Atrial fibrillation ablation

[Truckerclark]

Just a question on Ablation and whether it’s post code lotto or indeed we are all the same ,,,,does your hospital require you to be a certain weight to have this done , saying more chance of it working ,,,,

[Hidden]

I see you are from the UK. Due to the Coronavirus, it appears there are significant delays for all forms of treatment and ablations are no exception. We are also hearing that hospitals are reluctant to perform ablations on folks who are obese as they are less likely to be successful and we know that making lifestyle changes can make a big difference to outcomes.

[Truckerclark in reply to Hidden]

Yes seems that way , I’ve git time to sort weight out anyway as waiting list is rather high here in Glasgow ,

[pottypete1]

It is pretty certain lifestyle has an effect on the frequency of AF.

I agree that availability varies significantly throughout the UK as does the approach of each Health Authority to the importance of providing Ablations as a solution to AF.

I think that it is important to give the EP Doctor the best chance of success therefore lifestyle change analysis should be the fIrst action to take.

Pete

[Truckerclark in reply to pottypete1]

Yes I think your right it seems bit of difference over each health authorities but I’ll get weight down and give it best chance

[pottypete1 in reply to Truckerclark]

That is good news.

I have had a number of ablations. Although I was not overweight myself I decided I must give the EP the best chance of success, from the last two ablations I gave up alcohol even though I was not a big drinker. I also tried to get fitter and did more exercise.

I think we owe it to the doctors to do our bit to help them help us.

Pete

[Truckerclark in reply to pottypete1]

Yes I agree but having this for nearly 20 years and bad Asthma it’s difficult to keep at a good overall weight and Heath ,,,,,not an excuse believe me ,,,, but to help myself & docs I’ll be giving it my best , thanks

[pottypete1 in reply to Truckerclark]

Yes it is very difficult to keep fit and reduce weight if you have underlying health issues. I have Bradycardia these days and it means that when I go for a walk, if the road inclines my wife leaves me standing and has to keep waiting for me. Aerobic exercise is what is required but not all of us are capable of doing this.

Diet can help so have a look at a low carb diet perhaps, obviously after consultation with your doctors.

Pete

[Truckerclark in reply to pottypete1]

Yes I’m the same mostly erratic heart beats and some bradycardia as my meds keep my heart rate lower ,,,, but they would rather it there than too high ,,,I’ve got a link monitor implant in chest too so they keep eye on me that way ,,,,same as yiu I walk slow and feel have to stop a lot to get heading cleared as it gets light headed sometimes ,

[BobD Volunteer]

Moore and more efffort is being diverted to encourage people with AF who are obese or over weight to address that matter before potentially wasting the efforts of valuable EP teams . The Legacy Trials in Australia showed that changes in life style and in particular a move to a BMI of 25 or less either greatly reduced AF burden or in many cases removed the need for ablation at all.

Whilst it cannot be denied that there are racing snakes with AF, obesity is known to hinder treatment and render ablation less successful.

[Truckerclark in reply to BobD]

It’ll be a while before it’s done here in bonnie Scotland anyway as waiting lists & virus has impacted everything like elsewhere I’m sure so time to get weight off ,,, having it for near 20 years now tablets not so effective now ,and having Asthma some I can’t take , at 60 now it’s weight off and wait see thanks ,,,

[mobrien796]

Just to help reassure if needed, I had Cryo ablation in January at the Golden Jubilee Clydebank and couldn’t fault the support, organisation and professionalism of all the staff. A private hospital that I believe has been gifted over to the NHS with best facilities I’ve been in. Best of wishes with the future.

[Truckerclark in reply to mobrien796]

Thanks I’m glad all went well for you there , I’m sure I’ll be fine once I get to that point , just a matter of time now , ta

[Desanthony]

I haven't had my ablation (should have had one in April but cancelled due to C19) but went to talks given by our cardio nurses on ablation and one of the guys there had been told to lose weight and had lost 3 stones in preparation for his ablation and could do with losing more. I do hope he has managed to do so as I imagine his ablation would also have been cancelled in as mine had.

[Truckerclark in reply to Desanthony]

Here’s hoping it’ll all get back to some normality soon and we can get things done for our health , but like you said weight seems to be an issue , I’ve got 4 stone to lose so onwards and upwards ,

[Desanthony]

All the very best with your efforts to get the weight off. It will be a great help to you I am sure.