Atrial Flutter

[6769stao]

I was first diagnosed with atrial flutter in November 2019 (Pulse 140+ bpm). Since then I have had 1. a no. of different medications prescribed without effect 2. a cardio version procedure (twice), accompanied by another change in medication, which did partially solve my problem in that my pulse was reduced to 40+ bpm and 3. an ablation procedure, on March1'20, which allowed me to discontinue the drug amiodarone. However, my pulse is still 40 + (on occasion 50+) and as a result I still experience shortness of breath and dizziness, particularly when climbing stairs or rising from a sitting position.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[BobD Volunteer]

The amiodarone will take months to leach out of your body so may well be still having an effect.

[6769stao in reply to BobD]

Many thanks for your speedy response!

[pablojack]

I had similar results after a cardioversion in 2017. Low bpm, c 46, but no symptoms, breathlessness etc. My cardiologist opined that he did not expect my resting bpm to increase to the previous 65/70. I do not know why he said that. However, today, I have the same low heart rate and continue without symptoms. No medication. It seems that treatment is entirely driven by symptoms and not data. Not necessarily a bad thing. Clearly not everything is understood or communicated about this condition. All you can do is to address your own symptoms and/or seek a second opinion.

[6769stao in reply to pablojack]

Many thanks.

[Ppiman]

Hi - bad luck, eh? I had my ablation for persistent atrial flutter last June and it took a very long time for the feeling of light-headedness and even slight breathlessness to go away. I've also now come to accept that the physical effects of anxiety added a good deal to the feelings I got and I can't easily separate the two to say what was what.

Have you had any tests since your ablation? I was given a cardiac stress MRI in August to look for what might be causing the problems but it came back entirely normal. The relief that gave me was enormous, I have to say, and now I tend to be much less worried about most symptoms - although ectopics still stop me in my tracks for a brief moment when they happen.

Steve

[6769stao in reply to Ppiman]

Hi Steve, Haven't had any tests yet since my ablation. Intend calling my surgeon this week to discuss my situation. Many thanks for your feedback.

[Palpman]

I would suggest you have an ECG done and check for heart block. There could be a delay due to ablation scarring on the AV signal.

You will see an increase in the PR interval. Normal would be about 200ms.

[6769stao in reply to Palpman]

Many thanks for your advice.

[Palpman in reply to 6769stao]

To expand more. If the signal from the sinus node in the Atrium gets delayed at the AV node or lower down in the bundle branch then you may have heart block or left bundle branch block (lbbb). This is not life threatening and if serious it can be overcome by procedures.

The P wave is caused by the Atrials action and the R wave (QRS) will be the action of the ventricles. This sequence is the PR interval. Also known as the PQ interval.

[6769stao in reply to Palpman]

Many thanks again. Only wish I had found this site sooner --- great source of info!

[flecathletics]

I had a flutter ablation in March 2019 and it took many weeks before things settled down - have patience, it takes time for your body to recover.

[6769stao in reply to flecathletics]

Many thanks for your feedback. Somewhat reassuring.

[sandoval22]

Are you in the UK? I ask because 2 CV's and an ablation in 5 months seems amazing. I waited 8 months for an ablation in London in March just gone but I'm sure my breathlessness comes from the beta blockers rather than the ablation.

[6769stao in reply to sandoval22]

I live in Canada. Many thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

[cuore in reply to 6769stao]

Where in Canada do you live because near Vancouver,B.C.it would take me a year to an ablation which would have mean I would have been in long-standing persistent?