HEALTHWISE Magazine
Spring 2009
Presented by Dr. Divyakant Gandhi and Dr. John Ip
The human heart has four chambers. The two atria at the top of the heart collect blood, while the two ventricles at the bottom of the heart pump blood. Atrial Fibrillation (Afib is caused by a malfunction of the heart‘s electrical system which, in turn, produces an irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart.
As we age, the incidence of Atrial Fibrillation increases dramatically, affecting two percent of the adult population in the US. That being said, it is estimated that almost 6 million Americans currently suffer from Afib — which relates to 1 in 4 aging Americans developing Afib within their lifetime.
Many times, other heart conditions are an attributing factor for Afib (leaky valves, coronary artery disease, a previous heart attack, or congestive heart failure). Those with high blood pressure and diabetes are also at risk for developing Afib.
However, in up to 30 percent of patients, this condition may be present by itself. Stress, medications, caffeine, alcohol, sleep apnea and other conditions may also play a role in the incidence, as well as the severity of Afib.
Although a number of patients with Afib experience very subtle or no symptoms, most experience a wide range of symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations and/or erratic heartbeat
- Chest pain and/or pressure
- Fluttering sensation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Complications associated with Afib can be life threatening. Afib reduces the pumping efficiency of the heart, creating a fivefold increase in the risk of stroke, and double the risk of mortality. Essentially, the heart affected with Afib is overworked. Over time, this stress can lead to heart failure.
Traditionally, various treatment methods are used to manage Afib, some of which include medications to control or minimize symptoms, while also preventing the formation of stroke-causing blood clots.
In July 2007, lngham Regional Medical Center began performing a revolutionary, minimally-invasive procedure on those carefully-selected patients who do not benefit from the treatment options mentioned. This procedure is commonly referred to as the "Mini-Maze." The Mini-Maze is performed through three small-sized incisions on the sides of the patient rather than through an open chest. It is through these incisions that a tiny camera, pen-like instruments, and a controlled energy source is used to abiate the erratic misfiring of the heart.
The maior advantages of this procedure include eliminating the use-and thus the risks-associated with being on heart-lung bypass, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery period. The success rate of this procedure outweighs other methods of treatment.
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