Approximately 2.2 Americans suffer from Atrial Fibrillation or A-Fib.  The abnormal heart rhythm can lead to life-threatening complications in some patients, including heart attacks and strokes.

Long-term A-Fib causes the atria, the two upper chambers of the heart, to quiver rather than beat normally.  This quivering can cause the heart muscles to weaken, and over time it can result in heart failure. 

Because blood does not empty out of the heart chambers, clots can form.  If these blood clots break away and travel to the brain, a stroke can occur. 

Symptoms include:

• Irregular or rapid pulse or heart beat
• Racing feeling in the chest
• Palpitations, or a pounding feeling in the chest
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Sweating
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or weakness
• Exercise intolerance

A-Fib patients are sometimes given blood-thinning medication to prevent complications, but with the newest technology that’s not the only option.

Central Florida Regional Hospital offers an effective treatment called a cardiac ablation, also known as radiofrequency ablation.  This nonsurgical procedure, which is performed in the hospital’s electrophysiology lab, regulates the heart rhythms by eliminating the tissue that causes the irregular heartbeats.

A 3D mapping system helps guide an electrode-tipped catheter to the abnormal tissue in the heart.  Then radiofrequency energy is sent through the catheter into the abnormal tissue to regulate the heart rhythm.

“The ideal candidates for this procedure are people with Atrial Fibrilation who have failed drug treatment and are significantly symptomatic from the arrhythmia,” Jorge O. Diaz, M.D. said.

Recovery times are minimal and patients generally go home within six to eight hours after the procedure.  Patients can return to normal activities the next day, and many patients no longer require medication.

“I was not able to complete a round of golf in the months prior to my ablation because I would get so fatigued.  Now I can play a full 18 and some days 36 holes without a problem,” patient Ed Crain said.

As part of Central Florida Regional Hospital’s heart month events, Dr. Diaz will discuss safe and simple options for the treatment of A-Fib during a Dinner with a Doctor lecture on Wednesday, February 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  A healthy dinner will be served.

To make reservations for the free event, call 1-800-445-3392.