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.

Many patients who need knee replacement surgery tolerate the painful symptoms longer than necessary and consider the procedure a last resort.   They worry about pain, as well as the amount of time it will take to recover and return to their everyday activities.

At Central Florida Regional Hospital, Orthopedic Surgeon Stephen M. Reed, M.D. offers Unicompartmental knee replacement – a partial knee replacement– as an option instead of total knee replacement for younger, more active patients.

Dr. Reed has received extensive training to implant a device called the “Oxford Knee”, which closely replicates the movements of a natural knee joint.  As a result, Dr. Reed says many of his patients are very pleased with the outcome because they’re able to start walking again quickly, and even get back out on the golf course in no time.

Clinical studies show a 98 percent success rate with the “Oxford Knee” for 10 years.

Dr. Reed explained this technique to nearly 100 people who attended CFRH’s Dinner with a Doctor lecture on November 11, along with some of the other latest replacement options for knees and hips. 

Another one of those cutting-edge procedures is hip resurfacing.  Dr. Reed has received special training to perform the operation, which in many cases delays the need for total hip replacement and eliminating the constant pain that keeps patients up at night and affects their daily activities.

Dr. Reed also described the latest pain management techniques to help post surgical patients get up and moving sooner, resulting in better outcomes.

Central Florida Regional Hospital will host two Dinner with a Doctor lectures in January.

Know Your Numbers:   Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar

Presented by Vinay Srivastava, M.D., Internal Medicine

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. A healthy dinner will be served.

A discussion that will help you understand good and bad cholesterol, high blood pressure and if you are at risk for diabetes.  Dr. Srivastava will also discuss how you can improve your numbers and reduce your health risks.

Treating Parkinson’s Disease  

Presented by Raul A. Rodas, D.O., FACOS, Neurosurgeon

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  A healthy dinner will be served.

A discussion on new trends in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. 

Reservations are required.  Call 1-800-445-3392. 

For more information about Central Florida Regional Hospital, check out our website at www.centralfloridaregional.com.

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