Atrial fibrillation is a fairly common problem affecting the heart's rhythm. An estimated 6 million Americans have it. It's also a major risk factor for stroke.
Medication can help many with atrial fibrillation. But for others, a new procedure called Watchman offers an alternative. It creates a physical barrier that catches clots and prevents them from traveling to the brain.
Dr. Manoj Panday, a cardiologist and head of cardiac electrophysiology at UT Health San Antonio, performs the procedure at University Hospital. He told KENS TV that most patients who undergo the procedure are able to stop taking blood-thinning drugs, which they otherwise probably would have remained on for the rest of their lives.
You can see the entire story on KENS TV here.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
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