Heart health is often overlooked until warning signs appear. According to the National Institutes of Health, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting about one in 22 Americans and serving as a leading cause of stroke.
AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and often rapidly. Warning signs may include a racing heart, fatigue and chest pain.
This February, American Heart Month serves as a reminder to schedule regular cardiac screenings, such as an EKG, and to manage controllable risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.
To meet the growing needs of the community, Broward Health Coral Springs has expanded its cardiac program and now offers left-sided ablations to treat AFib. Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses energy to create small scars in the heart, helping block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm.
“This accomplishment marks the beginning of a new chapter of offering comprehensive and cutting-edge cardiac care and electrophysiology,” said Jose L. Baez-Escudero, M.D., Chief of Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Broward Health Physician Group. “We’re expanding access to advanced cardiac and electrophysiology care close to home.”
The 278- beds hospital is a designated STEMI facility with two cardiac catheterization labs and comprehensive cardiac and vascular services for residents of northwest Broward County. From diagnostic testing — such as stress tests and echocardiograms — to advanced interventional procedures and cardiac rehabilitation, patients can receive coordinated heart care in one location.
Listen to Your Body, Early Detection is Important
Last year, Coral Springs resident Owen Creighton, 38, was driving to work when he noticed his heart racing. He became dizzy and lightheaded and drove directly to the Emergency Department at Broward Health Coral Springs. Under the care of Jonathan Nieves, M.D., a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology with the Broward Health Physician Group, Creighton became the first patient to undergo a left-sided ablation at Broward Health Coral Springs.
“Following my procedure, I feel great and have not had any cardiac episodes,” Creighton said. “It’s reassuring to know I no longer have this nagging and debilitating problem.”
Diagnosed with AFib a decade ago, Creighton initially tried blood thinners and medication, but negative side effects prevented long-term use. When doctors recommended a minimally invasive procedure known as cardiac ablation, he agreed it was the best treatment option for him.
“AFib most commonly affects older adults, but it can occur in younger patients as well,” Dr. Nieves said. “That’s why early screening is so important. Detecting heart rhythm abnormalities early can save lives.”
Broward Health Coral Springs’ team of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists provides a comprehensive range of cardiac services.
For more information on Broward Health’s cardiac services, visit BrowardHealth.org/Heart.
Advancing Structural Heart Care Broward Health continues to strengthen its heart care services with the addition of board-certified interventional cardiologist Pablo Rengifo-Moreno, M.D., who leads the structural heart program.
Dr. Rengifo-Moreno brings advanced expertise in treating complex valve conditions and uses FDA-approved and investigational devices for valve repair and replacement, including the MitraClip, PASCAL and Tendyne systems, as well as transcatheter aortic valve replacement implants. He also plans to integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced imaging, to enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes.
