Vitale

[vih-TA-lee] adjective

a. Full of Life
b. Lively, dynamic, nurturing
c. Resilient and enduring

Nurse Practitioner and AFib Coach with over 15 years of experience

Specialized in supporting patients with heart rhythm disorders (electrophysiology).

How did I get here? My journey from cardiac patient to Afib Coach. 

I live with a congenital heart condition. My personal journey includes open heart surgeries, valve replacements, and managing an implanted defibrillator to protect against a life-threatening heart rhythm. These experiences inspired me to become a cardiac nurse practitioner, allowing me to combine my medical expertise with a deep, empathetic understanding of my patients’ challenges.

As cardiac patients, it is critical that we have accurate information, a supportive care team, and a whole-body approach to managing cardiac disease. I know this because I live it. 

Unfortunately, my experiences as a patient and a provider made it clear that our healthcare system isn’t designed to meet these needs. As providers, we are increasingly pressured to drive revenue for the hospital by increasing surgical procedures and by seeing more than 25 patients each day. We are graded on how much money we bring in instead of how much we've helped our patients. 

I'll never forget one instance in particular. After spending extra time with an especially vulnerable patient, the administration approached me and asked me why. Every patient is different, I told them, and sometimes it takes a little bit longer to provide the best care. I needed to “move through them faster,” they said. The trick, they noted, was to stand near the door with my arms crossed, to look "less approachable". Yes or no questions were encouraged to avoid lengthy conversation and get the patient to leave. 

I resigned two weeks later.

The sad truth is, this isn’t unique. Providers across the country are under the same pressure to "do more with less." And the result? Patients are left with unanswered questions, limited information, and missing the tools they need to take charge of their health. In many ways, our healthcare system is broken (but that’s a topic for another day). It shouldn’t be this way.

We deserve better.

We deserve someone who will take the time to explain a complicated diagnosis like Afib, walk us through all treatment options, review our medical history and lifestyle, and help us identify personal Afib risk factors. We deserve a holistic approach that supports our wellness goals.

Ready to take the next step in your heart health journey? I’m here to help you understand your Afib diagnosis, explore your treatment options, and work together to create a plan that truly fits your life. You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out today and we’ll get started to help you reclaim your rhythm.

I’m based in Boulder, CO, where I live with my husband, our curious toddler, and a couple of furry companions. When I’m not working, we’re often out riding our bright red electric tandem, finding new local food spots, camping in a hilariously oversized tent, or diving into a new cooking adventure at home.

  • 10,000 Hours of Cardiac Care

  • US News and World Reports 'Patient Top Choice Award'

  • More Than 15 Years of Experience

FAQ

Vitale Meertens
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner and Afib Coach

  • We will work together to select the best Afib wellness plan for you. This will be based on a review of your health history, goals, and lifestyle opportunities.

    You can find my services and pricing here.

    1. We’ll start with a free discovery call to get to know one another. I’ll learn about your story, situation, and goals. We’ll begin to articulate a clear and actionable plan to help you reclaim your rhythm.

    2. After our discovery call, I will send you a plethora of Afib resources and information that will help to set the foundation for your Afib well plan.

    3. We will meet regularly for education and lifestyle support. Each session will be focused on a topic from our Afib Wellness Plan. Toward the end of each session, we’ll discuss action steps and accountability.

    4. After each session, you’ll receive a Summary. This will recap key information and resources, and your individualized action steps.

    5. I am available for short calls, texts, or emails in between sessions. I am your copilot in this journey to reclaim your rhythm!

  • We will typically work together for 12 weeks to implement your initial Afib Wellness Programs.

    We will continue to meet at regular intervals to check-in after your implementation phase.

    We can also add time to our initial program if we identify new goals and opportunities along the way!

  • We will consider all potential Afib triggers. and risk factors including:

    • Afib history (symptoms, diagnosis, frequency, previous and planned treatments)

    • Diet

    • Lifestyle

    • Physical activity

    • Alcohol and tobacco use

    • Sleep

    • Sources of stress in your environment

    • Recent testing (laboratory studies, cardiac imaging, sleep testing, etc.)

    • Medications and supplements

    • Stroke risk reduction plan

    • Other related diagnoses (diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, etc)

  • You deserve to be empowered with as much information as possible to understand and feel your best with Afib.

    Education Topics:

    • Physiology and causes of AFib

    • Possible Afib complications

    • Treatment options, including ablation, medications, and lifestyle modification

    • 2023 HRS/ACC/AHA Afib guidelines

    • Symptom tracking

    • Recommended testing

    • Lifestyle considerations

    • "Safe" symptoms vs. when to call your medical team

    • Associated conditions

    • Ablation preparation and post-ablation considerations

  • My Afib wellness programs incorporate 15 years of cardiology experience with specialized knowledge in the management of heart rhythm disorders along with the latest evidence-based guidelines from leading cardiovascular health organizations.