We’ve all met someone who we’d never categorize as having a life-threatening medical condition just by looking at them, or even by knowing them for several years. These individuals are often upbeat and look at the glass half-full, taking on life with energy and gusto despite the struggles they may go through every day.
Until recently, Gayle Hooper was one of these individuals. She suffers from atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, as well as several other complications. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability, according to the National Stroke Association.
“For more than 10 years, nearly every aspect of my life was impacted or even dictated by AFib, especially due to my increased risk of bruising and bleeding from the blood thinners I had to take,” Gayle said. “Even when I’d go for just a short trip in the car, I would make plans for if I should unexpectedly get in a wreck, because of my predisposition for severe bleeding. Even routine tasks like flossing my teeth were stressful.”
At least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib, according to the National Heart Association. Older individuals, those with hypertension or underlying heart disease, heavy consumers of alcohol, sleep apnea sufferers and others may be at heightened risk for the condition, as well as patients like Gayle with a family history of heart problems. Many of her family members, including a nephew, have passed away due to complications from AFib or other heart conditions.
Last year, Gayle’s life changed when she became the first patient at SSM Health St. Anthony to undergo the innovative Watchman procedure, where a small device is implanted in the heart to reduce the risk of stroke and eliminate the need for blood thinners in patients with Afib. She said her recovery was quick, her symptoms have greatly decreased, and she no longer has to plan her life around them as she once did.
“It has been so wonderful to see Gayle and other AFib patients reclaim parts of their lives with the Watchman procedure,” said Dr. John Summers, cardiologist and electrophysiologist with SSM Health Medical Group. “Ninety-nine percent of patients undergoing the Watchman procedure are able to come off of blood thinners approximately 45 days after the procedure. This translates to dramatically less risk of bleeding, less lab work, fewer medical costs and more carefree daily life for these patients while still protecting from atrial fibrillation-related stroke.”
At SSM Health, we believe that progressive, experienced heart care is a must and not just a nice-to-have. We have more trusted heart and vascular specialists in more locations close to home, so you - and your heart - get the care you deserve. Our teams include leading cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons - all providing the most innovative inpatient heart care throughout Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. New and existing patients are also invited to request an appointment online.
Until recently, Gayle Hooper was one of these individuals. She suffers from atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, as well as several other complications. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability, according to the National Stroke Association.
“For more than 10 years, nearly every aspect of my life was impacted or even dictated by AFib, especially due to my increased risk of bruising and bleeding from the blood thinners I had to take,” Gayle said. “Even when I’d go for just a short trip in the car, I would make plans for if I should unexpectedly get in a wreck, because of my predisposition for severe bleeding. Even routine tasks like flossing my teeth were stressful.”
At least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib, according to the National Heart Association. Older individuals, those with hypertension or underlying heart disease, heavy consumers of alcohol, sleep apnea sufferers and others may be at heightened risk for the condition, as well as patients like Gayle with a family history of heart problems. Many of her family members, including a nephew, have passed away due to complications from AFib or other heart conditions.
Last year, Gayle’s life changed when she became the first patient at SSM Health St. Anthony to undergo the innovative Watchman procedure, where a small device is implanted in the heart to reduce the risk of stroke and eliminate the need for blood thinners in patients with Afib. She said her recovery was quick, her symptoms have greatly decreased, and she no longer has to plan her life around them as she once did.
“It has been so wonderful to see Gayle and other AFib patients reclaim parts of their lives with the Watchman procedure,” said Dr. John Summers, cardiologist and electrophysiologist with SSM Health Medical Group. “Ninety-nine percent of patients undergoing the Watchman procedure are able to come off of blood thinners approximately 45 days after the procedure. This translates to dramatically less risk of bleeding, less lab work, fewer medical costs and more carefree daily life for these patients while still protecting from atrial fibrillation-related stroke.”
At SSM Health, we believe that progressive, experienced heart care is a must and not just a nice-to-have. We have more trusted heart and vascular specialists in more locations close to home, so you - and your heart - get the care you deserve. Our teams include leading cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons - all providing the most innovative inpatient heart care throughout Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. New and existing patients are also invited to request an appointment online.
