In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Jim Kaveney, a seasoned biotech entrepreneur, educator, and wellness advocate whose life was forever changed by a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (Afib). After founding his own pharmaceutical training company in 2012, he was diagnosed with Afib at age 38—an experience that shifted his focus toward heart health and purposeful living.

Jim’s journey with Afib began during his college years as a competitive rower, when he started experiencing unexplained heart rate spikes. At the time, he brushed them off. Years later, while traveling for work, he had a frightening episode of dizziness and tachycardia that led to a collapse at home and a formal diagnosis of paroxysmal Afib, which later became persistent. He discussed his variety of treatments over the course of several years.

He’s now passionate about educating others on the preventable nature of many heart conditions, emphasizing that lifestyle changes—such as improved nutrition, stress management, regular (but moderate) exercise, and sleep—can significantly reduce Afib risk. He also shares that family history matters: had he known earlier about the potential genetic connection, he might have made different choices sooner.

Jim also discusses the link between overtraining and heart arrhythmias, referencing the book The Haywire Heart by Dr. John Mandrola, which outlines how too much exercise can actually damage the heart. He now focuses on walking and weight training rather than high-intensity workouts.

Listeners can learn more about Jim’s story in his book, Unlimited Heart: How to Transform Your Pain Into Your Purpose, available on Amazon.

Please join us to learn more about atrial fibrillation and heart health!

Please feel free to reach out to Jim at https://unlimitedheart.co/.

-Dr. Amy Novotny

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