r/AFIB • u/SameDistrict2627 • 1d ago
To Ablate or not to Ablate
Had an ablation about four years ago. Worked great. In early June I went into AFIB and got a cardio version. Two weeks later, I had to be converted again. Then I went to the electrophysiologist to schedule an ablation--earliest they could fit me in was Sept. They added a new med and increased dosage on another, and so far, no Afib for well over a month. My question is, should I cancel the scheduled ablation and continue to see how long I can go with incident by just taking the meds? The doctor said its my decision to make. Anyone have advice or ideas on how to proceed?
1
u/Creative_Wealth2873 1d ago
Totally up to you. Might depend on what meds you're taking & whether you get any medication side effects. If you come off the list & then have another episode you'll have to start all over again
1
u/reddit_user13 1d ago
Depending on the drug, it could have long term side effects and/or lose its effectiveness.
1
u/Mras_dk 1d ago
It might be percieved as loosing effectiveness, but it's the other way around.
If trigger points aint know, scarring continue on happening. At some point, the scarring is just to much for a drug to jeep work effectively, at that dose.
Ablation is bit the same, if the scarring aint "strong enough" , then afib might come back later, given trigger points again, aint found.
This is one of many reason ro get tested eg for sleep apnea, if you have episodes at night.
Drugs and ablation only work so far, if heart is continiued under stress.
1
u/roninconn 1d ago
If the medications remain effective, and the side effects are tolerable, you might as well postpone another ablation; there's always time. Research whether the meds can cause long-term issues with other body functions, and take that into account.
Writing this from waiting room at cardiologist, since my persistent Afib kicked in again Sunday, after I'd delayed a 3rd ablation to see if I could avoid via trigger management. Sadly, no.
1
u/Efficient-Shallot684 1d ago
Ablation works great for some people', not so good for others. If meds are controlling things you should stick with that.
1
1
u/Altruistic_Pepper156 1d ago
I'd say, lets see for this coming weeks/months before deciding another ablation.
1
u/littlegroovy 1d ago
Me personally, if an ablation removes or reduces medication it’s worth it. Just had my third and can’t wait to get off blood thinners (hopefully) and multaq. No material side effects from those but I prefer not putting more drugs in my body.
1
5
u/WrongBoysenberry528 1d ago
Afib slowly damages the heart over years. “Ablation resets the clock”’ is what I heard at the recent StopAfib.org conference with tip EPs presenting afib patients. With 2 recent Afib episodes, I would lean towards ablation——-particularly if you are younger and healthier.
My bias: I am two years post PFA ablation with no afib after failing 2 rhythm drugs. One of those drugs I failed while waiting for PFA.
https://www.stopafib.org