I had my first ablation on November 5th in the Essex Cardiac Centre, after two failed cardioversions in 2019. The EP took me by surprise before the procedure by stating I was lucky to be having it, as it's not normally offered to patients over 70 (I am otherwise healthy 76) as the risks were higher. There seems to be several studies around which have shown benefit to patients up to around the age of 85. After the procedure he told me that it probably could not be repeated (if necessary) and the next option would be a pacemaker.
Has anyone else had this experience, or is this just a matter of personal opinion by the consultant ?
As it happens the procedure appears to have been successful (though early days) as I am back solidly in sinus rhythm after around 18 months of persistent AFib.
My initial impression is that it is going to take a fair time to get back to normal activity levels, certainly after a few days even very limited exercise around the house is difficult.
Appreciate any advice and comment.
All the best
Colin
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Yachtsman
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Firstly if you haven't already read our fact sheet on recovery hearthrhythmaliiance.org/re.... To my knowledge there iss no age bar on ablation. I had my fourth last year for atrial tachyacardia.
A friend had his ablation at 76 with a touch-up two years later, so it might just be the consultant's private view. If you are otherwise healthy, it might be an idea to remember that you can get a second opinion - should you ever need it.
Don't know where you are Yachtsman but I had the same comment. I did have a cardioversion earlier this year & my heart nurse told me she supported my procedure as I was a 'young' 74. Unfortunately it only lasted a couple of days and the cardiologist has told me I am not suitable for further CV or ablation. It's a bugger as if I can't get vast improvement with my breathing I'm going to have to sell my beloved boat
I have just had my third in September at the age of 70 and been told a pace and Ablate is the next step but that is due to the fact that this hasn’t worked and it’s the next option. I can see you had yours at the Essex heart centre. I had mine at Barts and have met people from all over Essex there so that might be an option if you can.
Sounds like personal opinion to me. When I was diagnosed five years ago I was told that age is no barrier to an ablation (I am in London and was under Hammersmith Hospital at the time).
Hi - @ the time who was your EP @ HAmmersmith.. interested as now need ablation + Hammersmith sounds like the place[ re west london] been trying to see someone there or charing cross - but they all seem to be 'resting' at present thks
I honestly can't remember, as I never actually met the EP. I was part of the AVATAR trial which was investigating different techniques in treating AF patients, and although I saw some of the cardiac team, all they could tell me was if I was selected for an ablation, one of the EPs or his team would do it. I decided I wasn't nearly bad enough and withdrew from the trial. Sorry you are having difficulty.
I am 82 years old.my specialist asked me last week if I wanted him to refer me for an ablation.
I have had two ablations 16 years ago which were with the help of medication successful.Recently I have been in and out of A/Fib I am now trying Amiordarone, at the moment it appears to be working(but early days yet) I don't want to stay on this drug but advised to try in order to settle the episodes down then look at other medication or ablation.that is at my age.
I am 77 next birthday and have just had a telephone call from my cardiologist/EP who wants to do another ablation. However, he did say that as it was a left side that it was more risky due to heart attack, stroke or a bleed in the p???? as a more difficult procedure. . Another cardiologist wanted to do a pacemaker, but they are both of different opinions. As I have atrial fibrillation and flutter and attacks of extremely high tachycardia, I am now worried about what to do? The consultant who thinks the ablation is best has put me for an appointment in 6 months so that I can think about it, by that time I will be 77 so I don't THINK age really comes into it unless one has other underlying medical problems. I also had brain tumour surgery nearly 4 years ago, but he is still willing to do the ablation. Good luck.
I am now a week in, and have come off all AFib medication bar the anti coagulant. This was done on the advice of my EP consultant at the Essex Heart Centre. I had become bradycardic with the BetaBlocker they prescribed after the ablation. Off the meds I now have solid sinus rhythm, resting pulse of 60/65 and a resting BP of around 125/75.
On the face of it the ablation has been very successful, though obviously very early days and I am being very careful not to overdo it.
Thanks BobD the information leaflet is a great resource, and actually better in my view than the advice notes handed out by the hospital.
probably depends on Docs. Profes. opinion plus local funding if i t is being done on the NHS.I am also inclined to think that pressure on the local NHS system plays a part.A friends mother was refused a cataract op. when aged c 93. But her daughter pushed for it and it happened. Her ma was in very good nick and died at100.
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