When Paul S. went in for his annual physical with his primary care provider, he expected another routine checkup. But during his electrocardiogram (EKG) his primary care provider noticed atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is a common type of heart rhythm disorder that causes a fast, irregular beat due to abnormal electrical patterns in the heart.
Not all patients, including Paul, experience symptoms, so he was shocked by the diagnosis. However, knowing he had a family history of heart disease, he took this seriously and scheduled an appointment at Adventist HealthCare Cardiac Associates.
“Choosing Adventist HealthCare was an easy decision,” Paul shared. Paul works in the finance department at Adventist HealthCare Imaging and is an integral part of the team. His work allows our caregivers to provide the community with high-quality, innovative imaging care every day.
He explains, “It’s right here in my own community and I’ve worked at Adventist HealthCare for 45 years, so I have seen firsthand the excellent care we provide.”
A Non-Invasive Approach to Care
Paul met with Omar Shams, MD, a cardiologist with Adventist HealthCare Cardiac Associates. Together, with Dr. Shams and his care team, they decided on an electrical cardioversion, which is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in which an electrophysiologist delivers a brief, controlled electrical shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
“It’s a safe and effective way to reset the heart’s rhythm and help patients feel better quickly,” explained Dr. Shams.
While treating his AFib, his care team discovered he also had aortic insufficiency, which happens when the aortic valve doesn't close properly, and referred Paul to the Structural Heart Program at Adventist HealthCare.
Homam Ibrahim, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program, explained to Paul that he was a good candidate for a minimally invasive heart procedure called a transcatheter valve replacement, or TAVR.
A unique feature of the Structural Heart Program at Adventist HealthCare is its multidisciplinary team, which also includes cardiovascular surgeons, working together to achieve the best outcomes while offering a:
- Personalized approach that cares for the patient as a whole and not just the disease
- Easy evaluation with care in one place to streamline time to treatment
- Team of skilled surgeons with experience in multiple procedure and device types to customize care to your unique needs
“During a TAVR procedure, we insert a new heart valve through a small incision in the groin, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery,” Dr. Ibrahim added. “Our goal, when possible, is to use a less invasive treatment to help patients have a faster, easier recovery and a lower risk of complications.”
After his TAVR procedure he spent one night at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center before beginning his recovery at home and was back to his normal activities within three days.
Regaining Heart Health
Recovering from a heart procedure or event can feel overwhelming, but cardiac rehabilitation is one of the most effective ways to regain strength and improve heart health function. Adventist HealthCare’s cardiac rehabilitation programs are certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and combine monitored exercise, education and emotional support to help you safely return to daily activities while reducing the risk of future heart conditions.
Most programs include group exercise sessions three times a week, up to 12 weeks, which are guided by registered nurses and exercise physiologists who track your progress and share updates with your doctor. Every patient also receives a personalized plan that may include diet, specialist care and mental health support.
Paul attended a twelve-week program with the Center for Fitness & Health at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. “I could truly see a difference from when I started,” Paul explained. “Not only did my stamina improve, but I was able to meet every goal they set for me.”
Living Life to the Fullest
Today, Paul is back to his normal routine, working at Adventist HealthCare and continues to do what he loves most, spending time with family and vacationing at his beach home in Florida as often as he can.
He’s grateful for his experience with our heart care team and is passionate about encouraging others to stay on top of their heart health. “If your heart issues are caught early enough, don’t wait to treat it,” Paul shared. “You only have one heart and it’s important you take care of it.”
