Atrial fibrillation topic of presentation

LEWISTON — “Does Your Heart Go Pit-a-Pat?” will be the topic of two Central Maine Medical Center Accenting Your Health presentations set for February.

Brooke S. Ritvo, M.D., a cardiologist, will explain atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. AF is a condition in which electrical activity in the heart causes its rate or rhythm to be abnormal. AF may lead to complications and serious heart conditions, and can increase a person’s risk of stroke. She will discuss how AF is detected, evaluated, treated and managed.

Ritvo is an electrophysiologist, an expert in the study of the electrical system of the heart that generates the heartbeat. Electrophysiologic studies are used to diagnose heart rhythm problems and to determine if a patient needs a pacemaker.

Prior to beginning her work in the Lewiston-Auburn area, Ritvo practiced for six years as an electrophysiologist with Arrhythmia and Pacemaker Consultants in West Orange, NJ.

A graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, she earned her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. She completed an internship and residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. She served a fellowship in cardiovascular disease and a fellowship in electrophysiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. She also served an electrophysiology fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center-Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY.

Ritvo is certified in cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

There is no cost for attending the presentation.

The hour-long program will be presented at 1:30 p.m. on February 14 and at 6 p.m. on February 17. Both presentations will be delivered in the Chairmen’s Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, adjacent to Central Maine Medical Center.

Those interested in attending either of the programs are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448, e-mailing prevention@cmhc.org, or registering on-line at www.cmmc.org.

Interpreter services are available upon advance request.