Alpena Woman Grateful for Quality Heart Care Close to Home
Line Dancing Instructor, Avid Walker, A-fib Patient
“I follow Dr. Harber's advice and have not had any issues with my A-fib acting up. If I did, I wouldn't hesitate to reach out to the office; most of the staff know me and they're all so helpful there."
Barbara Parfitt couldn’t be happier that MyMichigan Health is dedicated to fighting heart disease and ensuring that Alpena residents have access to high-quality heart care close to home. MyMichigan’s advanced cardiovascular program ensures that patients not only have access to experienced cardiology physicians locally, but also a wide variety of diagnostic cardiac and vascular tests. For those who require more advanced treatment, MyMichigan Medical Center Midland provides streamlined access to a full range of interventional procedures like angioplasty and stenting; minimally-invasive structural heart procedures; as well as open heart surgery.
Parfitt was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) roughly 15 years ago. A-fib is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and is a potentially a serious condition. It occurs when the heart's two small upper chambers (the atria) quiver instead of beating, allowing blood to pool inside and clot. Medications and regular monitoring are important. “Over the years, I’ve seen a few different cardiologists for my A-fib issue, and I’m very happy to be a current patient of Dr. Harber,” said Parfitt.
Daniel Harber, D.O., is an invasive cardiologist at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and a member of MyMichigan’s comprehensive heart and vascular team. Dr. Harber has been practicing medicine for more than 32 years. He became interested in the field of cardiology when his father died from a viral cardiomyopathy as a high school freshman.
“Dr. Harber is very friendly and takes his time with me. He is knowledgeable, clearly explains things and answers all my questions. My husband is also a patient of Dr. Harber and we are able to coordinate our appointments. We both really like him.”
Dr. Harber makes feeling welcomed a priority for his patients. In fact, he likes to have a doctor-patient relationship much like a family physician. “The most satisfying aspect of my job is making personal connections with my patients and helping normalize their lives as they cope with heart disease,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Barbara and her husband. She is great example of a patient who is effectively managing her A-fib by not only staying on top of her medication regime, but also leading an active lifestyle.”
Parfitt stays active by teaching line dancing and walking regularly. “I follow Dr. Harber’s advice and have not had any issues with my heart acting up,” she said. “If I did, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to the office; most of the staff know me and they’re all so helpful there.”
As an invasive cardiologist, Dr. Harber works with patients who have a variety of cardiac-related conditions such as coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, valvular and structural heart disease, congenital heart defects and other complex cardiac conditions. Parfitt has recommended him to a good friend who just returned to Alpena from spending the winter away.
Dr. Harber currently sees patients in Alpena and Lincoln. Those interesting in learning more about him may visit www.mymichigan.org/harber. For those who would like to inquiry about becoming a patient, they may call (989) 356-0141.
