KANSAS CITY, Mo. — St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute has launched a significant clinical trial this year aimed at treating patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib), a common heart rhythm disorder.
Afib can increase the risk of serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes if not treated properly. St. Luke’s cardiologists were the first in the region to join this trial and are already using a new treatment called pulsed field ablation on patients.
Dr. Sanjaya Gupta, a cardiologist at St. Luke’s, emphasized the importance of addressing Afib. “The main concern is that it greatly raises your risk of stroke or congestive heart failure,” he explained.
Denise Chambers, who was diagnosed with Afib in 2012, sought a solution after experiencing troubling symptoms. “I felt like my heart was racing, and I wasn’t breathing correctly,” she recalled. Initially, she thought her symptoms were just anxiety. At times, her Afib episodes would last for days until she learned about the pulsed field ablation treatment being offered at St. Luke’s.
Dr. Gupta described the procedure: “This catheter sends out high-frequency electrical pulses that target only the diseased heart tissue without harming surrounding areas like the esophagus or lungs.”
Chambers experienced remarkable results after her treatment. “I came home feeling great that day,” she said. “I didn’t feel any physical changes at all.”
Since her successful procedure, Chambers has become an advocate for the treatment, encouraging others to ask questions and consider this option for their Afib. “I wanted to share my experience because I was searching for answers before I went through with it,” she stated.
St. Luke’s commitment to advancing Afib treatment through innovative clinical trials highlights its role in improving patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular health.
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