(11-2-25) The Kiwanis Club of Celina hosted Sheila Baltzell-Linn, who gave a presentation about her trials with Atrial Tachycardia (AT). AT is a heart condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly and irregularly. Unlike the more commonly known A-Fib, which can be dangerous, AT is usually annoying rather than a threat. Baltzell-Linn’s attacks began in 2000, occurring 2 or 3 times a year. In 2013 she was diagnosed with a 92 percent blockage in an artery. By this time she had AT episodes every month. Before her bypass surgery, she asked her surgeon to try to find a reason for this increase. He found no explanation.

She continued having frequent AT episodes, some so severe that the emergency squad was called, and she received adenosine, which stabilized her. In 2021, Baltzell-Linn had back surgery. During the 5 hour operation, she suffered a 30 minute supraventricular tachycardia, which can cause cardiac arrest. After the surgery was completed, the anesthesiologist gave her a fatal dose of adenosine, a drastic measure taken to stabilize her heart. She died for 4 seconds. Then her heart resumed its normal function.

In 2023 Baltzell-Linn had another AT attack so persistent that she was taken to the hospital again. The local hospital transported her to a larger facility in Fort Wayne. There specialists studied her case. They urged her to get a KardiaMobile device to record any unusual activity. She had that event in June 2024. In reviewing the data, one of the specialists believed she had extra electrical activity in her heart which caused the severity of her condition. In August she underwent heart electrical mapping. Although the heart needs only 1 spark for proper functioning, she had a cluster of 17. A procedure was successfully performed to correct this. After suffering for decades from extreme AT episodes and actually dying briefly, Sheila Baltzell-Linn is finally free from her condition.

In club business, the Celina Kiwanis ran a successful coat drive on behalf of Our Home. Theyare currently organizing their annual Reindog Pancake Breakfast and Parade. The club is currently accepting new members. For more information about the club, like them on Facebook or go to K16309.site.kiwanis.org.