shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com February 9, 2016 • Page 9 Chest Discomfort, Feeling Extra Tired? When to Get Help (StatePoint) Are you experiencing heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and discomfort around your heart? You could be experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib), the most common heart rhythm disorder. Recognizing signs and symptoms is essential to early diagnosis and effective treatment. Ozone Pollution and Your Family’s Health: What to Know Affecting about three million Americans, AF is a rapid heartbeat, which can lead to poor blood flow and increased risk of serious conditions, including stroke and heart failure. bers of the heart, causing the atria to contract so quickly the heart loses its ability to pump efficiently. This may cause blood to pool in the heart, where it can clot. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. A recent study by researchers from Boston University found that people with AF are nearly five times AF is the result of abnormal electrical impulses, which travel chaotically throughout the upper cham- (StatePoint) Recently, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the federal limit on the amount of allowable ozone pollution, also known as smog, in the air we breathe. Health groups hailed this as a step in the right direction to protect Americans from this widespread and dangerous pollutant. “Once met, the stronger ozone standard will prevent childhood asthma attacks, missed days of work and school, and premature deaths,” says Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. Breathing unhealthy levels of ozone pollution is linked to coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, central nervous system problems, heart problems and premature death. And children are most at risk because their lungs are still developing, according to the Lung Association. The EPA’s new standard will better protect the public from these health impacts. Experts across the country, including the EPA’s independent scientific advisors, leading medical and health organizations, and more than 1,000 health and medical professionals supported strengthening the outdated standard. The American public agrees: 73 percent of voters polled by the Lung Association support stricter limits on smog. To learn about the air quality in your region and how to protect your family’s health and to get involved, visit www.FightingForAir.org. “We will continue to push toward a stronger standard that fully protects the health of Americans,” says Wimmer. more likely to have a stroke. “All types of patients of all ages should monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly, and seek medical help when they don’t feel well. Even short bursts of palpitations may be the beginning of persistent or chronic AF,” says Dr. Leo Polosajian, an electrophysiologist and founder of Cardiac Rhythm Specialists in Reseda, CA. Unfortunately, many AF patients don’t experience symptoms until an event happens. “While biking my normal route, my heart rate rose and I couldn’t breathe. I pretty much went into sudden cardiac death,” says Todd Smiland, a patient of Polosajian’s. “Luckily the ambulance made it to me in seven minutes and they were able to defibrillate me back to life, essentially. That pretty much started all of my heart issues.” By correcting abnormal conduction fibers in the Maroon, 5.7L, 26K Maroon,?5.7L,?26K? 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It’s important to note there are risks and potential adverse events associated with ablation procedures, including but not limited to cardiovascular related complications, such as hematoma, effusion and infection. Contact force ablation may not be appropriate for patients who have had certain recent heart surgeries, prosthetic valves, active systemic infection or have undergone other major vascular procedures. Patients should consult with their physicians about options. A checklist of questions to ask your doctor can be found at www.sjm.com/ AfibAnswers, a site provided by St. Jude Medical, a leader in technologies that treat atrial fibrillation. Know the signs and symptoms of AF and talk to your doctor, if you suspect anything is amiss. 2014 Dodge Journey SXT 2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 2012 Ford F150 Ext-Cab 4x4 XLT $ heart through ablation, its electrical system may be repaired and the heart may return to a normal rhythm. One of the newest innovations uses contact force ablation technology, which gives physicians a real-time, objective measure of force applied to the heart during the procedure. “I felt this patient was an ideal candidate for an ablation procedure instead of medication, which only treats symptoms. When patients don’t respond to medication or it’s not an optimal therapy option, I turn to radiofrequency ablation,” says Polosajian. “It was like night and day,” says Smiland, who after receiving ablation treatment, resumed activities he previously enjoyed. According to Polosajian, Smiland’s experience may not represent those of all patients, but a recent FDA review found ablation had at least a 47 percent greater success rate than medica- #C10955 34,995 $ MOODY MOTOR CO. 1-800-745-5650 Niobrara, Nebraska Business? 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