Heart rhythm and AFib care in Middle Tennessee
Heart care can’t wait. When you notice a change in your heartbeat, such as a flutter or quiver in your chest, start a conversation about your new symptoms with a cardiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart. Cardiologists specialize in atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of arrhythmia, where your heartbeat is irregular, either too fast or too slow. Other symptoms may include chest pain, sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. We start by listening to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a personalized care plan that's right for you.
Your doctor may recommend a series of tests as part of your care plan. EKGs, stress tests and blood tests are used to help detect an irregular heartbeat. These tests help your doctor understand the cause of your irregular heartbeat. You and your doctor will work together to choose a treatment option that is right for you. Treatment may include medication, therapy or surgery.
Getting the right care can help prevent heart failure
AFib may come and go and affect how your heart pumps blood through your body, increasing your risk for stroke and congestive heart failure. When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas Heart for your heart care, you have an entire team dedicated to your care. Electrophysiologists, or doctors who specialize in heart rhythm disorders, are part of our care team. Together, your heart care team diagnoses and treats heart rhythm disorders, including:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Bradycardia
- Heart block
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Supraventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
By receiving the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - AFIB Gold quality achievement award, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high quality AFib care, ultimately helping to reduce patients’ stroke risk.
Advanced care for your irregular heartbeat
A heart rhythm disorder can be a sign of a more serious condition. We take the time to understand you and your health to provide personalized heart care. If your condition is related to another health concern, we connect you with the right specialists. Our doctors provide advanced treatment options for heart rhythm disorders, including:
- Antiarrhythmic medications
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- Catheter ablation
- Electrical cardioversion
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
- Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) /WATCHMAN™
- Pacemaker ICD lead extraction using a laser system
- Pacemaker insertion
Sometimes, structural or heart valve damage can cause AFib. Heart surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques to repair a heart valve and help prevent blood clots, using the WATCHMAN device. During a minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes tiny incisions. This surgical approach helps shorten your recovery time and helps lower your risk of infection. We deliver advanced care to help improve how your heart works.
Get a second opinion from a heart specialist
Decisions about your heart care are important. Getting a second opinion not only provides more information about your condition, but it can help you feel more confident in the doctor and the care plan you choose. If you’re looking for a second opinion, specialists at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart are here to listen and recommend options that are right for you. Consider getting a second opinion if:
- Your diagnosis or prognosis is unclear
- You’ve been told you have a rare or life-threatening condition
- You would like to explore other treatment options
- Your treatment options are costly or risky
- You want to hear an opinion from another specialist
- Your insurance requires a second opinion
Heart care that focuses on the whole you
Your doctors, specialists and care teams at Ascension Saint Thomas collaborate, working together with you and for you. Your doctor understands your healthcare needs and goals. And all your caregivers are communicating and collaborating as a team. At Ascension Saint Thomas, our care team supports you before, during and after your surgery, to help you return to the regular daily activities and those you love. We monitor your health and provide cardiac rehab and medication management.