Nurse Becomes Patient, Finds Quick Fix for Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Karen Ratz, a long-time nurse at UnityPoint Health, recently experienced firsthand the care she dedicated her career to providing.
As a healthcare professional, Ratz visits her primary care doctor regularly. Recently, she’d been going in for irregular heartbeats. Over time, Ratz had more frequent occurrences, so her doctor referred her to Weiwei Li, MD, UnityPoint Health, one of three electrophysiologists at UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids, St. Luke’s Heart Care Clinic.
Cardiac electrophysiology is an area of heart care where a specialized cardiologist diagnoses and treats heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) using advanced procedures.
During visits with Dr. Li, Ratz underwent the typical diagnostic tests, including an echocardiogram and stress test. Dr. Li diagnosed Ratz with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), extra heartbeats that begin in one of the heart’s lower chambers. She started her on a series of medications, the first line of treatment for PVC.
Over the next few days, Ratz experienced dizziness and required some adjustments to her medication. At one point, the dizziness wouldn’t go away.
“It lasted for a good 50 minutes,” Ratz says. “I was working at a flu shot clinic and decided to go to the emergency room (ER). When I arrived, I was triaged and in a room within five minutes.”
Fast Track to Recovery: Nurse Receives Swift Heart Care
Tyler Rasmussen, MD, another UnityPoint Health electrophysiologist, was the attending physician when Ratz arrived. He and Heather MacTaggart, ARNP, evaluated Ratz.
“For whatever reason, she wasn’t tolerating the medicines,” Dr. Rasmussen says.
“They had failed to control her PVCs and were causing worrisome side effects. When this happens, the treatment of choice is ablation. We discussed all the options, and she chose to move forward.”
A cardiac ablation is a procedure performed via catheter. It involves using a 3-D mapping system to provide a real-time picture of the heart’s anatomy to pinpoint the area causing the irregular rhythm. The electrophysiology (EP) team then uses heat energy to create a tiny scar in the identified area of the heart muscle to prevent the abnormal rhythm from happening.
“Dr. Rasmussen was very good at explaining all the options, especially to my husband, who doesn’t have a medical background,” Ratz says.
“After I decided on an ablation, he told me, ‘Now that we have two EP labs, I can get you in tomorrow.’”
Second Act: Retired Nurse’s Heart Restored, Ready to Enjoy Life Again
After Ratz’s ablation, she spent one night in the hospital. She raved about her stay.
“Everyone took great care of me, and there was such good communication,” she says.
“Dr. Rasmussen explained the procedure thoroughly beforehand and answered all our questions. Heather laid out my discharge plan and follow-up appointments. Madison, my nurse, went above and beyond. Without asking, she made a special trip to get aspirin from the (inpatient) pharmacy before it closed to save us from stopping on our way home. My husband tells everyone I was treated like a ‘rock star’ during my stay.”
Although Dr. Rasmussen said there was no identifiable reason for Ratz’s PVCs, there are several things that can bring them on.
“Each heart cell beats independently and is excitable. PVC means there’s a spot in the heart that’s outcompeting the person’s normal conduction of electrical activity through the heart. Alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are all causes.
“Patients with cardiomyopathy (weak heart) are more likely to have PVCs,” Dr. Rasmussen adds.
“The opposite can also be true. If PVCs are frequent enough, they can cause a weak heart muscle. Any patient who’s been diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm should meet with a cardiologist to discuss next steps. Many patients can have clinical observation and lead a normal life without any restrictions. Some may need further management to prevent, or reverse, the course of cardiomyopathy, especially if it interferes with their quality of life.”
That was the case for Ratz, but now she’s back to enjoying an active retirement. After being on the receiving end of care, she sent a letter to the hospital and heart team, writing, “I am truly grateful for everyone involved in my care. Thank you for giving me my livelihood back. It’s time to enjoy retirement again!”
"My husband tells everyone I was treated like a ‘rock star’ during my stay.”