Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects more than 59 million people worldwide — and that number is rising. It’s the most common heart rhythm disorder, yet many people don’t know they have it until they experience a life-altering event like a stroke or heart failure.
“AF is a silent epidemic,” said Dr. Sherry Saxonhouse, director of the Atrial Fibrillation Center of Excellence at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. “It causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat irregularly and inefficiently, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and — most dangerously — the formation of blood clots that can travel to the brain.”
In fact, AF increases a person’s risk of stroke fivefold and significantly raises the risk of developing congestive heart failure. It also impairs quality of life, especially when symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue interfere with daily activity.
But there’s good news. With early diagnosis and the right care, AF can be managed — and even eliminated — using advanced treatment options.
A new era of treatment: pulsed field ablation
One of the most significant advances in AF treatment in years is pulsed field ablation (PFA), a new, non-thermal technique that uses electrical fields — not heat or cold — to safely and precisely eliminate the heart tissue causing abnormal rhythms.
“PFA is a game-changer,” said Dr. Satish Misra, cardiac electrophysiologist at Atrium Health. “It allows us to treat AF with greater precision, targeting only the heart tissue responsible for the arrhythmia while sparing nearby critical structures like the esophagus or nerves.”
Unlike traditional ablation, PFA significantly reduces the risk of serious complications such as esophageal injury or phrenic nerve damage. The procedure is also faster and less invasive, which means patients recover more quickly — with up to 90% of our patients discharged within a few hours following the procedure. But the benefits go well beyond recovery. By using safer, more targeted energy, PFA enables earlier treatment for more patients, which may help prevent AF from progressing to a more permanent form.
"Patients treated with PFA are more likely to get better results, with better control of their Afib and fewer medications, said Misra. “For many, this approach doesn't just treat the rhythm problem - it offers a chance at better long-term heart health and quality of life."
For many, it’s not just a better experience in the hospital — it’s a faster return to work, family, and life without the daily impact of AFib symptoms.
“Patients are going home the same day, reporting less discomfort, and getting back to their lives faster,” said Dr. Rohit Mehta, an electrophysiologist at Atrium Health. “It’s truly the future of rhythm care.”
A total-heart approach to AFib
AF isn’t an isolated condition — it often occurs alongside sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and other heart problems. That’s why Advocate Health created dedicated AF Center of Excellence, where electrophysiologists, advanced practice providers, cardiac arrhythmia surgeons, nurses and nurse navigators work together to provide comprehensive guideline directed care to patients with atrial fibrillation.
“It's not just about having patients go through an ablation procedure,” said Dr. Saxonhouse. “We start by identifying and addressing every risk factor that might be contributing to AF. This includes sleep studies, blood pressure management, weight loss programs, or even referring to heart failure or structural heart teams if needed. It’s a truly an integrated model.”
Back in rhythm: an outdoor enthusiast’s return to the active life he loves
Jerry Geiger, a non-profit leader and lifelong athlete, thought he had put his heart issues behind him after undergoing mitral valve repair in 2019. But a year ago, he was diagnosed with AF, likely the result of long-term valve damage that caused his left atrium to enlarge. At first, he felt fine. But over time, the medications used to manage his AF began to take a toll.
“I was taking five or six pills a day — beta blockers, rhythm control drugs, blood thinners — and they were just wiping me out,” Jerry said. “I was dizzy, constantly tired, and not sleeping well. I’m used to being very active, and I felt like I was just dragging through the day.”
After several months of feeling like a shadow of his old self, Jerry was referred to Dr. Satish Misra at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. During his consultation, Jerry learned about pulsed field ablation (PFA), a safer, more targeted treatment option for AF that had recently become available.
“What I appreciated most was how Dr. Misra walked me through every option, stay on medication, wait and see, or consider ablation,” Jerry said. “He explained how PFA was different and why it could be the right choice for me.”
Jerry decided to move forward with the ablation in late June 2025. The procedure itself took just over an hour — and the difference was almost immediate.
“I had no pain afterward, no discomfort at all,” he recalled. “Within a day or two, I was already feeling like myself again.”
Just two weeks later, Jerry was back on the bike, paddleboard, and even out playing sand volleyball in the Carolina summer heat.
“I didn’t just get a procedure,” he said. “I got my life back and I have Dr. Misra and the team at Sanger to thank for that.”
This team-based approach ensures that patients receive personalized care plans, coordinated follow-up, and continuous monitoring all aimed at improving long-term outcomes and reducing hospitalizations.
Empowering patients through education and ongoing support
Managing AFib requires more than a procedure — it requires a patient who is engaged and informed. Advocate Health emphasizes education from the first visit, with resources tailored to how each patient learns best:
- One-on-one education sessions with nurse navigators
- On-demand videos covering medications, procedures and lifestyle changes
- Monthly virtual AFib education classes, with interactive Q&A sessions
- Custom printed materials that explain diagnosis, triggers, and treatment plans
“Education isn’t a one-time handout — it’s a continuous process,” said Dr. Misra. “We know patients who understand their condition and treatment plan are more likely to stay on track and get better outcomes.”
Patients are also encouraged to track symptoms, hydration, and physical activity, and work toward lifestyle goals like limiting alcohol, treating sleep apnea, and exercising consistently — all key strategies for keeping AFib under control.
AF is a very common arrhythmia, however has serious adverse effects but it is treatable. Atrium Health is leading the charge through early diagnosis, comprehensive care with risk factor modifications, and cutting-edge treatment with pulsed field ablation. If you or a loved one has symptoms like fatigue, palpitations or shortness of breath, don’t wait. AF can be managed — and in many cases, long-term treatment is possible — with the right team and technology.
