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.
“I’m full of energy, doing the garden again and have my confidence back.”
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.
More patient stories
Time is of the essence with my heart, as I have diabetes
Saleem, 57, keeps an active lifestyle to remain fit and healthy. He plays badminton once a week and goes for a walk in the morning and evening every day. Despite having type 2 diabetes, he continues to have a balanced and energetic life.
First-time visit to the UK for complex cardiac surgery
Raymond travelled all the way from his home in Houston, Texas to London Bridge Hospital for life-changing cardiac surgery in September 2020. Here he shares his story, and why he’s so grateful for the work of not only his consultant who operated on him, but the entire London Bridge Hospital team.
Mr Aziz's blocked artery
Mr Aziz, 45, was struggling with breathlessness and fatigue due to a blocked coronary artery. Leading interventional cardiologists Professor James Spratt and Dr Jonathan Hill used a non-surgical procedure called a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to solve the blockage.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.