Every heartbeat matters, and for patients living with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, early recognition can make all the difference.
At Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Denton, patients receive comprehensive care for this common condition with access to advanced procedures and a team dedicated to improving outcomes close to home.
Understanding AFib
AFib happens when the heart’s upper chambers beat out of rhythm with the lower chambers, interfering with the heart’s ability to move blood efficiently.
“Atrial fibrillation is one of those things that can be made very difficult to explain, but at its core, it really is an electrical storm that happens on the inside of the heart,” said Dr. Matthew Evans, an electrophysiologist at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Denton.
While AFib can affect anyone, certain factors make the condition more likely. Age plays a major role, and so do genetics, with heart structure and family history influencing when the condition develops. Other common risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and sleep apnea.
Symptoms vary widely. Some people notice a racing heartbeat or shortness of breath, while others feel only fatigue. In many cases, the condition goes undiagnosed until complications arise.
“AFib often shows up as fatigue or a loss of stamina with exertion,” Dr. Evans said. “The problem is, most people don’t realize these could be warning signs from the heart.”
That lack of awareness makes AFib particularly dangerous.
“AFib is the most common cause of stroke in the United States,” Dr. Evans said. “Addressing it and reducing that risk is one of the most meaningful steps we can take for public health.”
Treatment options
Denton patients benefit from a full spectrum of care, ranging from lifestyle counseling to advanced procedures.
“I'm thrilled to say that we are leaders in the comprehensive care of atrial fibrillation from start to finish,” Dr. Evans said. “We offer all services from counseling on diet, nutrition and exercise up to and including things like medical therapy or ablation therapy.”
Among the treatments available are:
- Medications to manage rhythm or lower stroke risk
- Pulse field ablation, a minimally invasive option that Dr. Evans said is improving safety and efficacy
- Left atrial appendage occlusion for patients who cannot take long-term blood thinners
- Same-day discharge procedures, designed to reduce recovery time and complications
“We have a strong focus on same-day discharge, which we're able to accomplish in the vast majority of cases,” Dr. Evans said. “We use vascular closure devices to allow people to get out of bed sooner and go home more safely.”
Bringing expert care closer to home
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Denton continues to expand its capabilities. The hospital launched its left atrial appendage occlusion program in November 2021, leading the county in both device implants and pulse field ablations.
The Denton hospital is part of a larger effort to make specialized cardiac care more accessible for patients across North Texas.
“We offer comprehensive care for atrial fibrillation,” Dr. Evans said. “We have an outstanding team, and we're continuing to grow as we expand services to reach patients in Argyle and Highland Village.”
Awareness saves lives
For Dr. Evans, AFib Awareness Month is an opportunity to remind the community that early detection matters.
“The earlier we detect atrial fibrillation, the more strokes we can prevent,” Dr. Evans said. “And if patients take action early in the disease, we have a much better chance of treating it effectively for the long term.”
His advice is simple: don’t ignore concerning symptoms.
“Be your own strongest advocate—your health is worth speaking up for,” Dr. Evans said.
Take the next step
With advanced technology, specialized programs and a team focused on individualized care, Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Denton is committed to helping patients manage AFib and protect their long-term health.
Click here to connect with Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Denton and learn more about treatment options today.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of Baylor Scott & White Health or those medical centers.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
