I am 61 years old, live in Berlin, and was born in the United States. As an entrepreneur running a clothing store with several international locations—including one in Spain—I travel a lot. Because of my work and frequent travel, I often don’t get enough sleep, but I’m in good shape and exercise regularly.

I had never had heart rhythm disturbances—at least, I had never noticed them. Until, at the beginning of the year, I was suddenly alerted by my smartwatch. The device monitors my heart rate and heartbeat and measures my heart’s electrical impulses. If it detects irregularities, the watch issues a warning: Suspected atrial fibrillation. I took this seriously and sought medical advice from my cardiologist. On his recommendation, I underwent electrical cardioversion, a procedure in which a targeted electrical shock is used to restore the normal heart rhythm. 

Unfortunately, the atrial fibrillation returned after a short time. Two more cardioversions were performed at the DHZC, but it quickly became clear: That alone was not enough to permanently control the atrial fibrillation. Because while it initially passed quickly, the uncontrolled electrical impulses in my atria were now lasting longer and longer. 

The doctors’ solution: As a gentle and minimally invasive treatment, I should undergo catheter ablation . The team at the DHZC Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care Medicine at the Charité Mitte Campus offered me an appointment very quickly and without any hassle. The procedure was scheduled for mid-March.

The day before, I came in for a pre-procedure exam and blood draw. On the day of the procedure, I was at the outpatient clinic at 7 a.m. Thanks to the sedative, I didn’t feel a thing during the ablation itself.

After the procedure, I was able to rest for as long as I wanted. Maren Oehlke, who works as a physician assistant on the team in Mitte, checked on me frequently and offered her support. She was very attentive and helpful.

The senior physician Dr. Verena Tscholl, who led the procedure, discussed the results with me in detail and provided guidance. I felt very well cared for at all times! 

My wife arrived at 3 p.m., and I drove home with her. That was a great feeling. I felt great the whole time. 

The next day, Maren Oehlke called me to check in and see how I was doing. What great service! 

In the U.S.—my home country—treatments based on the “same-day discharge” principle are very common. I would be delighted to see this concept expanded even further in Germany.
My experience at the DHZC was very positive and straightforward. I am very grateful for that!