Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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heart2222 05/18/2012

I had a heart event monitor put on yesterday. I had a "run" of what felt like a fib. I pushed the button and the guy who I send it to said it was paroxysmal atrial tachy. He said it's in the same family as a fib. That was very distressing.

I wonder if that means my ablation failed? I had mine done on 3-23-12. I have felt this abnormal run for awhile now. Comes at weird times. Used to be when I did physical therapy. This Am, i wasn't doing much at all.

Very depressing... Was it all for naught?????

pacyetep 05/18/2012

Tell "the guy" paroxysmal atrial tachycardia means you have a fast heart rate sometimes. That is very common after ablation as is afib... UP TO 3 MONTHS! This is due to inflammation and healing.

Same "family"? Huh?

petey

heart2222 05/18/2012

So you think the "guy" is wrong about it being a fib? That's a relief!!

pacyetep 05/18/2012

Heart event monitors detect measure heart rhythm and rate. Cousins maybe. petey

heart2222 05/19/2012

I wonder what is worse, a fib or a tachy???

Cheryl7 05/20/2012

Good morning Heart! PAT- paroxysmal atrial tachy are bouts of regular rapid heart beats that are in the upper chamber of the heart. Afib as we all know it too well are fast irregular heart beats. Paroxysmal is when is happens without warning and happens sporadically. Your procedure was done on 3/23/12, I would't worry Heart, it can take up to 3 months. You are still healing.
Take care and best wishes!

BonnieLander 05/20/2012

I have had 2 ablations.2009-2010..It has been
2 yrs. Recently I have had a few episodes again.It was great for a while.

DeeMR11 05/20/2012

My EP said he doesn't count any A Fib until 3 months after ablation.
I was also told it would be 5-6 months before knowing if an ablation is successful.
It's a long time to wait!
D.

heart2222 05/20/2012

Cheryl, Bonnie and Dee,

Thanks for the explanation and sharing your experiences. I guess I'm so anxious for this thing to be "cured" it's very disheartening whenI get any symptoms that resemble a fib. Thanks for your encouragement! I needed it!!

deleted_user 05/22/2012

heart2222, you are definitely still healing from the ablation so it's way too early to say if it was a successful or failed procedure.

Now, I'm coming up on my 6 month anniversary and still having some afib. While it's not as frequent nor as long in durations, I AM starting to worry I may need another ablation.

deleted_user 05/22/2012

The first three months is considered the "blanking period" It is common to have Afib during the first 3 months, while the heart is healing. (I had three episodes)
If you have Afib after 3 months then it might not have been successful. Be patient and I wish you years of NSR.

heart2222 05/22/2012

Thanks, ohio and heidet for the encouraging thoughts!!

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