Afib and AV node ablation

[cyclist37]

Does Afib or AV node ablation eventually lead to heart failure?  I get different answers to this question. I have been told by a couple of cardiac doctors and nurses that Afib does lead to HF and AV node ablation gets you there quicker.  But my primary care doc says this is not true. Whats true?

[margaret3]

Hi, I have not yet had the AV node ablation. I should have has it yesterday the 13th February, but instead had the pacemaker  moved to a different position, which really. was not worth doing. Just a waste of time. I go back in two weeks to have it checked, then in 4-6 weeks have the AV node ablation. I will keep in touch. hope all is well with you.

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

I had ablation done in 2007 to treat SVT and A-fib.  I was 32yrs old at the time.  I am now cured and only had it done the one time - Electro Cardio Specialist found extra AV node and ablated it.

There is nothing to be afraid of.  

You will get a sedative and will sleep through the procedure and when you wake up you will remember nothing of the procedure.  The procedure can take up to 5 hours, but it will feel like seconds to you.  Minimal pain and a bit of pressure in groin area (both sides) and you will not be able to sit up or walk for upto 6 hours.  You will stay for the night and be discharged in the morning.  The groin area is normally a bit bruised but not very painful.  After about 7 days later you will not even know you had the procedure done.

I can remember waking up with this perfect, soft heart beat and never had SVT attacks again.  Definitely worth it!

Let us know how you are doing.  

All the best,

[margaret3]

I note that you had an AV Node ablation in April 09. Could you please let me know how you are doing after this length of time. I am due to have it done in just under two weeks and I can not find mant people who have actually had this procedure,
Thank you

[cyclist37]

Thanks for your comments.  I am older (71 yrs) but quite active so I guess AV node ablation was the thing to do.  It does worry me that I am pacemaker dependent, however.  I am afraid of developing heart failure.

[twinbee]

First of all, listen to what the cardio doctor say instead of your PCP. Cardio's speciality is the heart so I would take their advise over a PCP. From what I understand, having a-fib for a long period of time can cause damage to your heart. That is what my EP told me, and when my a-fib became progressively worse and more frequent it was decided that an ablation was needed. Now the AV node ablation is something I do not know alot about. The only thing I know about this procedure is that according to my regular EP and the EP that did my ablation it is a procedure that they consider a "last resort" type of procedure. I was told they try to avoid this procedure especially on younger patients due to the fact that you will be depended on a pacemaker. Maybe someone else on this forum can help you with the AV node question.