MercyOne experts and WATCHMAN™ Device help heart rhythm disorder patients live their best life
February 19, 2023Des Moines, Iowa; Feb. 20, 2023 – Joyce Hutchins had experienced persistent atrial fibrillation (AFIB) for more than 20 years and had been on blood thinners for many years to reduce her stroke risk, but doing so resulted in a gastric bleed, transient ischemic attack and other side effects.
An incident with her AFIB prompted her cardiologist at MercyOne Iowa Heart Center to recommend the WATCHMAN™ Device implant, and she jumped at the chance and has never felt better.
Atrial fibrillation is the number one cause of stroke and the most common heart rhythm disorder seen within adults.
“The main symptoms we look out for with atrial fibrillation are palpitations,” says Troy Hounshell, DO, electrophysiologist, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center. “A patient may experience rapid fluttering in their chest, also described as a thundering feeling in their chest.”
Other atrial fibrillation symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pains
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
AFIB symptoms resolve once a patient is brought back into normal heart rhythm (NSR). Once a normal heart rhythm resumes, it can be determined that symptoms were due to atrial fibrillation and heart specialists can proceed with tailored treatment options.
A growing number of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation are not ideal candidates to be on blood thinners long term. The WATCHMAN Device, a surgical implant placed in the left atrial appendage to help prevent blood clots, is helping AFIB patients live their best life.
“The WATCHMAN Device goes into the pouch of the left appendage, covering the hole allowing the blood flow to continue past,” says Dr. Hounshell, who along with other MercyOne Iowa Heart cardiologists, has helped treat more than 600 patients with the devices. “Blood clots are reduced by this procedure and patients don’t have a stroke from the left appendage.”
“I don’t have the threat of bleeding,” says Hutchins. I don’t have the anxiety of a possible stroke from my condition. I am feeling good, and, you know, what more can we ask for? You’re never too old to improve your life.”
Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, including living a more active lifestyle, eating smart and managing blood pressure. Find out how healthy your heart is by taking our heart health assessment quiz.
