Midlands Cares: Having someone “watch” over your heart
Strokes are very often caused by atrial fibrillation, or abnormal heart rhythm. This can lead to blood clots, and eventually a stroke, starting on the left side -or discharge side of our hearts – while many afflictions are present a birth, according to MUSC Structural Cardiologist George Yankey, afib can be caused by lifestyle.
“It can occur in folks as they age,” the Doctor says, “but certainly there are some risk factors. we know things like obstructive sleep apnea, actually, is one predisposing factor of atrial fibrillation. Cigarette use can be a predisposing factor, obesity, among other things, high blood pressure.”
He says that there are medications, and various procedures that can help with he issue, but a tried and trued method is a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device. Doctor Yankey says there are couple options when it comes to the device, but the industry standard is the “Watchman.”
“The device has a metal frame with a biocompatible fabric on top. And it can be implanted to close off the left atrial appendage, the body then heals around the device and seals that area off, therefore kind of limiting this area that is a predisposing factor to clot formation and folks with atrial fibrillation.”
He does say that the Watchman has proven to be a safe and effective device, with over 300,000 successful procedures, and a risk factor of under 1%.
Doctor Yankey says that anyone who is looking for an alternative to blood thinners would be a good candidate.
You can connect with Doctor Yankee HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tyler Ryan is an award winning television and radio personality, weather forecaster, writer, investigative journalist, and professional emcee. He appears daily on ABC Columbia’s Good Morning Columbia, as well as hosting the syndicated radio program Carolina Cares on the South Carolina Radio Network, and the iHeart Radio Network. Tyler also regularly appears as a criminal expert and journalist on regional and national crime based programs like Snapped and Killer Couples. You can contact him directly via EMAIL Or on the socials: Tyler’s Instagram // Tyler’s Facebook
