Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a common heart condition that puts patients at risk for heart failure and can increase the chance of stroke by five times. That’s why our team of cardiologists at Ascension St. Vincent’s continues to stay at the forefront of new technology and effective treatments, to protect the patients in our care.
While millions of patients have AFib, many aren’t aware of all the latest options that can help treat the condition and help prevent the increased risk of stroke that comes with it. I spoke with my patient Vi, age 71, to learn more about what she wishes she’d known before her recent procedure with the latest version of the WATCHMAN Device.
“I started experiencing symptoms of AFib about nine years ago,” Vi told me. “My heart would race and race. I’d never even heard of AFib and had no idea what was going on. They put me on different medications and got it under control, but the blood thinners I was on made me bleed and bruise easily. I like to bike a lot, but I felt worried about falling. Not to mention, the medications were expensive, and I wanted to get off them.”
AFib is such a potent risk factor for stroke because the upper chambers of the heart (or atria) do not contract properly, allowing blood to pool in a cavity known as the left atrial appendage. The pooled blood can form a clot that travels to your brain’s arteries, interrupting blood flow and leading to a stroke.
Anticoagulation medications are still the first-line approach to prevent this risk for most patients. However, unintended bleeding can become problematic for certain individuals. If the left atrial appendage is surgically removed or occluded, then this risk of stroke is effectively managed without the added bleeding risks of anticoagulation. That’s where the WATCHMAN device comes in.
About Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion and the WATCHMAN Device
I told Vi about the WATCHMAN device, a stroke prevention treatment option that could allow her to come off anticoagulation medications. The WATCHMAN is an implant placed in your heart to block off the left atrial appendage and prevent blood clots from entering the bloodstream. This non-invasive procedure typically takes less than a half hour, as we insert the device through a vein in the leg. Using the WATCHMAN allows doctors to reduce stroke risk without putting patients at risk for increased bleeding.
Vi had her WATCHMAN procedure early this year and has been doing well now that she’s off anticoagulation medications.
“The procedure was a breeze. It was similar to having an ablation and very easy. I went home the same day,” she explained.
Take Control of Your AFib Care
Vi was nervous when she first learned about the WATCHMAN and waited about two years before having the procedure. She wants other AFib patients like her to know they don’t have to wait.
“Trust your doctor and do the procedure if he recommends it. I'm glad I did,” she said. “I just wish I'd known how easy it was and done it sooner!”
The WATCHMAN is just one exciting new advancement in AFib treatment, but there are many more in all aspects of cardiovascular care. The most important thing is to always work with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for you.
If you or a loved one have struggled with symptoms of AFib, such as heart palpitations/fluttery heartbeat, dizziness and fatigue, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists to discuss your treatment options today.
Dr. Anthony Magnano is a Ponte Vedra resident and Chief of Cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville. For more information on Dr. Magnano and his specialty in treating Atrial fibrillation, visit ascension.org/JaxHeart or call 904-388-1820.
