Atrial Fibrillation Blog - Page 2
By Adam Pick
Surgeon Q&A: What are the Top 5 Misconceptions about Atrial Fibrillation?
By Adam Pick on September 1, 2015
If you didn’t know, September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. This is really important for our community as up to 35% of heart valve patients are more likely to have atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Atrial Fibrillation Education Center Launches Now!
By Adam Pick on March 16, 2015
Since launching this website, I’ve connected with many patients who were diagnosed with both heart valve disease and atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is an abnormal heart rhythm. According to reports, about 30% of patients with valvular disorders also have AFib. So, it’s pretty common.
Ask the Expert: What Should You Know About Atrial Fibrillation & Heart Valve Disease?
By Adam Pick on March 16, 2015
To support the launch of our new Atrial Fibrillation Education Center, I traveled to Norfolk, Virginia to meet with Dr. Jonathan Philpott, a cardiac surgeon at Sentara Heart Hospital, who specializes in concomitant heart valve and atrial fibrillation therapy.
“What About Atrial Fibrillation & Aortic Valve Disease?” asks Robert
By Adam Pick on October 21, 2014
As we learned in our recent post, Atrial Fibrillation: 5 Facts Valve Patients Should Know, it is very important for patients with valvular disorders to learn why and how atrial fibrillation (AFib) can impact the functioning of their heart and their surgical treatment. Shortly after posting, I received an excellent follow-up question from Robert about the potential connection between AFib and, specifically, the aortic valve. In Robert’s comment, he writes, “Adam, Was there any discussion of relationships between AFib and aortic valves, valve regurgitation, etc.?”
Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month: 6 Facts Heart Valve Patients Should Know
By Adam Pick on September 29, 2014
If you didn’t know, September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. As up to 35% of patients in our community have heart valve disease AND atrial fibrillation, here are 6 important facts about atrial fibrillation.
Video Update: After Complex Heart Valve & Atrial Fibrillation Surgery, Clarissa Is Doing Great!
By Adam Pick on December 4, 2013
I recently met Clarissa Alaimo, a 53-year old patient from Lake Forest, Illinois.
Surgeon Q & A: Important Facts About Atrial Fibrillation & Heart Valve Disease with Dr. Vincent Gaudiani
By Adam Pick on March 26, 2013
While heart valve disease can be an isolated diagnosis, it is often accompanied by other conditions including coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm and atrial fibrillation.
“Is It Possible To Fix Atrial Fibrillation After Open Heart Surgery?” Asks Norman
By Adam Pick on November 20, 2012
I just received an interesting question from Norman, who is preparing for his second heart surgery.
Surgeon Q & A: Treating Mitral Valve Disease and Atrial Fibrillation Simultaneously With Dr. Harold Roberts
By Adam Pick on November 1, 2012
While reading through your questions submitted for the Heart Valve Summit, I noticed several patients asking about treating mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation at the same time.
“What Causes Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Ted
By Adam Pick on May 20, 2011
Last week, at the American Association for Thoracic Surgeons meeting, Ted sent me a great question about atrial fibrillation after heart valve surgery. He writes, “Dear Adam, I had my aortic valve replaced. The new valve is a pericardial tissue heart valve. What causes A-Fib after surgery? I had one incident of A-Fib while in the hospital followed by four more incidents two weeks after surgery. Thank you! Ted”
“Pradaxa For Atrial Fibrillation? Heart Valve Disease? Mechanical Heart Valve Replacements?” Asks Gene
By Adam Pick on April 10, 2011
I’ve received several questions about the use of Pradaxa as a potential Coumadin-substitute for patients with atrial fibrillation, valve disease and/or mechanical heart valve replacements. I am a “better safe than sorry” type guy, so I wanted to make sure our patient community was on the same page specific to this new anticoagulant.
“Can Heart Valve Replacement & Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Occur During The Same Surgery?” Asks Wendy
By Adam Pick on March 11, 2011
Wendy just sent me an interesting question about heart valve replacement surgery and atrial fibrillation. She writes, “Adam – At 68, I’m confused and nervous. I’ve been dealing with atrial fibrillation for some time. But, I was just diagnosed with a severely leaking mitral valve. Can a surgeon fix both problems during one operation? Or, will I need two separate procedures? Thanks, Wendy”
Surgeon Interview: Dr. Niv Ad Discusses Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on March 10, 2010
Over the years, I have interacted with many patients that suffer from atrial fibrillation and heart valve diseases including aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. To learn more about atrial fibrillation and heart valve disease, I contacted Dr. Niv Ad, a leading cardiac surgeon at White Oak Medical Center in Takoma Park. Here are the highlights from our very interesting discussion:
“What Is The MAZE Procedure?” Asks Tammy
By Adam Pick on January 26, 2010
I just received an interesting email from Tammy that touches on heart valve surgery, atrial fibrillation and the MAZE procedure.
“Bleeding Gums, Coumadin & A-Fib After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Laura
By Adam Pick on October 22, 2009
Given the recent post about endocarditis, swine flu and heart valves, I’ve received several emails about these topics. Laura just sent me an interesting question asking for your help about dental cleanings, gum bleeding and atrial fibrilation.
Palpitations, Flutters And A-Fib After Heart Valve Surgery?
By Adam Pick on June 13, 2009
I just received a great question from Steve about heart flutters and palpitations following heart valve surgery. In fact, Steve’s question brought back a very distinct memory from my own heart surgery recovery.
After Bovine Replacement & A-Fib, Kenneth Strokes Best Golf Score Ever
By Adam Pick on October 8, 2008
This email from Kenneth conjured up an ear-to-ear smile on my face.
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