Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, the most common heart rhythm disorder, affects millions of Americans and significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications if left untreated.
At Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – McKinney, patients have access to expert diagnosis and treatment for AFib close to home. As an extension of the nationally recognized Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano, the McKinney facility delivers advanced cardiac care in a personalized, patient-focused environment.
“AFib can be silent, or it can show up with symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath or fatigue,” said Dr. Mustafa Dohadwala, medical director of electrophysiology at the McKinney hospital. “Even when it doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, it can still carry important health risks. That’s why early detection and appropriate management are so important.”
What is AFib?
AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This happens when the heart’s electrical signals misfire, creating a rapid or chaotic rhythm. The result can be anything from occasional fluttering to a persistent, fast heartbeat that disrupts the heart’s ability to move blood efficiently.
AFib becomes more common with age and is often associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and sleep apnea. Some people notice symptoms immediately, while others only discover they have AFib during a routine check-up.
“AFib increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart,” Dr. Dohadwala said. “If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. That’s our biggest concern, and it’s why treatment can often include a blood thinner or left atrial appendage occlusion device.”
Empowering the community through AFib awareness
September is National AFib Awareness Month, a time to educate and empower people to pay attention to their heart health.
“We want our community to know that AFib is treatable and that expert care is available right here in McKinney,” Dr. Dohadwala said. “Our goal is not just to treat the condition, but to help people live with confidence and peace of mind.”
Dr. Dohadwala encourages individuals to talk to their healthcare provider if they experience:
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Fluttering or pounding in the chest
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue
Care that’s tailored to you
At Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – McKinney, a team of experienced electrophysiologists and cardiologists works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s managing symptoms with medication, restoring rhythm through ablation or reducing stroke risk with innovative procedures, patients receive expert care every step of the way.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” Dr. Dohadwala said. “We work together to figure out the best plan, whether that’s medication, a procedure or a combination of both. It’s always a shared decision.”
Depending on a patient’s needs, treatment options may include:
- Medications to control the heart rate or rhythm and reduce stroke risk
- Cardioversion, a brief electrical procedure that restores a normal heartbeat
- Catheter ablation, a minimally invasive option to correct the source of the irregular rhythm
- Pacemaker implantation, to regulate the heart rate in AFib
- Left atrial appendage closure, for patients who need an alternative to long-term blood thinners
Click here to learn more about Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – McKinney.
The above story was produced by the Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – McKinney team with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
