Malik, now 50, suffers from a 30-year history with the disease. After exhausting a full range of medical treatments, Malik finally underwent a unique cardiac procedure at the Cleveland Clinic that permanently improved his life.

"It was extremely trying during the final ascent to the summit," said Malik. "It turned out to be both a mental and physical challenge. At 18,000 feet I began to experience altitude sickness that lasted about seven hours; therefore, it was difficult to sleep the night before the final ascent. However, at the same time, it was a euphoric feeling to have a strong and regular heart beat."

More than 2 million Americans suffer from Atrial Fibrillation. It is the most common abnormal heart rhythm and is characterized by a very fast, uncontrolled heart rate that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) quiver instead of beating. Malik's episodes of Atrial Fibrillation progressed as time went on and in 1999 brought him to the hospital for five cardioversions in just a two-week period. The cardioversions involve shocking the heart back into proper rhythm and may cause significant burns.

The constant need for cardioversions and strong medications led Cleveland Clinic physician Andrea Natale, M.D. to recommend a catheter ablation for Malik to permanently halt the arrhythmias. The ablation was very successful, and for the first time in his life, Malik was freed from the many physical limitations and serious side effects from the medicines that had limited even the most leisurely of activities.

"The result of the ablation is that the patient is cured," said Dr. Natale. "Ablation is one of the few options we use in cardiology that is able to not only make the patient better, but also cure them."

Added Malik, "Without ablation, I would never been able to complete this monumental journey. The climb was not only a personal challenge, but a symbol of hope for all those afflicted with Atrial Fibrillation."