Heart rhythm and AFib care in Panama City
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Getting the right care can help prevent heart failure
Because AFib affects how your heart pumps blood through your body, it increases your risk for stroke and congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that gets worse over time. Getting treatment sooner may help slow the progression and relieve symptoms. Cardiologists at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay are part of a national team of doctors who share best practices and collaborate on advanced treatment options.
These may include:
- Cardiac resynchronization technology (CRT)
- Cardioversion
- Heart ablation to treat AFib, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, premature ventricular contraction (PVC), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)
- Implantable cardiac monitor (loop recorder)
- Implantable cardiac defibrillator, including single chamber, dual chamber and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- Lead extraction (removal of damaged or infected heart device leads)
- Pacemaker, including single chamber, dual chamber and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD) closure
Sometimes, structural or heart valve damage can cause AFib. If surgery is recommended as part of your care plan, your doctor will use minimally invasive options whenever possible. Our heart surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques to help repair your heart valve, including ablation and the WATCHMAN™ device. During a minimally invasive procedure, tiny incisions are made. Minimally invasive surgery may shorten your recovery time and lower your risk of infection.
If you have AFib, you may be at risk for developing blood clots. These clots can travel through your arteries to your brain and cause a stroke. If AFib is not caused by valve damage or disease, your cardiologist and electrophysiologist may recommend the WATCHMAN device to help close off your left atrial appendage (LAA). When implanted, the quarter-sized device acts as a barrier to prevent blood clots from leaving your LAA and entering the bloodstream.
Get peace of mind with a second opinion about your AFib diagnosis or care plan
When you are facing a new diagnosis or deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. At Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, we make it easy for you to get a second opinion. Our specialists and care team can:
- Review your medical records and healthcare history
- Answer questions
- Discuss options for restoring or correcting your heart’s rhythm
- Connect you to heart and vascular specialists for minimally invasive surgery, including WATCHMAN and ablation
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
AFib care team at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
Nghia Hoang, DO
Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiology
Saeed Khaja, DO
Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiology
Heart care that focuses on the whole you
At Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, your care team supports you before, during and after an AFib procedure. Every appointment with your doctor starts with a conversation about new symptoms, concerns or questions. We’ll connect you with cardiac rehab, help you manage your medications and monitor your heart health over time. If your condition is complex, your doctor will collaborate with a multispecialty team so you receive the comprehensive heart care you need.
Frequently asked questions about AFib
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Is atrial fibrillation (AFib) a serious heart condition?
AFib is the most commonly treated heart arrhythmia and can increase risk of stroke and heart failure. A heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is when your heart rhythm is either too fast or too slow. The first step in getting the care you need is to start a conversation with your doctor about new symptoms, health history and risk for heart disease. Your doctor starts with advanced diagnostics and may connect you to an electrophysiologist who delivers advanced care for heart rhythm disorders.
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Is AFib a long-term heart condition?
AFib can happen over a short period of time or be a permanent heart condition. Risk factors for AFib increase with age and high blood pressure. AFib can also be present with or without symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns. Your doctor may recommend an EKG to evaluate your heart rhythm. If you have already been diagnosed with AFib, talk to your doctor about medications to help regulate your heartbeat or prevent blood clots that may lead to stroke. Electrophysiologists may perform the latest non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, such as:
- Ablation
- Cardioversion
- Implanted pacemaker
- Ventricular assist device
- WATCHMAN™ device
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What are the four types of AFib?
AFib is a progressive heart condition that ranges from short and infrequent episodes to a permanent heart condition. The four types of AFib include:
- Paroxysmal AFib - a brief episode that lasts less than 24 hours or up to a week
- Persistent AFib - lasts more than a week and may need additional treatment to regulate heartbeat
- Long-standing persistent AFib - lasts more than a year without improving
- Permanent AFib - when AFib does not get better with treatment
Symptoms of AFib vary and can include:
- Chest pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
Don’t wait when you have concerns about your heart. Start a conversation with your doctor if you have symptoms of AFib.
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How does an EKG help diagnose AFib?
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures your heart’s electrical activity. This includes your heart rate and heart rhythm. Your doctor uses an EKG to detect a normal or irregular heartbeat. A rapid or irregular heartbeat is a symptom of AFib or another heart arrhythmia. An EKG may be part of your annual physical exam and a common test during a cardiology appointment.
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What is the most common treatment for AFib?
AFib treatment often begins with medicines to control the heart's rhythm and rate. Treatment may also begin with blood-thinning medicine that can help prevent blood clots from forming and help reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. Healthy lifestyle changes can also help manage AFib symptoms. Minimally invasive procedures may be the recommended treatment for an irregular heartbeat, including ablation, cardioversion, implanted pacemaker and other devices such as the WATCHMAN™. As your heart care needs change, get the care that’s right for you, from routine heart care to advanced heart care. You’ll find that managing long-term and chronic heart care needs is easier with a team to support you.
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What is a heart ablation?
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive option for treating AFib. During the procedure, your doctor uses a catheter to target the abnormal cells causing your arrhythmia. There are two types of catheter ablation: radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat, while cryoablation uses cold to destroy abnormal cells affecting your heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about your AFib symptoms and what is right for your care plan.
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How do I find a cardiologist near me?
Find a doctor by calling or scheduling an appointment online. Ask if a virtual visit is an option for your care. Need a second opinion appointment? Our team can help. Schedule a consultation today.