Shocking

As promised here is an update on Kristine, the second this week.

We were able to get into see the cardiologist on Monday to discuss Kristine's irregular heart rate. Our regular doctor is away on vacation this week, so we saw another cardiologist, Dr. Wong. After reading Kristine's history and the print out of the ECG, she jumped right into describing the problem and the game plan to correct it.

Kristine has a cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) called atrial fibrillation. As an effect of the extensive scar tissue left from her earlier heart surgery, the electrical paths that travel around the heart and make it beat in a proper rhythm have been interrupted. This results in the top chambers of the heart (atria) beating too fast and quivering, leaving them out of sync with the bottom chambers (ventricles). This is cause for concern because blood can pool in the heart increasing the potential for blood clots to form. Atrial fibrillation presents several risks. The pooled blood in the heart can form clots that can travel to the brain and clog arteries, which in turn can cause a stroke. Additionally, the increased heart rate can weaken the heart's muscle and cause heart failure.

There are a few options to correct the condition. For otherwise healthy individuals, surgical or catheter-based options are often used. For Kristine, a less invasive method will be explored. Her condition will be treated with synchronized electrical cardioversion. This is basically a shock to the heart to reset the electrically impulses to a normal rhythm. Additionally, Kristine will be treated with medication to help regulate the heart rate.

Kristine was admitted to the hospital today (Tuesday). The procedure is fairly routine lasting only about an hour. Kristine will be under anesthesia for just a short time while they apply the treatment. Typically this would be handled as a day patient procedure, however, our doctors want Kristine to stay overnight for monitoring to ensure that she tolerates the medication and that her heart rate is functioning normally.

I am in the waiting room as I type. Kristine's name is still not on the status board, so it may be some time before she is done. I will post another update this afternoon to let you all know how she fared.