From the pain of a first heartbreak to the rapid heartbeats that occur when being in love, the heart undergoes a range of emotions and experiences.
Unfortunately, another common heart condition affecting over six million Americans is atrial fibrillation or A-fib. This condition occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat out of sync with the lower chambers causing an irregular or rapid heart rhythm. A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure or other heart-related issues when left untreated.
Common A-fib symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
Advances in technology can help manage A-fib symptoms and provide relief. Pulsed field ablations (PFA) is a state-of-the-art treatment we offer to treat A-fib in a fraction of the time compared to standard ablations. It is also more effective in deadening defective heart tissue to stop A-fib while not damaging surrounding tissue.
“This technology allows us to do these procedures safely and more quickly with less anesthesia. Most patients will go home after just a few hours,” said Dr. Shephal Doshi, director of Providence Saint John’s cardiac electrophysiology and pacing program, the Sandra and Vin Scully Heart Rhythm Center and executive director of the hospital’s Minerd Heart and Vascular Institute.
If you have experienced any of the symptoms associated with A-fib, schedule a visit with a Providence physician to be evaluated and learn what treatment options are best for you. For tips on how to maintain a healthy heart, view our state lecture featuring board-certified, interventional cardiologists.
