Experts Discuss Ways To Stabilize The Heart’s Rhythm

DANBURY — A leading cardiologist from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan and an electrophysiologist from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven joined David Copen, MD, Danbury Hospital cardiologist, at a recent Medical Town Meeting, “Cardiac Health: Stabilizing the Rhythm of Atrial Fibrillation,” sponsored by Danbury Hospital.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm, affecting more than 2.2 million people in the United States. It is so common, that more than ten percent of older people are affected, with 160,000 new cases a year. It is a leading cause of stroke.

Usually involving an electrical problem in the upper chamber of the heart, the atria, the causes of atrial fibrillation can be widespread, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, hyperactive thyroid, and aging.

Once diagnosed, it can be treated several ways, according to Dr Copen, to restore and control a normal heart rate. Treatment includes medications, such as beta-blockers, electric shock to the heart, and surgery. The most important goal is to try and avoid blood clotting and stroke, he added.

Patients are also advised to make some lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and avoiding stimulants like those found in some cough and cold medicines.

When medications do not work, doctors can insert a catheter into the heart to try and check and adjust the electrical activity. Jude Clancy, MD, an electrophysiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, explained how this procedure works.

The radio frequency catheter ablation (RFA) has had a dramatic effect on treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, he said, partly because of better technology.

“It’s a technique that is exciting, is still developing and getting better all the time,” said Dr Clancy.

Michael Argenziano, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Columbia, described the types of surgical procedures that patients can have to correct atrial fibrillation.

Unlike the older open-heart procedures, the newest procedure is minimally invasive. Robotic surgery is also helping more patients with precision technology. Robots are already in use at Columbia, he said.

“The bottom line is that success depends on teamwork of the full cardiology team,” said Dr Argenziano.

Danbury Hospital recently filed its Certificate of Need (CON) application with the State of Connecticut Office of Health Care Access to establish a primary and elective angioplasty and open heart surgery program. Accompanying the application were more than 20,000 signatures of support from business leaders, elected officials, physicians, nurses, trade unions, and the community at large.

For more information about Danbury Hospital cardiology services or health and wellness programs, visit the website at www.danburyhospital.org. For a physician referral, call the Danbury Hospital Medical Staff office at 797-7322.