She presented to the hospital’s emergency department just prior to Thanksgiving in heart failure, with rapid atrial fibrillation. She underwent emergency ECHO and cardiac catheterization, and was found to have critical aortic stenosis (aortic valve area 0.4 cm squared) and a 90% blockage of the left anterior descending coronary artery, the so-called “widow-maker” lesion.

 

On the day before Thanksgiving, she underwent urgent aortic valve replacement, combined with coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and correction of her atrial fibrillation. She received an Atricure left atrial clip to minimize her risk of a stroke in the future. She is being discharged on the 5th postoperative day in normal sinus rhythm and no pain or discomfort! She describes her surgical experience and recovery as “easy!”

 

The message is simple. If you’re not feeling well, seek medical attention. Don’t delay care!