Texas Cardiac Arrythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center To Host Free Atrial Fibrillation Seminar in Westlake

Seminar to Address Latest Options for Correcting Atrial Fibrillation, A Heart Rhythm Disorder that Affects Millions

AUSTIN, Texas — On Thursday, September 24, 2009, at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center will host a free seminar about the most effective ways to treat and correct Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib), a heart rhythm disorder.

Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) are problems that affect the electrical system, or “wiring,” of the heart muscle. Heart arrhythmias are very common, and millions of people will experience an abnormal heart rhythm during their lives.

“A Fib can usually be treated with a procedure that can prevent potentially serious conditions, such as stroke,” Dr. Joe Gallinghouse, an electrophysiologist at TCAI, said. “Correcting A Fib, rather than just managing it, allows people to quickly return to their everyday lives.”

A Fib is a type of irregular heartbeat affecting about 2.2 million people in the United States. Symptoms of A Fib include shortness of breath and lightheadedness. A Fib is not life threatening if treated properly; however, if left untreated, A Fib can lead to congestive heart failure or stroke.

TCAI is one of the world’s most comprehensive centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting A Fib. It is led by Dr. Andrea Natale, a world-renowned expert on abnormal heart rhythms such as A Fib. Natale is at the forefront of the advancement of treatment for A Fib, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures.

TCIA is a partnership between St. David’s HealthCare and the physician group, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia.

The seminar will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2009, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, located at 7127 Bee Caves Road in Austin. The seminar will feature Dr. Joseph Gallinghouse, a cardiac electrophysiologist at TCAI. It is open to the public.

To register for the free seminar, call 512.544.AFIB (2342). For more information, visit www.TCAInstitute.com.

St. David’s Medical Center
Founded in 1924, St. David’s Medical Center is the flagship hospital of St. David’s HealthCare. Located within minutes of downtown Austin at 32nd Street and IH35, St. David’s Medical Center’s comprehensive care services include specialties in neurology and neurosurgery, including the renowned NeuroTexas Institute and the TIA Center for Stroke Prevention; cardiac services, including the acclaimed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute mentioned above; a Bariatric Center of Excellence; maternity and newborn services with Level I, II and III nurseries; orthopedics; inpatient and outpatient surgery; and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. The medical center includes St. David's Hospital (acute care) and St. David’s Rehabilitation Center (physical medicine and rehabilitation). The 347-bed hospital features a 24-hour emergency department. St. David’s Medical Center is a designated Primary Stroke Center and a nationally certified Chest Pain Center. For more information, please visit www.StDavids.com/sdmc.aspx.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia/Texas Cardiovascular Consultants
Founded in 1996 by Rodney P. Horton, M.D., Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, now a division of Texas Cardiovascular Consultants, has performed thousands of electrophysiology procedures and cared for thousands of patients, providing state of the art care in Texas as well as in Central and South America. The team participates in clinical research offering patients the latest technology while ensuring that physicians remain on the cutting edge. For more information about clinics throughout Austin and surrounding countries, as well as in Waco, Bryan, College Station, San Angelo, Temple, Killeen, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Odessa—please visit www.TCAheart.com.

Founded in 1995, Texas Cardiovascular believes the successful delivery of effective cardiovascular care and health management depends on the establishment of a close working relationship with the patient, the availability of all of the latest diagnostic technologies, and physicians trained in all state-of-the-art techniques to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. With more than 35 physicians and seven full-time offices, Texas Cardiovascular cares for patients throughout Central Texas and statewide.