CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Judith's cardiac treatment
For years, Judith knew there was something wrong with her heart. At London Bridge Hospital, she finally had the life-changing treatment she needed.
Sometimes Judith would feel her heart race for hours at a time. Or she would notice it stop beating for a few seconds. Tests always came back normal, but that didn’t stop her worrying. She even gave up driving, in case her blood pressure dropped and she passed out.
At the age of 72, she was finally diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a common heart rhythm disorder, which is caused by abnormal electrical signals from the pulmonary veins. Judith was put on heart medication, but it lowered her blood pressure so much that she felt faint. After she collapsed one day while out shopping, Judith began researching other treatment options.
Her search led her to the Atrial Fibrillation Centre at London Bridge Hospital. After a consultation, she decided to have cryoablation, one of the most cutting-edge procedures used to treat her condition. This technique involves inflating a balloon containing super-cooled gas inside the pulmonary vein to destroy the cells that are causing the abnormal heartbeat. The one-hour procedure was a success. Now Judith can get on with enjoying her retirement.
“I’m full of energy, doing the garden again and have my confidence back.”
More patient stories
A life-saving 14-hour heart surgery – Hans’s story
After years of cardiac troubles, a scan picked up that Hans’s aorta, the body’s largest artery, had swollen to six centimetres.
Andrea's story
After a long and successful career in retail, Andrea, 65, was looking forward to a slower pace of life when she took early retirement. But when she began experiencing sudden and unexplained blackouts, life quickly became uncertain.
From healthy living to a heart bypass – Steven’s story
Steven, 58, has practiced as a property barrister for 30 years and always been as active as possible through regular exercise and healthy eating. He was incredibly aware of the need to have good heart health as a result of cardiac problems in his family history, and consequently was incredibly focused on keeping himself on top form. But just one health screen changed that.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.