HCA Florida Citrus Hospital recognizes Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
Inverness, FL — September marks Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, and HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is joining the national effort to raise awareness about this serious heart condition that affects more than 10 million Americans.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other complications. People with AFib are up to five times more likely to suffer a stroke than those with normal heart rhythms. The condition occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat too fast and irregularly, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
“AFib is more common than many people realize, and it can affect anyone,” said Dr. Satish Goel, Electrophysiologist at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. “Early diagnosis is key. With today’s advanced technologies, we can offer safer, faster, and more effective treatments that significantly improve patient outcomes.”
HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is proud to be a leader in AFib treatment, offering Pulsed Field Ablation, a revolutionary non-thermal procedure that uses electric fields to target abnormal heart tissue. This approach minimizes damage to surrounding structures and reduces procedure time and recovery.
Dr. Goel, who performed the hospital’s first pulsed field ablation procedure in 2024, is now recognized as one of the highest-volume EP physicians in Central Florida for this cutting-edge technique. The hospital’s Electrophysiology (EP) team continues to perform an overwhelming number of these procedures, making Citrus Hospital a regional center of excellence in cardiac care.
“Pulsed Field Ablation represents a major advancement in how we treat AFib,” Dr. Goel added. “It’s safer, faster, and more comfortable for patients. We’re proud to offer this technology right here in Citrus County.”
During Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital encourages individuals to learn about the risk factors including age, high blood pressure, and heart disease and to speak with their healthcare provider about screening and treatment options. Lifestyle changes, medications, and advanced procedures like Pulsed Field Ablation can help manage AFib and prevent serious complications.