Ablation Only Modality?

I am 65 years old and have recently been diagnosed with AFib.  It is with me about 50% of the time and I believe I have experienced it in milder forms over the last 5 years. I was told by my cardiologist that I was a candidate for ablation which scares me to death. Are there no medicines I should try first before undergoing something so invasive?  What about lifestyle changes, Pritikin, Duke University, etc. where I could lose some weight (I'm about 35 lbs. overweight) and eat better?  I am healthy in all other respects, good blood pressure, and the only meds I take are aspirin which I have begun to take as per the doctor.

The AFib is annoying and can keep me up at night.  I would also like to know how to turn it off if even for a short time.

[Cleveland Clinic]

acho,

There isnt a perfectly correct answer to your question.

An ablation does carry some risk so my recommendation to pursue it would involve several factors such as:

The amount of symptoms, the failure to control either the rhythm/rate or symptoms with medicine and attempted cardioversion, the presence of any structural disease that would make the ablation unsuccessful.

Whatever you do you should have your procedure performed at an institution or by an operator that performs a large number of ablations. There are variable success rates and complication rated dependant on technique and operator experience.

My advice would be to seek a second opinion before pursuing an ablation or discuss the procedure with your primary cardiologist.

good luck

[Slappy3243]

Ablation is not really that invasive. If you want to get ride of the A-fib, ablation is a good way to go for permanent results. I know I would do it if I was in the same situation as you. From what I gathered reading the forums and doing research, the change of dying from the procedure is extremely small.

[StephPT]

I second those remarks.  Although there are risks with any procedure, the risks of ablation are low, and complications that can arise from A-fib (like a stroke) are out there.  Speaking from experience, I have had 3 ablations (not for A-fib but for a different type of arrhythmia) and have had no ill effects.  I was even completely awake for the last one, so I can answer just about any question you might have about the procedure itself, as I was there!  A-fib ablations are not routine, and are best handled at a larger institution that does a lot of them.  They usually involve crossing over to the left side of the heart and burning the surface of the heart around the pulmonary veins.

I am eager to read what the MD here has to say.  Sure, there are plenty of meds out there to try to treat A-fib...some attempt to convert you back to a sinus rhythm and some just attempt to control your heart rate to make it more comfortable.  But, if given the option of a lifetime of medicine vs. a procedure to FIX the problem, I know what I would choose.

Good luck in your decision!!

steph

[DottyCece]

I agree.  I had two ablations.  The first didn't work and the second one was an AV nodal ablation.  I am now pacemaker dependent but feel a 100% better.  Both ablations went well, no complications at all.  Are you not on coumadin?  If you are in atrial fib 50% of the time, you could be at risk.

[dquenzer]

I had an ablation for paroxymal AFIB about two years ago.  It worked and have had no AFIB since.  Doesn't mean of course it can't come back.  But this is how my cardiologist approached it.  If I could not stay in rythmn with meds then that's preferable.  We tried two different meds.  They would work for awhile and then I would go into AFIB off and on.  I was in rythmn most of the time, but felt horrible in AFIB.  His philosophy was if I am symptomatic and if meds didn't work then the next option is an ablation.

I think this is a reasonable approach.

The ablation itself was done at Mayo by a very experienced staff.  I think that the cause of the AFIB must be carefully considered.  In my EP's opinion he was positive it was due to the pulmonary veins stretching from having been a long distance runner.  He was very sure a pulmonary vein isolation would be successful.  His diagnosis was correct.

At age 65 I think you would do well to be properly diagnosed.  An ablation is a good option, but as the doctor said only under very experienced practioners.  And I think if meds are not working and you are symptomatic I would see it as a reasonable option.

[Gaspipe]

I think you are correct to be skeptical and would seek another opinion. Abalations are not always the only option and do carry risks not to mention the procedure itself can cause other arrythmias. Check it all out and then decide. If you have followed this forum for a while you would see many people find ablation is not always curative. I certaintly do not mean to sound negative but can appreciate your desire to find out the options. Good Luck Gaspipe

[Stelladallas]

I am 64, pretty close in age.  My af is from dystolic dysfunction plus a very enlarged heart.  I had an ablation 2 yrs ago and no, it did not work and I know the physician was really good.  It was so scarey that I almost got off the surgical table and I don't usually get scared easily.  On the other hand, I've known others who breezed through it and have had success. Personally I would go from the least invasive and then if that doesn't work, then would go to a more invasive procedure.  I've had about 4 cardioversions and frankly, they are alot easier on me.  I am on medications which include Coumadin.  I agree that af is uncomfortable.  Get the information you need from your physician,if necessary get a second opinion (I did and my physician was OK with this).  Hope all works out for you.  Stelladallas

[poxyheart]

Can anyone give me some advice. I have posted on another site but have had no answers.
I have had two ablations the last one cryoablation..for SVT neither worked, I am now on Cardizem which worked for a while but is now seemingly losing the 'power'. Has anyone else had the recurring SVT??? And more than 2 ablations.??Regards Dawn