AFib and Heart Failure: One Patient's Emergency Experience

About Jennifer's Success Story

Jennifer was directed to Mount Auburn Hospital’s Emergency Department in April when her primary care doctor realized she was in atrial fibrillation, commonly called “AFib”, as well as heart failure. She was assessed and admitted to the cardiac floor, where Dr. Jacqueline Latina was assigned as her cardiologist. 

“Dr. Latina was in my room every day, updating me and answering questions,” said Jennifer. “She was easy to talk to and great at explaining things. As a health educator myself, one of my missions is to encourage doctors to explain things in a way that average people can easily understand, so I was impressed that the doctors at Mount Auburn were all very good at doing just that.”

Dr. Latina cared for Jennifer over the next several days while she received medications to reduce the fluid retention in her body that had built up due to the heart failure. Eventually, they were able to do a procedure called electric cardioversion to shock her heart, which was successful in restoring a regular rhythm.

“Dr. Latina was also good at contextualizing things, so I learned a lot about AFib and heart failure, and how different people react to various treatments, and what I might expect going forward.”

Jennifer said everyone at Mount Auburn, from the Emergency Department and the cardiologists, to the nurses and food service and cleaning staff, were all very responsive and respectful. She also remarked on how easy the patient portal is for renewing her medications and sending messages to Dr. Latina, who always responds promptly and answers questions thoroughly.

“Nobody ever wants to go to the hospital,” she said, “but I was so grateful for the level of service and quality of care. Friends asked if I was scared going through this however I wasn't because the people caring for me were so knowledgeable and clearly knew what to do. I knew I was in good hands. This is a great department, so if anyone needs cardiac services, I highly recommend them!”