Atrial fibrillation—a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)—is a leading contributor to stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. The stakes are significant: medical research shows that AFib carries a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke. In recognition of AFib Awareness Month this September, Dignity Health St Bernardine Medical Center wants community members to know the critical importance of early diagnosis and the comprehensive cardiovascular services available to support patient health.
"At Dignity Health, we view early and accurate detection as the cornerstone of clinical excellence," said Dr Mir Wasif Ali, Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at St Bernardine Medical Center . "Because AFib can sometimes be silent, many patients may not realize they are at risk until a serious event occurs. Our mission is to ensure our community recognizes the signs—such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue—and knows that our expert cardiac teams are here to provide world-class, personalized care."
Dignity Health’s cardiovascular programs are recognized for their clinical excellence, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based practices to diagnose and treat complex rhythm disorders. From advanced electrophysiology labs to minimally invasive procedures like catheter ablation, Dignity Health provides a comprehensive continuum of care that prioritizes patient safety and improved long-term outcomes.
"Being a leader in cardiovascular care means going beyond treatment; it means partnering with our patients on their health journey through education and proactive management," added Dr Ali. "We encourage everyone, particularly those with risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease, to talk to their physician about their heart rhythm. Early intervention can be the difference between a life-altering stroke and a healthy, active future."
Throughout September, Dignity Health St Bernardine Medical Center is providing educational resources to help the community better understand heart health and the specialized cardiovascular services available across our Southern California locations.
Visit Dignity Health’s website to learn more about AFib symptoms, risk factors, or to find a cardiologist near you.
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About Dignity Health California
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9,000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 28 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, primary care clinics, and St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center in Stockton. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California.
Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more about Dignity Health and CommonSpirit Health.