From the heart flutters that occur when you fall in love, to the pain of a first heartbreak the heart undergoes a range of emotions and experiences.
“A-fib occurs when the heart's upper chambers beat in a disorganized, chaotic fashion, causing an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm,” shares board-certified electrophysiologist Dr. Danny Lee at Providence St. Joseph Hospital and St. Jude Medical Center. “When left untreated, A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure or other heart-related issues.”
Common A-fib symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
“Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a state-of-the-art treatment we offer to treat A-fib in a fraction of the time compared to standard ablations,” said Dr. Jay Tiongson, a board-certified electrophysiologist at Providence Mission Hospital and medical director of electrophysiology. “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,” says Dr. Tiongson.
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.
