A Mother’s Life Restored:
Christina Wheatley’s Story
Christina Wheatley was an active mother of four when she noticed a few years ago that she would become breathless, tired and light-headed when she engaged in the outdoor sports she and her family love.
"I thought maybe it was just age or being out of shape," says Wheatley. "But I got really scared when I felt like I was going to pass out just standing around and doing nothing. I thought, 'What if I faint while I'm driving with a car full of kids?' "
What if I faint while I'm driving with a car full of kids?
Wheatley went through an extensive battery of tests. The diagnosis was ventricular tachycardia, a rapid irregular heartbeat. Overlake Sound Heart doctors inserted a catheter into her heart and mapped the electrical impulses. When they found the part that was misfiring, they "zapped" it with radio frequency impulses, called an ablation. Wheatley's heartbeat returned to normal immediately.
"It's pretty amazing," Wheatley says. "I'm not even aware of my heartbeat anymore. I'm back to my full schedule and feeling great. My husband likes to say that he has his spicy girl back!" she laughs.
"The care I received at Overlake was the best. The nurses were very kind and caring, and everyone took the time to explain to me what was happening. I couldn't have asked for better care."