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.
About a year has passed since I had an ablation, to try to take care of episodes of AFib and AFlutter that were recurring every 3-4 weeks. The episodes were mildly symptomatic, mostly a feeling that my heart was running fast. My Afib heart rate was in the 140's, normal being in the 60s. All attempts to convert with drugs failed, only cardioversion worked, and Multaq therapy was unsuccessful. Both the cardiologist and the EP said an ablation decision was strictly up to me, no pressure. I decided to go ahead with the procedure. My rationale was that quality of life is for me more important than taking risks, and I was afraid of heart remodeling.
The RF ablation procedure was long, PVI was done for Afib, and a linear extra burning for AFlutter. I felt quite bad for 2 weeks, and I had some symptoms for 2 months. After that I was fine, the occasional arrhythmias that I had experienced for many years were down, heart rate was in the 50s-60s.
After 3 months I asked the EP about dropping the Warfarin. His first reaction was to wait for 3 more months, but he mentioned an alternative: have a Zio Patch monitoring for 2 weeks, and if that worked drop the Warfarin but carefully monitor my heart rate, at least 3 times a day.
The Zio Patch monitoring indicated NSR with occasional PAC's. I dropped the Warfarin and religiously monitored my heart with an Oximeter and an Omron 801 ECG. All that hardware is now probably non needed, with practice I can presently estimate my heart rate within +-10 points just by feeling my wrist. But I am paranoid. My rest heart rate is in the 50s-60s, the Omron only shows occasional PAC's.
I had another good Zio Patch run after 4 months, I am supposed to have 2-3 runs per year. My only heart drug is Metoprolol, 1 and 1/2 25mg-pill per day.
Summing up I am glad I did the ablation, that until now has worked for me. Of course I know that Afib can come back at any time, and that my experience cannot be generalized. Everybody is different, and I see many people in this board who are coping very well with occasional or permanent AFib. But I wanted to share my personal experience.
The RF ablation procedure was long, PVI was done for Afib, and a linear extra burning for AFlutter. I felt quite bad for 2 weeks, and I had some symptoms for 2 months. After that I was fine, the occasional arrhythmias that I had experienced for many years were down, heart rate was in the 50s-60s.
After 3 months I asked the EP about dropping the Warfarin. His first reaction was to wait for 3 more months, but he mentioned an alternative: have a Zio Patch monitoring for 2 weeks, and if that worked drop the Warfarin but carefully monitor my heart rate, at least 3 times a day.
The Zio Patch monitoring indicated NSR with occasional PAC's. I dropped the Warfarin and religiously monitored my heart with an Oximeter and an Omron 801 ECG. All that hardware is now probably non needed, with practice I can presently estimate my heart rate within +-10 points just by feeling my wrist. But I am paranoid. My rest heart rate is in the 50s-60s, the Omron only shows occasional PAC's.
I had another good Zio Patch run after 4 months, I am supposed to have 2-3 runs per year. My only heart drug is Metoprolol, 1 and 1/2 25mg-pill per day.
Summing up I am glad I did the ablation, that until now has worked for me. Of course I know that Afib can come back at any time, and that my experience cannot be generalized. Everybody is different, and I see many people in this board who are coping very well with occasional or permanent AFib. But I wanted to share my personal experience.
Bill
The ablation was done by dr. Rho of California Pacific in San Francisco. He's an experienced EP, in the same group as dr. Natale.
I could have probably got dr. Natale if I had been willing to wait for few months.
Yogacat, permanent NSR and no more dentists for you!
Bill
Good news is always welcome here. Thanks for sharing.
Annette