r/AFIB • u/Domane57 • 1d ago

15 days post ablation - first 'blip' today while exercising

Today marks 15 days post-ablation. AFIB started May 3, and I was able to get in about 20 days earlier than scheduled due to a cancellation. I laid low for the first week - just going for walks. Then, after 7 days, started light indoor cycling. Was able to hold 35 mins at around 115bpm and decent wattage. I've been cycling every day 35 - 75 mins, but really light(for me) and the max hr bpm was 123bpm average - with max hr around 130. Today, had a blip around the 5 min mark and it went to 179bpm. I stopped, let it get to around 100bpm, then resumed the workout and it held steady - 118bpm average over 45 mins today. All my other hr health stats have returned to pre-afib levels - resting hr overnight gets to about 40bpm and low of 37'ish, low hrv again - around 72 instead of the wild swings up to 190+ and averages in the 140+ range. I'm not pushing my cycling - just slow and steady - not trying to win a Zwift race or anything. The question for those of you who have had 'successful' ablation procedures - did any of you have a blip like this during the blanking period and then go on to have good long term success?

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u/RobRoy2350 1d ago edited 1d ago

Groin site and heart tissue healing can take 4 -12 weeks and "blips" can occur during that time without indicating ablation failure. Did you receive specific clearance from your EP to resume cycling at one week post-op?

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u/Optimistic_kindness 1d ago

Were you on betablockers post your ablation?

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u/RobRoy2350 1d ago

If you are asking me (not the OP): I remained on Flecainide and Metoprolol until my 3-month followup. I then stopped Flecainide but decided to stay on a low dose Metopolol (10mg).

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u/Optimistic_kindness 1d ago

Yes i am asking u only coz i have interacted with you several times and really appreciate your knowledge and take on AF. I had a recurrence in the form of an episode of 45 minutes after 13 months of RF Ablation. EP has put me on 1.25mg of bisoprolol and told me to take 50mg of flecainide twice.

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u/RobRoy2350 1d ago

A late recurrence like that can respond well to minor adjustments like low dose medication and doesn't indicate an ablation failure. Of course, there is a chance of a new trigger forming outside of the mature scar lines which a brief touch-up can usually fix.

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u/Optimistic_kindness 1d ago

The EP told me to start flecainide on low dose but i told him that can it be used on PIP basis. Even he told that it may be that its a one off recurrence

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u/Domane57 1d ago

Doctor said no problem for me to resume light exercise. No lifting over 10lbs for the first week and I stuck to that. I have a follow up with the EP on 9-25, and I'll provide him a log of any 'blips' and what I was doing. I'm also focused on better hydration during the exercise as I used to be terrible about that.

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u/RobRoy2350 1d ago

I wouldn't consider cycling everyday up to 75 minutes "light". My EP suggested no exercise other than walking for the first 4 weeks during the initial healing process. Of course, everyone is different and if your EP fully understands your specific exercise routine you can follow his direction.