Diltiazem and ablation

[SuziElley]

Given that I have some fluid retention and I think it's caused by the Diltiazem, I'm going for an ablation next week so should I wait until then to speak the cardiology team or contact someone now? Also, what are the chances I'll be able to discontinue it post ablation?

[BobD Volunteer]

I would not recommend that you do anything without discussing it with your medical team. Regarding stopping of drugs post ablation this may depend on how well your recovery goes over the next three to six months. Most EPs prefer to keep patients on treatment to allow the heart to recover in peace. Don't forget to read the fact sheets on preparing for and recovery from ablation . heartrhythmalliance.org/res... and heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

[stoneyrosed in reply to BobD]

That’s interesting you say that Bob. For three weeks since my ablation my heart was bobbing along nicely at around 60-62 bpm but in the last 4-5 days it has gone down to 53-55 bpm and so I am getting breathless if I take a walk. I emailed my cardiac nurse who says “ Nothing to be concerned about carry on as normal with the meds”. Is it the beta blocker that is lowering my bpm and the cardiac nurse is not concerned because the heart is still resetting itself? Slightly worried about getting out of breath I was wondering if I could lower my dose?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to stoneyrosed]

I always found that about a month out from any of my ablations was the worst time for breathlessness. Stay positive.

[stoneyrosed in reply to BobD]

I will thanks Bob

[baba]

Contact someone now

[stoneyrosed]

Just realised I may have hijacked your post with a message to Bob, pls accept my apologies.

[cuore]

I have found that there is a co-relation between the time in persistent pre ablation and the chances of stopping drugs after ablation. So, it appears that if one was paroxysmal pre-ablation, the chances are high to stop drugs after ablation. If one has been persistent for a long time, the chances are low.

In my case, I have tried to stop my drug twice after my third ablation (I was persistent 6 months before my first ablation). This last time in trying to stop, I have gone persistent now needing a cardioversion whereby I will be in day 33 persistent. (I have nine more days to wait). Heaven knows what damage I have now done to my heart while waiting.

The above observation refers to a rhythm control drug, not a rate that you are on. Your chances of stopping a rate may be much higher since it is rate. I am not an MD. You might want to sort out your drug regime before the ablation although your EP may reserve comment until after he has been in your heart.

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