Mar/05/2010

Once considered benign, Atrial Fibrillation (also known as A-Fib or AF) is now considered a serious precursor to stroke – one that warrants early and aggressive treatment. AF occurs when the heart's two small upper chambers quiver instead of beating effectively; it can cause blood to pool and clot, raising the risk of a stroke or serious cardiac event. AF is the most common of heart rhythm disorders, affecting more than 2 million Americans. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. Advances in electrophysiology and catheter ablation techniques now offer a safe and effective treatment for AF patients whose irregular heart beats cannot be safely controlled with medications. During catheter ablation, electrophysiologists thread specialized catheters through the blood vessels leading to the heart and then apply radiofrequency energy to abnormal tissue triggering the irregular heartbeats. It’s just one of the many advanced treatment options available at Sarasota Memorial. To learn more about Sarasota Memorial’s advanced cardiovascular diagnostic and treatment options, visit our website at www.smh.com/heart.

Date Published: Mar 5, 2010

Media Contact: Kim Savage
Phone: (941) 917-6271