With fewer than 5 percent1,2 of eligible patients receiving an ablation today, nationally known sports anchor Mike Greenberg shares new details of his multi-year journey with AFib
GetSmartAboutAFib.com, a platform to empower patients diagnosed with the condition, shares Mike’s AFib journey and how a minimally invasive, outpatient ablation procedure changed his life for the better
Irvine, CA – September 5, 2024 – Biosense Webster, Inc., a global leader in cardiac arrhythmia treatment and part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, announced today a strategic partnership with the host of ESPN’s morning show Get Up, Mike “Greeny” Greenberg to kick off Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month this September. The strategic partnership with the ESPN sports anchor aims to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available for AFib, including catheter ablation, the minimally invasive outpatient procedure that helped Mike return to normal rhythm.
AFib, the most common cardiac arrhythmia (or abnormal heartbeat) affects approximately eight million people in the U.S. and more than 50 million people worldwide.3 It is a progressive disease that may worsen over time, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.4 September is AFib Awareness Month, which shines a spotlight on the importance of recognizing the disease early and encouraging patients to seek treatment for AFib.
Through his personal multi-year journey with AFib and successful treatment with catheter ablation, Mike has become a passionate advocate for AFib awareness and education. He was diagnosed with AFib in 2015 after being rushed to the hospital, thinking he was having a heart attack with sudden and unexplained spikes in his heart rate. While a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm), Mike’s heart rate was frighteningly high – spiking up to 170 bpm. He then learned these episodes were caused by AFib.
Medication initially provided limited relief of his symptoms but over time his condition progressed as episodes became more frequent. Mike recounts the impact to his sleep, social life, and mental health, sharing how terrified he was that these attacks were going to impact his performance as the lead host of Get Up, where being sharp and on the ball were critical.
It wasn’t until Mike sought a second opinion and was referred to an electrophysiologist in 2023 that he decided to undergo a catheter ablation. “Whether on the field, in the studio, or at dinner with friends and family, I don’t want anyone to be sidelined by AFib like I was when there are options out there that can immediately help,” Greenbergi said. “Strategically partnering with Johnson & Johnson MedTech allows me to share my story and advocate for people to see an electrophysiologist. I had no idea that having an ablation would be so simple and have such a profound impact on my life.”
For people diagnosed with AFib, resources are available on GetSmartAboutAfib.com, a patient-empowering platform designed to help individuals make informed decisions when considering AFib treatment options. The platform has a focus on clear and accessible AFib education, insights from physician thought leaders, and compelling patient stories. “Mike’s story is so empowering because like many other patients, he didn’t know there were options beyond medication,” said Nikki Sidi, U.S. President, Biosense Webster. “Through this strategic partnership, we hope to raise awareness about AFib and catheter ablation as an effective treatment option when drug therapy is ineffective, equip patients with knowledge, and facilitate meaningful conversations between patients and healthcare providers.”
To learn more, visit GetSmartAboutAFib.com.
About Biosense Webster
Biosense Webster, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, leads in cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment worldwide. We are dedicated to advancing electrophysiology and interventional cardiology tools and solutions for improved patient care. Learn more at biosensewebster.com and connect on LinkedIn and X, formerly Twitter.
About Johnson & Johnson MedTechii
At Johnson & Johnson MedTechii, we unleash diverse healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention and empower everyone to live their best life possible. For more than a century, we have driven breakthrough scientific innovation to address unmet needs and reimagine health. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we continue to help save lives and create a future where healthcare solutions are smarter, less invasive, and more personalized.
- Khavjou O. et al. Projections of Cardiovascular Disease Prevalence and Costs: 2015-2035. Technical Report. RTI International. November 2016.
- BWI Strategic Insights Procedure Volume Analysis 2023
- Mensah, G, Fuster, V, Murray, C. et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks, 1990-2022. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023 Dec, 82 (25) 2350–2473.
- Odutayo, A. et al (2016). Atrial fibrillation and risks of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and death: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 354, i4482.
i. Mike Greenberg is a paid spokesperson of Johnson & Johnson
ii. Johnson & Johnson MedTech comprises the surgery, orthopedics, vision, and interventional solutions businesses within Johnson & Johnson’s MedTech segment.
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