Erik Newby, of Lithia Springs, describes how an ablation at Northside Hospital restored his health, fitness and life.
When my atrial fibrillation (A-fib) symptoms first appeared in 2018, I didn’t realize how serious they were. Looking back, I probably experienced them for years, but I brushed them off because they came and went, often unnoticed. That year, my resting heart rate, which is usually in the 40s, stayed in the high 90s to 120 bpm for weeks. I felt short of breath, lightheaded and so tired that even walking a short distance was difficult.
I eventually went to the ER, where the A-fib resisted every medication they tried. That’s when I connected with Dr. Alok Gambhir, who scheduled a direct current cardioversion (DCCV). Over the years, I needed two more cardioversions and several medications, but the A-fib kept coming back. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t ride my bike or play with my two kids the way I used to. As an avid cyclist, averaging up to 200 miles a week, that was heartbreaking.
By 2025, I realized I had to make a change. At 45, I should have been taking my health more seriously, so I came to the Northside Hospital EP Lab for an A-fib ablation.
From the very beginning, my experience was outstanding. The staff were professional, kind and accommodating, especially Nachelle in pre-op and post-op. The anesthesia team explained every detail, and Dr. Gambhir took time to walk me through the procedure step by step. He listens closely, always looking for the most minor details that make a difference. “I passed about six hospitals to come and see Dr. Gambhir,” I often tell people — because I genuinely believe he’s the best of the best.
The results have been life-changing. Just one week after my ablation, my cycling computer showed I was fitter than before my very first A-fib attack. My route times improved, and I was breathing easier with less effort. Today, at age 46, I feel five times better than I did before the procedure. My cardiac age has even dropped from 42 to 33!
The only thing I regret is not doing this much sooner. My advice to anyone experiencing A-fib — whether you’re active or not — is simple: don’t wait. An ablation can help you feel better than you ever imagined.
Thanks to Dr. Gambhir and the Northside Hospital EP Lab team, I’m back to riding strong, keeping up with my kids, and even planning to race again next year. They gave me back my health, my fitness and my life.
Learn more about Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
