Updated on Sep. 18, 2025
It was a normal day in July when Peter Swanson received a notification from his Apple Watch – that may have saved his life. The sudden notification let him know he had an irregular heartbeat that could be Afib.
Deciding it would be in his best interest to take his AFib alert seriously, Peter immediately went to seek medical professionals for a proper diagnosis. Peter received insight from several medical professionals before choosing MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center for more in depth testing on his condition.
The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center is one of California's most comprehensive centers for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease, providing advanced care for complex heart conditions including heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias and peripheral vascular disease. The team remains on the forefront of cardiovascular care through heart surgeons with innovative techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery for complex aortic and mitral valve cases through small incisions, as well as advanced treatments, like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement procedures and the WATCHMAN™ device for atrial fibrillation.
When Peter arrived for his appointment, his cardiologist recognized the severity of his condition and knew Peter would require meticulous care. They were determined to support Peter every step of the way.
Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is characterized by a fast irregular heartbeat. If left untreated AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heartrelated issues. Without his Apple Watch, he never would have seen it coming. There were no warning signs, no red flags that signaled trouble ahead.
To help treat Peter, it was decided he would receive a catheter ablation. An ablation requires inserting a catheter in the patient’s groin with an electrode through a blood vessel. The electrode then delivers energy through the catheter to burn, or ablate, the location of the electrical cells causing the irregular heartbeat. This is a common treatment for people experiencing AFib.
Despite feeling relatively normal in his day-to-day life, further tests revealed a serious underlying issue – four partially to fully clogged arteries. The decision was then made for Peter to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Dr. Rachel Hargrove, a cardiac surgeon at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center, performed the surgery.
During CABG, a blood vessel, or graft, is removed or redirected from one area of the body and placed around the area, or areas, of narrowing to "bypass" the blockages and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. The new blood vessel is grafted to the aorta (the large artery at the top of the heart) and to the coronary artery beneath the blocked area. The new vessel bypasses around the clogged coronary arteries, so blood can flow freely to the heart.
“As a cardiac surgeon, I see firsthand how a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be life-saving for patients with severely clogged arteries,” said Dr. Hargrove. “By creating new pathways for blood to reach the heart, CABG restores circulation, reduces the risk of future heart attacks, and gives our patients a real chance at reclaiming their health and quality of life.”
The journey wasn’t easy, but Peter faced it with determination. After his surgery on September 12, he diligently attended all 36 sessions of cardiac rehab, embracing each step towards better health.
“Peter’s experience has underscored the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, ensuring comprehensive care for patients,” said Dr. Hargrove. “All of our different cardiac specialties work together to provide quality, personalized treatment to make sure all our patients get the heart care they need.”
For Peter, life after treatment has been nothing short of transformative. With a newfound sense of optimism and gratitude, he’s embraced a lifestyle centered around health and wellness. From a healthier diet to regular exercise, Peter has dropped 45 pounds after surgery and feels better than ever. Through perseverance Peter has reclaimed his health, proving with the right care and determination anything is possible.
“When people ask how I feel now, I tell them I feel like a H.O.G., happy, optimistic and grateful.”
- Peter
Inspired by his own journey to heart health, Peter decided to pay it forward by applying to volunteer at the cardiovascular unit at Orange Coast Medical Center. Through volunteering, Peter will not only contribute to the community, but also find fulfillment in helping others embark on their own journeys towards better heart health.