When I was 35, I was diagnosed with a hole in the heart. I underwent surgery to close it, but a year later, doctors noticed an atrial flutter – an abnormal heart rhythm – which they treated with a procedure that restored a normal pattern.
Decades passed without issue and my yearly check-ups continued to come back clear. My confidence in my heart health grew. I live in the countryside, so spend plenty of time outside, walking, gardening and playing tennis.
I also started wearing an Oura ring, which gave me the peace of mind of observing my health data in an app. When familiar symptoms arose, the insights my app provided validated what I was feeling.
I’d walk up the road but my stats would look as if I’d been climbing a mountain – concerning, given my heart rate had previously always been steady. But the sensation was difficult to describe. On a day trip to London, I visited The Princess Grace Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre for a walk-in assessment. An ECG showed that the atrial flutter had returned.
There was a long wait for NHS treatment, so I sought advice from a doctor who recommended HCA Healthcare UK – and, in particular, Dr Oliver Segal, cardiologist at The Harley Street Clinic. I’ll forever be grateful for the advice.
During the initial consultation, Dr Segal recommended a new, gold-standard procedure for my atrial flutter called pulsed field ablation, which involves a catheter being guided to the heart to deliver electrical pulses to target and destroy the cells causing the abnormal rhythm.
It was a phenomenal leap forward from my previous treatment. Dr Segal was so clear and made me feel so comfortable – he even drew diagrams to help me understand everything. He suggested I go home and consider my options, but my mind was already made up.
When the day of my procedure arrived, I was taken into the hospital room. As I was prepared for the anaesthetic, I was struck by the expertise of my team, the technology around me, and the overwhelming sense of competence and calm.
Recovery, too, was as quick and comfortable as could be expected. After just a week’s rest, I went on a countryside walk – it was heaven. The whole experience has reinforced the importance of paying attention to your body, but also seeking support from doctors who really listen to and care for you.
I feel as if I’ve been switched off and on again – it’s been a total health reset.
The Princess Grace Hospital and The Harley Street Clinic are part of HCA Healthcare UK’s network of leading hospitals and clinics. HCA Healthcare UK is dedicated to delivering expert treatment and truly personalised care for every patient.
Find out more at hcahealthcare.co.uk
