As the tuba player in his band, Frank sets the bass tone for every other instrument, for every song.
“I enjoy being in the New Horizons Band at Kennesaw State University. There, I’m part of a community who loves and supports one another,” Frank said. “I love playing the tuba because I can visualize the people who played before me. And it constantly reminds me that being part of a community makes life worthwhile.” So, when his heart lost its pace, skipping beats and banging against his chest, he knew there was something wrong with the most important instrument in his body.
“I was working out on the elliptical at Wellstar Health Place, and the heart rate monitor on the machine was jumping to 200 beats per minute. I knew something was wrong,” Frank said. “I was already a patient of Dr. Paul Simonoff’s, so I called his office and he took me in right away.”
“Frank’s heart was racing,” said Dr. Simonoff. “He was also experiencing heart palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath. That’s when I discovered his heart was out of rhythm.” Dr. Simonoff diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation (AFib), which occurs when the upper chambers of the heart—known as atria—beat irregularly and fail to pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body.
The symptoms of AFib are sporadic. You might notice a skipped heartbeat, and then feel a thud or thump, followed by your heart racing for an extended period. You might feel fluttering or jumping, mimicking the effects of a heart attack.
“Dr. Simonoff had to do other diagnoses and perform more tests before I could receive electrical cardioversion shock treatment,” Frank said. Electrical cardioversion shock treatment is a procedure that restores a normal heart rhythm in people with certain types of abnormal heartbeats, Dr. Simonoff explained.
“It often takes only one shock to restore the heart to a regular rhythm,” Dr. Simonoff said, noting that the patient is under general anesthesia during the procedure. “They’re asleep and don’t feel a thing. They’ll wake up from the procedure and ask, ‘So, when are we getting started?,’ and it’s all done. Their heart is already back in rhythm.”
“I haven’t had a problem ever since then, and I’ve been taking my medication to prevent it from happening,” Frank announced. “It’s fully under control.” Dr. Simonoff sees these symptoms frequently and knew that the AFib Clinic at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center could help Frank. This highly-specialized team provides a thorough clinical evaluation of patients with AFib.
To this day, this is still the only comprehensive and dedicated atrial fibrillation clinic in Georgia. Frank now manages his AFib with medication, regular exercise and checkups. “Frank is doing great,” Dr. Simonoff smiled. “I see him on regularly and his heart has remained a steady rhythm. Our goal is to have patients like Frank be as healthy as possible so they can get back to their lives.”
Thankfully, Frank resumed his place in the New Horizons Band without skipping a beat.
“I don't think we are thankful enough to our doctors or to people who work in healthcare. We are here because they're there,” said Frank. “We’re here because they've done their job and they're dedicated.”
Heart of the Band
Frank&LlenCare
Published On August 11, 2020
Last updated 02:22 PM January 24, 2024
Frank plays the tuba in the New Horizons Band.
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StephenCare
Stephen Nowlin became unexpectedly paralyzed one day when preparing for a Fourth of July celebration with friends. A flight EMS team was called to transport him when the flight nurse on call, Hannah Carr, recognized the address of the accident—her childhood home. She flew her father to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, where he could have the fastest, most comprehensive trauma response—and a chance at full recovery.
When routine yard work went wrong
Preparing for his annual Fourth of July party, Stephen mowed his 13-acre property in Waco, Georgia. The routine chore took a terrifying turn when his mower flipped. Trapped underneath, he realized he was paralyzed. His friend soon discovered him lying there and called 911.
Meanwhile, Stephen’s daughter, Hannah, was working that day as a flight nurse for a local air ambulance company. When the call came in about a 60-year-old man in a tractor accident, paralyzed, at her parents' address, she instantly knew who it was. Hannah and her air ambulance service partner were on their way.
In good hands: first responders act fast
The local fire department and EMS arrived quickly, carefully removing the mower without moving Stephen. They transported him to a nearby landing zone where Hannah and her flight partner waited. As Stephen was loaded onto the helicopter, he told his daughter, “I just hope they can fix me.”
Hannah and her partner did a thorough, head-to-toe assessment for life-threatening injuries.
“I knew I was in good hands,” Stephen said. “She's going to take care of me better than anybody else would.”
On the flight to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, Hannah communicated with the hospital ahead of arrival. In emergency situations, it’s important the team is assembled and ready to perform care as fast as possible. Because of their collaboration, not a minute was wasted.
Newsroom
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Renews Accreditation for Rectal Cancer Program
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has earned another three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing personalized, high-quality cancer care close to home for patients in Georgia.
To achieve voluntary NAPRC accreditation, a rectal center must demonstrate compliance with the NAPRC standards addressing program management, clinical services and quality improvement for patients. Centers are required to establish a multidisciplinary rectal cancer team that includes clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.
At Wellstar, rectal cancer patients have a multidisciplinary team on their side through every step of treatment. Each patient works with a nurse navigator to schedule appointments with specialists. Patients meet with a medical oncologist, as well as a surgical oncologist or colorectal surgeon. Imaging and lab tests are reviewed by a multidisciplinary board of rectal cancer physicians, efficiently providing patients with input from several experts in cancer care. During the course of treatment, that multidisciplinary board will continue to follow the patient and discuss the best next steps, tailoring care to fit each patient’s individual needs.
Additionally, the program at Wellstar Kennestone met standards addressing the clinical services that the rectal cancer program provides, including Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA testing), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) imaging for cancer staging, which allow patients to start treatment within a defined timeframe. Rectal cancer programs accredited by the NAPRC undergo a site visit every three years and are also accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
“Our patients are surrounded by a team of experienced rectal cancer experts who provide the highest level of personalized care,” said Wellstar Surgical Oncologist Dr. Sahir Shroff, who serves as the rectal cancer program chair. “We are proud to be the first medical center in metro Atlanta to receive this important accreditation. Our pioneering efforts to adhere to the most rigorous standards and combine the latest technologies and techniques help us achieve excellence in rectal cancer care for our patients.”
Accreditation by the NAPRC is granted only to those programs that are committed to providing the best possible care to patients with rectal cancer. The NAPRC provides the structure and resources to develop and operate a high-quality rectal center. Accredited programs follow a model for organizing and managing a rectal center to ensure multidisciplinary, integrated, comprehensive rectal cancer services. Wellstar Kennestone earned its first accreditation in 2022.
Highlights
8 Heart Health Facts Moms-to-be Should Know
1. High blood pressure can be silent—and dangerous.
Some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, even if they’ve never had it before. High blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia. It’s a condition that can cause organ damage and, in severe cases, seizures. When high blood pressure isn’t treated, it can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. Checking your blood pressure regularly can help catch problems early.What to do about high blood pressure
If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of cardiovascular issues, tell your care team. Preconception counseling is essential if you have a known heart condition. Your physician may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home and report any sudden swelling, headaches or vision changes immediately.2. Heart failure can happen—even in healthy moms.
A rare but serious condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) weakens the heart, usually in the last month of pregnancy or the months following delivery. If you have shortness of breath, swelling or often feel extremely tired, don’t ignore those signs.What to do if you have shortness of breath or a racing heart
Talk to your provider immediately if everyday activities leave you exhausted or struggling to breathe. Other concerning symptoms include persistent coughing, swelling in your legs or feet and dizziness. Don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe fatigue or a racing heartbeat. These could signal a serious heart problem—seek help right away.3. Pre-existing heart conditions and hypertensive disorders require extra care.
If you’ve ever had heart disease, a heart defect or high blood pressure—including hypertension or hypertensive disorders—pregnancy can increase your risks. Even women without symptoms before pregnancy may need extra monitoring.What to do if you have a pre-existing heart condition
Talk with your provider early about a care plan. High-risk pregnancies may require specialist support, like a maternal-fetal medicine physician or cardiologist. If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition before pregnancy, ask your provider how it may affect labor and delivery. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You know your body best, and your concerns deserve attention.4. Blood clots are more common during pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases the risk of thromboembolism, a serious condition where blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. The risk is even higher for women with a history of clotting disorders, obesity or limited mobility.What to do to prevent blood clots
To reduce your risk of blood clots, stay active, stay hydrated and watch for warning signs like leg swelling, redness or pain. If you notice these, call your provider right away. If you’re on bed rest, ask your provider about ways to improve circulation. Learn the signs of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.5. A racing heartbeat may be abnormal.
You can expect some changes in heart rhythm during pregnancy, but arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) can be a sign of something more serious. Hormone changes, increased blood volume and underlying conditions like thyroid disorders can all contribute to an irregular heartbeat.What to do about a racing heart
If your heart races often, feels like it’s skipping beats or you feel dizzy or faint, let your provider know immediately. Keep track of when these symptoms happen and whether they occur at specific times, such as during physical activities or when your stress levels are high.6. Postpartum recovery still puts stress on the heart.
The risk of heart complications doesn’t end at delivery. Many serious conditions, including heart failure or high blood pressure, can develop in the weeks or months after childbirth. Postpartum heart issues can be life-threatening if you don’t address them.What to do during the postpartum period
Keep all postpartum checkups, even if you feel fine. Watch for new symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, continue monitoring it after delivery. Be aware that cardiovascular complications can develop up to a year postpartum, and follow-up care is so important for your long-term health.7. Your hospital choice matters
For women at high risk, delivering in a hospital with access to specialized prenatal tests, genetic testing like amniocentesis, fetal evaluations and emergency cardiac care can make all the difference. Not all hospitals have the same level of maternal heart care, so it’s important to plan ahead. Choose a hospital that is equipped to handle pregnancy-related cardiac emergencies. Wellstar provides specialized care for mothers and babies close to home, including:- Wellstar Acworth Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Avalon Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Cherokee Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia: Level IV NICU
- Wellstar Cobb Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Douglas Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine
- Wellstar East Cobb Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, Level III NICU, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center: Cardio-obstetrics, emergency cardiac care, maternal-fetal medicine, medical genetics
- Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics
- Wellstar Paulding Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care, medical genetics, perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar Spalding Medical Center: Maternal-fetal medicine
- Wellstar Vinings Health Park: Perinatal cardiology
- Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center: Emergency cardiac care