Heart failure

[Euve]

My heart is strong and I had a stress test, echo a d plan on doing an ablation in the near future I am on a blood thinner flecinide and tenormin I get short bouts of afib daily 4 hours per day and I am. Ot tolerating it well If I decide to postpone the ablation is there a chance I can develop heart failure, my anxiety is off the charts and need to get a hold of it before the ablation? I am very scared of the anesthesia my Doctor uses general anesthesia and I have pretty. BAd slepp apnea, this is like a bad dream I am 59 and have had afib for 5 years I know my anxiety is contributing to the afib episodes

[BobD Volunteer]

It is hard for me to understand your fears as it never bothered me but I realize they are real. You need to discuss how you deal with this with a professional in my opinion.

I had three ablation before my Afwas sorted and all I can say is if yours was as bad as mine then you would welcome the ablation.

OK you may need a few days to recover from the GA and you will need a few months to recover form the ablation as our fact sheet will explain but it really is nothing to worry about. I'm a devout coward myself and would not have had three if there was.

Not sure what sleep apnoea has to do with GA by the way but since AF and SA are often interconnected I hope that you have treatment for that first as it can make a difference.

[IanMK]

I’m with Bob. The only thing to fear is your own anxiety. Ablation under GA is a routine and safe procedure. There will be a large team in the cath lab to look after you. Try and get some help with your anxiety. You are having difficulty with your symptoms and the situation won’t improve on its own.

[Hidden]

AF is progressive, so I took the decision to have an ablation as soon as I could and pushed for this with my EP.

Because of a different medical condition I had to have my ablation done under GA, and I am pleased that this was the case as I am a total coward.

I also have sleep apnea but this was never a concern with the anaesthetist, they know what they are doing. Everyone in the cath lab is there to keep you safe.

I have had 2 years AF free and the difference in my QoL is immeasurable . I'd do it again if I need to

[Buffafly]

Many of us know how you feel, full panic mode, will written, funeral planned.....but putting it off won't help. As your heart has stood up to the strain well so far I see no reason why it should suddenly weaken but the anxiety is bad for your health so if you can get help to overcome it enough to get to the lab it's best to go for it ASAP 😀

Best wishes!

[AIW58]

Agree with all other comments. Do seek some help to manage your anxiety and also the sleep apnoea since that is associated with causing AF.

I had my ablation under a GA, no issue at all and recovered well from the ablation itself.

If you're having AF every day definitely go for it. I had far fewer episodes than you.

Amanda