Pros and Cons of Medication vs. Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

[barbara2]

Good article (Last Updated: 7/8/2016) but the very last remarks regarding "blood thinners" were unexpected. I would NOT stop anticoagulants after an ablation, as has been discussed a lot on this forum.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

That was a good article. I especially liked the link about the better anticoagulants and less aspirin finally being used. In general, a pretty good summation. Thanks for sharing!

[BobD Volunteer]

Interesting to see what is being written by our cousins across the pond. Do not , however that despite the last comment re antiocagulation, earlier on it stresses that ablation does not reduce stroke risk as we already know and I constantly remind people.

Post ablation anticoagulation should be judged on CHADSVASC just as if you still have AF. Removal of symptoms does not remove risk.

[teach2learn]

Yeah, a few minor inaccuracies, starting with calling anticoagulants "blood thinners"! Pretty basic afib info. for the beginner investigator.

[Pdotg in reply to teach2learn]

I have just read the insert on my newest box of Rivaroxaban (Xarelto). There is a card I'm supposed to carry with me "at all times", that explains that "Xarelto thins the blood" and later on calls it a blood thinner. No wonder there is confusion!

[Marion62 in reply to Pdotg]

Just looked at my Apixaban card -- info for Health care professionals says "Apixaban is an oral anticoagulant" but info for patients says "Apixaban helps to thin your blood".!

[Hidden in reply to Pdotg]

We have anticoagulant alert cards which do not mention blood thinning. If you would like one sent to you, please get in touch - [e-mail]

[teach2learn in reply to Pdotg]

Yes, even our TV ads for Eliquis refer to it as a blood thinner. I guess the technicalities are beyond us "ignorant masses".

[Hidden]

I often wonder whether it is a simple choice between the two. I had very bad 24/7 AF and had an ablation that worked for 8 years. Then, the AF started to come back a little. Since then it has been controlled by drugs successfully (and long may it continue 🙏).

Anyhow, I do wonder that if I not had the ablation, would my drugs work so well? They'd certainly have a LOT more work to do. So, in my case at least, I reckon the two options may well be intertwined.

I'm not a medic, just my theory!

Koll

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

Good question Koll.

[teach2learn in reply to Hidden]

I had a similar experience. The meds didn't work at all before my first ablation, but when mild afib began again 18 months later, I found it effective ad a PIP. After second ablation, however, until my three months post-op required use was over, the apixaban almost seemed to be making it worse. Now off everything except Eliquis and blood pressure meds and doing so much better! Knock on wood.

[barbara2 in reply to Hidden]

I agree...the choice between the two (meds/ablation) is not a simple one, which is why afibers need to have a good visit with the dr. that would be doing the ablation, and decide what the best choice would be for you.

It does seem that depending on the person/situation, post-meds may help in assisting the ablation.

[Hidden]

Please note that I have removed the link to the article. It is not accurate, and any new members may read it without viewing the accompanying posts and consider it to be the views of AF association. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. - Rachel - AF Association Patient Services

[Von19]

Where can I find this article Thank you

[barbara2 in reply to Von19]

I posted the article but the AF Association Patient Services prefers that the link not be included here, so I will abide by their wishes. I have used this forum from the beginning of my 7 month journey, and have so appreciated all that I've learned here and apologize for any controversy caused by the article.

Pros & cons of meds vs ablation for afib was of interest to me because I am seriously considering opting for an ablation, a topic often discussed on this forum. We've read that "sooner than later" may be the best way to go, for some. Continuing to increase meds as the afib increases in frequency, did not sound like the road I cared to travel, if the other option was feasible. (ablation comes with risks/side effects, too of course.)

In a couple of weeks I'm meeting with the doctor who would do my ablation. I can get back to you after our visit, to see what I learned.

[Von19]

Thanks that would be good I was told at my hospital appointment that an important piece of research- ablation and AF - was due to be published in six months time so would be good to look out for You are in exactly in the same position as I so please do keep me posted Good luck