The Baptist AFib Center is now accepting new patients at the Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute’s Ft. Walton office at 2010 Lewis Turner Blvd. Drs. Thabet Alsheikh, M.D., FHRS, FACC; Marcelo C. Branco, M.D., FACC; and Sumit Verma, M.D., FACC, specialize in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm issues.
The average heart beats at regular intervals with a resting speed of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmia, or abnormal heart electricity, occurs when the heart beats faster or slower than normal.
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common type of arrhythmia. AFib occurs if rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the heart’s two upper chambers to contract quickly and irregularly. In AFib, blood pools and is not pumped completely into the heart’s two lower chambers. As a result, the heart’s upper and lower chambers do not work together properly.
Many people with AFib may feel no symptoms. However, even when an arrhythmia goes unnoticed, it can increase the risk of stroke or cardiac arrest.
Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute has the largest and most experienced team of heart specialists in Northwest Florida. Its team of electrophysiologists is committed to the field of cardiac electrophysiology and addressing arrhythmias. Due to their expertise and quality outcomes, patients throughout the region are referred to their care for a variety of complex arrhythmia needs.
To schedule an appointment, call 850.484.6500. For more information, visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/heart.
