|
Back in Rhythm, Back in Control
an article from the Fall 2009 issue of…
Chet Miller, who once battled a rapid heartbeat, enjoys the view atop Cascade Falls in the Orange Grove area of Patapsco Valley State Park.
A strong heart keeps Chet Miller in step with the great outdoors.
Chet didn't like what he was feeling. As he climbed hillsides during hiking excursions with the Maryland Mountain Club, he was becoming breathless and had trouble keeping up with the rest of the group.
"I'm in pretty good shape, but it was a real effort going uphill," he said. "I didn't know why it was happening and I didn't like it."
Chet, 74, of Catonsville, struggled for more than a year with episodes of an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, a condition in which one or both of the heart's upper chambers (the atria) flutter or quiver, instead of beating normally. It is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm and causes a rapid and disorganized heartbeat.
Chet's symptoms persisted despite medication and a procedure to shock his heart back into normal rhythm. So his cardiologist recommended undergoing a cardiac catheterization at Union Memorial.
To his surprise, Chet also had blockages in four arteries. The good news, though, was that Union Memorial cardiac surgeon, Dr. Drew Kirshner, could fix both of Chet's heart problems at the same time.
"I wanted to do whatever it took to get rid of the atrial fibrillation," Chet said.
The heart specialists at Union Memorial are at the forefront of evolving technologies to help pinpoint the exact location of heart rhythm disturbances and treat them safely and effectively. Union Memorial offers a full complement of services for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms as part of its heart program that has earned the reputation as one of the finest in the country. This is largely due to the expertise and skills of our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in performing complex and delicate procedures.
Chet is proof. During a dual procedure, Dr. Kirshner repaired the blockages and used a technique known as the Maze procedure to correct Chet's irregular heartbeat — all without stopping his heart. The Maze procedure involved using high-frequency ultrasound delivered through a band to disrupt the electrical impulses causing the abnormal heart rhythm.
"His heart automatically went into normal rhythm while doing the procedure, which is always encouraging," said Dr. Kirshner. "The energy source from the band ablates, or destroys, the abnormal impulses in the area of the heart where they start."
Within four days after open-heart surgery, Chet went home with the peace of mind of having a strong heart. His heart rhythm is normal and he is getting stronger every day.
"I have nothing but admiration for Union Memorial, Dr. Kirshner and everyone who cared for me," said Chet. "The nurses and staff are so professional and they know what they are doing." Attend a free heart health seminar or schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.
Targeting heart failure
Heart failure treatment is nothing new to the specialists at Union Memorial. In fact, we have earned national recognition for quality care of heart failure patients based on best practice standards.
Now, heart failure therapy at Union Memorial is better than ever with the opening of a congestive heart failure unit. Our experienced team of specialists work in tandem to develop the best course of care for each unique heart failure patient.
- Well-coordinated, seamless care ranging from the latest medications and devices to complex surgery
- Highly skilled team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists and more
- Comprehensive education to help patients better manage their disease and symptoms
- Home care services through MedStar Health Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)
Visit the Heart Institute
Request heart literature
Heart Diagnosis
|
Print
E-mail
