Ablation For Idiopathic PVCs

[sonkitty]

Hi.  I had a pacemaker implanted in August of 2008 due to lower heart rate/dizziness.  I am now using it less than 1% of the time.  I have experienced very seldom PVCs in the past.  However, the last two weeks, they have been increasing to having them almost every 30 seconds and last for hours at a time.

I went to my cardio doctor and he put me on a 14 days event monitor.  I saw an EP yesterday and was told I am indeed having lots of PVCs based on the event monitor findings, 12-lead EKG and pacemaker check.  

He said I could:  1) continue on my present Metoprolol (25 mg. twice a day - isn't helping me),  2) increase the Metoprolol (which would have lots of side effects and make the pacemaker need to be used more; resulting in pacemaker surgery again since I only have one lead now since they couldn't get the second lead in the first time) or  3) ablation.  

I never knew of anyone who had ablation and the thought of it was extremely frightening.  I go to see him again in two weeks to discuss what I would like to do.

Reading online about this, it seems like people have ablations done multiple times.  I'm so unsure about it.  I know it's now 100% successful either.  I'm guessing I have to decide whether I want a better quality of life without PVCs or risk the ablation being done?

Help ease my mind on what I should do and also any questions I can add to my list to ask my EP the next time I see him.  Thanks!!

[ed34]

I think the best person to ask is your specialist, to discuss how optimistic they are. Tell them to come clean and you want the straight facts. You are right to question ablation because it isn't what I would call a great success in many cases. You frequently hear of people needing more treatments. I think it's difficult to not only establish the area which requires ablation at times, but if there is more than one area requiring treatment. Some people have come out feeling worse, feeling dizzy and short of breath. So, I think you should have a good chat with your specialist and get the bottom line.