San Rafael Resident Joins in Citywide Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Campaign

Atrial fibrillation (often referred to as AFib) is the most prevalent type of irregular heartbeat, impacting approximately 2.5 million people in the United States. AFib occurs when the electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) become erratic, replacing the normal regular rhythm. This causes the atria to quiver instead of beating, leading to poor blood flow in these chambers and loss of synchrony between them. As a result, the pulse rate becomes fast and irregular. While AFib is not in and of itself dangerous, if left untreated, those suffering from irregular heartbeats are five times more likely to suffer a stroke. In addition, the condition can severely depreciate an individual's quality of life, causing heart palpitations, chronic fatigue and debilitating pain.

Many people don’t know that they have AFib, emphasizing the need for more public education about the condition. William Gossy, 56, a business development professional for the United States Postal Service and San Rafael resident, started experiencing some of the tell-tale signs of AFib (what he calls a “deflating balloon” sensation in his chest and a sudden lack of energy) in 2007, but he didn’t know what was wrong. The chest sensation lasted a short period of time at first, but became increasingly drawn out and intense. After his diagnosis, William tried several different prescriptions to help manage the symptoms, but nothing helped.

In January 2013, William’s physicians, Dr. Jeffrey Olgin, co-director/chief of cardiology, and Dr. Edward Gerstenfeld, chief of cardiac electrophysiology (both at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center) felt William would be a suitable candidate for an ablation procedure, which is recommended when AFib isn’t remedied by medication. During an ablation, the surgeon destroys the tiny areas in the heart that are firing off abnormal electrical impulses and causing atrial fibrillation. Thin, flexible wires called catheters are inserted into the patient’s vein, typically in the groin or neck, and threaded up into the heart. Catheter ablation in a pulmonary vein can block these impulses and keep atrial fibrillation from happening.

For William, the ablation required only a one-night stay at the hospital and he recovered quickly – back to his routine after only a week. William and his doctors monitored his progress post-ablation through daily heart rate readings. Over a year since his procedure, William no longer experiences AFib symptoms and his energy levels are back to normal.

If you are interested in meeting patients like William and learning more about AFib, come to HRS’ “What AFib Feels Like” event on Wednesday, May 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Crocker Galleria (50 Post Street) in San Francisco’s Financial District. The event is free, and attendees will have the opportunity to take a free cardiovascular risk assessment, have heart rhythms measured, meet one-on-one with health professionals and experts to discuss risk, participate in a free 30-minute yoga class (sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.), and learn how to monitor your heart rhythm at home. At 1 p.m., attendees will hear from StopAFib.org about tips for coping and advocating for yourself.

Attendees can also enter a free raffle for a chance to win a heart healthy cookbook, prizes and gift certificates from Break Heart Massage, Project Juice, EOS Sleep and much more.