Heart Pump Function (Ejection fraction) Pre and Post Ablation. ? Marker of recovery?

[Turquoise19]

Mine was 46 before the op. Should be between 55-70. Getting more breathless now than when in AF. Does anyone else further down the line have stories of good recovery, return to full heart capacity ?

[Hidden]

Hi, my ejection fraction was low when I had been in AF for months and my left ventricle had become enlarged.

6 months post DC cardioversion (with amiodarone) and in NSR for all this time my heart was back to normal size and Ejection fraction back in the normal range.

Sorry but I don't remember the actual numbers

I also had an ablation, and it took way longer to recover from than the professionals tell you. It was at least 3 months to get my pre ablation fitness back

[Turquoise19 in reply to Hidden]

Thx so much Mike, so reassuring, I am also getting the sense from all the posts here it will take lots longer. I had my ablation 4 weeks ago now. In NSR x 4 weeks.

I am just wondering if my breathlessness now reflects the EF or not, ? Is it impact on lungs?, as they ablate near there. Saw a lung capacity exerciser online, wondering about getting one ...

[WhitstableWanderer]

I've not had an ablation, but my ejection fraction was measured at 9 after a heart attack two years ago. It has gradually recovered and I'm delighted to be mid forties now. (Generally if you are below 35 they'll want to implant a device). I feel that it is still improving but probably won't get to 55+ as there's some irreparable damage. So, yes, the heart can repair itself and get stronger to some extent.

[Turquoise19 in reply to WhitstableWanderer]

Thx for that Peter, golly 9 sounds a bit scary, well done you for pushing yourself through that. Do you also still have AF ?

[WhitstableWanderer in reply to Turquoise19]

Yes, but it's permanent and I really don't notice it. Have some breathlessness walking up hills but play golf two or three times a week and am otherwise asymptomatic. I suspect I had AF for a while before all this kicked off, resulting in a clot forming and doing some damage. Now anticoagulated so hopefully no more dramas.

[Turquoise19 in reply to WhitstableWanderer]

Very good to hear.

[Ppiman]

Your experience (and those numbers...) mirrors mine; and your worries mirror mine. So, I imagine lots of people feel as we do.

I had my ablation (for persistent atrial flutter) on June 9th yet the remaining single most worrying symptom is a weird kind of breathlessness, perhaps like your own? It's as if I need to take a deep breath now and again - even in bed sometimes. I also get tired quickly doing strenuous daily activities, but this is improving and, at times, I foolishly get tricked into thinking I'm almost back to normal. I'm far from that.

Steve

[Turquoise19 in reply to Ppiman]

Yes thanks Steve, my RF ablation for persistent AF, since January, was on 10th July, I am getting the breathlessness when walking, still not yet near my usual fast pace. Pretty much any exertion really, bending down N getting up, if quick (in AF with reduced heart pump function, I was still able to cycle to work 10 miles each way, tho much slower than my pre AF self). Not back to work till next week, but don't feel ready to ride yet.

Be interesting to hear how others have faired N what their post ablation echo or MRI says about their Ejection Fraction, as for me this getting better feels key to recovery.

Good to hear your ability to exert more is improving. I haven't really tried yet. Still in resting mode.

Have to keep tabs on each other over the coming months

Bw

Wendy

[Ppiman]

You’re a month behind me. Those symptoms were exactly mine too - and being just (semi) retired, I didn’t need to worry about work. You might find you need longer off than you think. I couldn’t have gone back so soon - but being older and with flutter, we’ll be different.

Steve

[Turquoise19]

Yes thx Steve let's see how we go. Cycled a couple of miles (slowly) today to meet a couple of friends for coffee N felt better than I was expecting. Would be great for this NSR to last n not need another ablation. Pulse still feels pretty consistent if fainter than pre AF. Guess the stronger beat will come with recovery! I am 54 n was devastated at first getting this diagnosis.

Will look out for how you're doing in the coming weeks. Back to work for me Monday, just as I'm well enough to enjoy the gardening leave, in the garden!.

Bw Wendy