Choosing Prevention First — Jeff’s AFib Journey

Jeff Stake had no symptoms, no family history and no warning signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Like many people, he felt healthy and active and had no reason to believe anything was wrong. His story is a reminder that serious heart conditions don’t always announce themselves, and that early detection and accessible care can be lifesaving.

AFib is an irregular heart rhythm that can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart failure if left untreated. For Jeff, it was completely silent until technology stepped in.

In July 2022, just weeks before he and his wife were planning a move to Minnesota, Jeff’s smartwatch alerted him to a dangerously fast heart rate at rest. On the outside, life looked normal. Jeff exercised regularly and felt fine.

“I literally had no symptoms,” Jeff says. “I didn’t even feel the fluttering. No pain, nothing at all.”

Symptoms often associated with AFib include irregular or rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fluttering or racing feeling in your chest, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, dizziness and chest pain or discomfort.

His Fitbit showed a resting heart rate of 150-155 beats per minute. A typical resting heart rate for adults is anywhere from 60-100 beats per minute (bpm).

“I thought for sure, ‘this can’t be right,’” Jeff recalls.

Skeptical, he asked his wife to wear the watch as a test. Her heart rate was normal. That’s when concern set in. Jeff scheduled an appointment with his primary care provider in Reno, Nevada. After testing, he was sent to the hospital by ambulance and underwent his first cardiac ablation, a medical procedure that resets the heart’s electrical system by shutting down the areas causing rhythm problems.

The procedure temporarily resolved the issue, but Jeff was told AFib can return. He was sent home with minimal restrictions and encouraged to monitor his health.

Shortly after, Jeff and his wife moved to Big Lake.

“I got here, I felt fine, but I was watching everything,” Jeff says. “I’m of the mentality that if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

For nearly a year, Jeff continued monitoring his heart using his Fitbit and a home blood pressure cuff. Then, unexpectedly, AFib appeared again. Knowing he needed care close to home, Jeff found a primary care provider at CentraCare – Big Lake Clinic.

“We had some discussions, then he referred me to Dr. Sander,” Jeff says.

Paul Sander, MD, a CentraCare cardiologist based in Monticello and part of the CentraCare Heart & Vascular team, reviewed Jeff’s medical history, ordered additional testing and took time to ensure Jeff understood what was happening.

“He explained to me there were multiple factors contributing to the irregular beat, like sleep apnea, high blood pressure and being overweight,” Jeff says. “He told me there was a 50–60 percent chance my AFib could come back even with another ablation.”

That conversation marked a turning point. Jeff and Dr. Sander discussed another procedure, but Jeff wanted to address the root causes.

“Honestly, I told him I wasn’t really interested in another ablation,” Jeff says. “If I did nothing else, there was still a 50 percent chance it would come back. I’d rather make lifestyle changes.”

Dr. Sander agreed. Together, they focused on prevention. Jeff committed to following a stricter cardiac diet, going to the gym six days a week, losing weight and treating his sleep apnea.

“I feel better than I’ve felt for a really, really long time,” Jeff says.

For Jeff, having care close to home has made all the difference. He values not only convenience but also the personal connection and ongoing communication.

“After any of my consultations or procedures, Dr. Sander will take the time to call, explain things and answer my questions,” Jeff says. “He explains it in layman’s terms. When you hang up, you understand what you need to do and why you need to stay on the path. In a time when most doctors rely on assistants or portals, he took the time to talk directly with me and make sure I understood everything.”

“I feel it’s important for doctors to really listen to patients to identify symptoms and come up with a treatment plan,” said Dr. Sander. “When we partner with the patient, regular monitoring helps make sure the heart rate stays well controlled. And if the patient needs more support, CentraCare offers complete heart rhythm care with advanced tools than can even prevent AFib related strokes.”

Today, Jeff feels empowered. He sleeps better, feels stronger and has confidence knowing his care team is nearby and working alongside him with a plan he believes in — one that puts prevention first.

“Dr. Sander combines expert knowledge with a genuine human touch. I’m grateful to have him in my corner,” says Jeff.

Jeff hopes his story encourages others to pay attention to subtle signs of changing health, use available health tools and seek care early.

“(AFib) can be very life-threatening if you ignore it,” he says.