Relief from an irregular heartbeat

For years, Carolyn brushed off the symptoms. Her heart would race. She felt dizzy and uneasy. The episodes came and went, sometimes disappearing for months, sometimes lingering longer than before. For more than a decade, the symptoms slowly worsened, until she could no longer ignore them.

At 69, Carolyn finally sought care when the episodes began interfering with her daily life. That is when she met Dr. Asim Ahmed at Ascension Sacred Heart.

Dr. Ahmed diagnosed Carolyn with atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to serious complications like heart failure and stroke. 

After discussing various options for treatment, he started her on medication, but when medication alone proved insufficient, he recommended a procedure called catheter ablation. Ablation targets the areas of the heart causing abnormal electrical signals, helping restore a more normal rhythm.

“I was hesitant at first,” Carolyn shared. “I wanted to try everything else before moving forward with a procedure.”

Dr. Ahmed respected her concerns and continued working with her, adjusting medications and monitoring her symptoms. When it became clear that additional medication changes would not control her AFib, Dr. Ahmed carefully walked her through the procedure, explaining the risks and benefits in detail. “He made sure I understood why this mattered,” Carolyn said. “Once I realized how serious the risk of uncontrolled AFib was, I knew I needed to move forward.”

Carolyn ultimately underwent two ablations, performed several years apart. After the second procedure and further medication adjustments, her heart rhythm stabilized. The change was life-altering.

“I felt stronger. I felt steady again,” Carolyn said. “After years of not feeling well, my body finally felt regulated.”

Today, Carolyn’s AFib is well controlled. She goes to the gym regularly, stays active, and enjoys a quality of life she once worried she might lose. She now sees Dr. Ahmed for routine annual follow-ups, a reflection of how stable her condition has become.

Carolyn’s experience in healthcare made the journey especially eye-opening. A retired nuclear medicine technologist, she spent years working alongside various medical teams, including cardiology. Still, becoming the patient herself changed her perspective.

“It’s different when it’s you,” she said. “You realize how vulnerable you are, no matter how much medical knowledge you have.”

Throughout her care, Carolyn credits not only Dr. Ahmed’s clinical expertise, but also the attentiveness of his entire team. From timely responses to clear communication, she felt supported every step of the way.

“The care I received from Dr. Ahmed, his nurse Ben, and the rest of his staff is the best I’ve ever experienced,” Carolyn said. “They always responded, always answered my questions, and never made me feel rushed.”

Now, Carolyn shares her story to encourage others not to wait.

“If something doesn’t feel right, get it addressed sooner rather than later,” she said. “Managing A-fib can help reduce your risk of stroke and allow you to get on with your life.”

For Carolyn, finding the right care made all the difference. With Dr. Ahmed’s comprehensive approach to heart rhythm disorders, she reclaimed her confidence, her strength, and her future.

Cardiologists at Ascension Sacred Heart are specially trained in the latest heart and vascular testing, treatment and procedures. Your doctor starts by listening to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a care plan that’s right for you.

Your care team coordinates your heart tests and treatments, and monitors your care. Cardiologists work with other cardiovascular specialists at Ascension Sacred Heart to deliver care that’s right for you. 

This heart month, put your heart health first. Learn more or schedule your heart rhythm care with Dr. Ahmed.