something other than what doctors said was again.
Being recently diagnosed as having acid I searched for information to help me understand it and to see if there were other treatments that did not leave me feeling so tired. This book opened my eyes to see and feel more positive in beating this. Have only had a couple episodes feeling my heart race. Feel it's caused by something other than what doctors said was again.
February 2, 2025
I found this book overly hopeful about getting off meds. While I agree with much of what is said about lifestyle (nutritious food, exercise), following that regime is not the golden pill. Because of this, I found it hard to believe in "the cure".
However, that said, there is good general information here on diet and some on supplements. There is also good information on what AFib is and how it affects the body's systems.
However, that said, there is good general information here on diet and some on supplements. There is also good information on what AFib is and how it affects the body's systems.
June 6, 2024
AFib informed!
I am in awe of what this book has taught me about AFib and lifestyle changes. The area of stress as it brings on AFib was very enlightening. Doctors have told me there is no direct correlation from stress to AFib. This book disproves that thinking.
Overall this book has given me so many strategies to use to manage my AFib!
I am in awe of what this book has taught me about AFib and lifestyle changes. The area of stress as it brings on AFib was very enlightening. Doctors have told me there is no direct correlation from stress to AFib. This book disproves that thinking.
Overall this book has given me so many strategies to use to manage my AFib!
November 16, 2023
I listened to the audiobook. A fabulous narration. A lot of great helpful information broken down into sections. Easy to understand. Great suggestions to implement. Excellent book filled with facts to help the AFib patient. .
January 26, 2026
If you suffer from atrial fibrillation, or have someone close to you with the condition, you should read this book. I was diagnosed with afib about 15 years ago and have spent many hours researching the condition and how to prevent the episodes from occurring. Many cardiologists will tell you that the condition is chronic and will get worse over time and that you will be on medication, including blood thinners, for the rest of your help. This book, written by specialists who treat the condition, describes the many ways that you can improve the condition, and reduce the number of episodes, by adopting various lifestyle alterations, mainly having to do with diet and exercise. They also discuss the pros and cons of various treatment options, including the use of anti-arrhythmic medications and surgical ablations.
The title may be a bit misleading, as there is no proven “cure” for atrial fibrillation, but the advice in the book has been shown to be effective for many, allowing them to live long, active lives without frequent arrhythmias and a lifetime of medications. This is definitely a must read for anyone affected by atrial fibrillation.
The title may be a bit misleading, as there is no proven “cure” for atrial fibrillation, but the advice in the book has been shown to be effective for many, allowing them to live long, active lives without frequent arrhythmias and a lifetime of medications. This is definitely a must read for anyone affected by atrial fibrillation.
January 16, 2022
excellent read
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… … … … … … … … … …. . . . . . . . . . .1 2 3 4
April 26, 2022
Clear and logical
There is no doubt after reading this book how one can beat Afib. The arguments are clear and convincing. Thank you.
There is no doubt after reading this book how one can beat Afib. The arguments are clear and convincing. Thank you.
June 5, 2022
Lots of testimonials little data but still good suggestions that I am willing to try.
August 22, 2022
A must for anyone recently diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, I found it very useful.
January 10, 2023
Difficult to read and it contradicts its self.
February 25, 2024
I wish I had read this book when I was first diagnosed 10 years ago. Lots of comprehensive info about the disease, causes and triggers, and the lifestyle changes needed to stop it.
June 16, 2024
Outstanding
Every cardio/EP doc should have this book available to give to their AFib patients. The more patients know about AFIB and how to live with it, the better.
Every cardio/EP doc should have this book available to give to their AFib patients. The more patients know about AFIB and how to live with it, the better.
January 6, 2025
Excellent resources for treating Afib
January 26, 2025
Very interesting and enlightening.
May 17, 2022
Awesome Book
This book was an eye opener for me! It has helped me change my lifestyle and learn everything about Afib
This book was an eye opener for me! It has helped me change my lifestyle and learn everything about Afib
December 9, 2022
Good information
This book has a lot of good information. However, for someone that has already had a stroke due to AFIB, the book doesn’t seem to go into enough detail for post stroke AFIB. For me, the AFIB diet they share is just not realistic. As much as we all want to be healthy, that diet would be as bad as taking medication. I wouldn’t make it thru one day. For people that already eat fairly healthy, it might be ok.
This book has a lot of good information. However, for someone that has already had a stroke due to AFIB, the book doesn’t seem to go into enough detail for post stroke AFIB. For me, the AFIB diet they share is just not realistic. As much as we all want to be healthy, that diet would be as bad as taking medication. I wouldn’t make it thru one day. For people that already eat fairly healthy, it might be ok.
May 23, 2024
An Fib Lifeline
This book offers hope and practical advice to improve your afib. Even though it is often technical in the information presented it is done in way that is easy to read and understand.
This book offers hope and practical advice to improve your afib. Even though it is often technical in the information presented it is done in way that is easy to read and understand.
January 4, 2023
The title is misleading but the information is good. There is no "cure" as the authors admit but they claim there is the ability to control symptoms indefinitely. The information helped me to understand the how of afib and the whys.
December 13, 2023
Day covers a plethora of information about AFib; recently diagnosed myself and have had an ablation, it is interesting to compare his suggestions to what my electrophysiologist suggested and has done so far. Very good information.
July 26, 2025
This is my go-to book to recommend to patients dealing with Afib. The reason it's important is because it bucks the stanadard protcoled paradigm for a more holistic way to view Afib and draws on a lot of experience by the cardiologist who has been treating this condition for many years.
September 16, 2024
As someone who was suffering with AFIB this book was revelatory and brought considerable peace of mind.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews