Experiencing short runs of irregular beats, 3 months post ablation.

[John3333333]

I've had no AF since my ablation in December, but every night I have short bursts (2 or 3 seconds) of fast, weak beats. They usually consist of 3 or 4 beats in a row, feel similar to AF, but don't persist.

My cardiologist reckons they are ectopic salvos, and has prescribed 50mg Flecainide twice daily with 1.25mg Bisoprolol. This has eliminated all the single ectopics I've been experiencing during the day, but not these frustrating runs at night.

I'm hoping that my heart is still healing from the ablation procedure, and these odd beats will vanish over the next 3 months.

Has anyone had a similar type of heart disturbance?

[Desanthony]

From what I have read on this site that can be expected though I have no experience. Hopefully some one with experience will come along and share their experience with you.

[Babyr1996]

Hi I’m so sorry to hear your being troubled at night with these irregular beats. I do empathise with you. If it is just healing from the ablation it will avert over time. But I was ok for 3 years of which I’m eternally thankful for no blips as I call them at all my heart was at ‘peace’ no raving no irregulars no ectopics no flutters or fibrillation then just before Christmas last it started again I get mine first thing in the morning and oh they are horrible!! At night the minute I lay down it kicks off lots of short runs I try sitting up walking it eases lay down again it starts again. Only a matter of seconds buts lots of short ones I’m told It’s tachycardia with ectopics too. But my recent ECG shows ventricular tachycardia so I’m awaiting a date for another ablation but this time in the lower chamber of my heart which is apparently more dangerous to do higher risk to life. My recent pacemaker check showed Im having a lot of flutters in the atria and ectopics too so I feel like I got at, at all directions and it’s jolly well exhausting!! Im on 50mg flecanaide also daily now but can’t have beta blockers cos of my very low blood pressure

I do hope you feel better soon and keep us posted

[BobD Volunteer]

As we say in our fact sheet on recovery it can take a lot more than three mnths for full recovery. Many of us were still improving at six or nine months.

Ectopics are a constant problem although considered benign and often persist for many months post abltion. They are a good sign of course in that they show the heart trying to go into AF and failing.

[Ppiman]

I think it's a matter of waiting for the healing to be complete. I get similar brief runs of what the cardiologist called "AF like activity" (my ablation was in 2019 but for AFl not AF). They showed up on a MIO patch monitor.

Steve

[Bennera513]

Yep....PVI in October. Ectopic storms but no AF for first 8 weeks, then cleared only to come back when I was push too hard. As I heal (at almost 6 months now) they have miraculously disappeared but I do get small blips,...what I think are couplets or triplets of ectopics (Pac and/or Pvc). Often times they occur at night or in the morning or around Noon. These are times when my system is either ramping up or down or dealing with digestion. All normal metabolic functions but they do impact the autonomic nervous system. My theory is the heart is down or up regulating and spits out a few sputters as it orients and transitions to lower or higher heart rates. Same thing happens in exercise on the way up and in the cool down. Much preferred to AF or full on ectopic storms that go on for 2-4 hours. It would seem you are par for the course. I wouldn't expect your situation today to be the same in a few more weeks. Recovery for me was nothing if not dynamic and constantly changing.

[Rossdkemp]

I’ve had two ablations the last over a year ago now. I continue to get ectopics randomly throughout the day (although some days nothing) but obviously notice them more when I’m sitting or lying down. As long as they don’t go into full blown AF like they did before I suppose that’s a good thing although ectopics can be a little off putting. I’m trying to learn to ignore them but can be easier said than done. I’m just glad that I’ve been able to come off all medication and remain pretty active. It seems to me that there are a real variety of results that come out of ablations that are unique to individuals. As long as your quality of life is better post ablation I guess that’s a win.

[Fortescue]

Hi John, The system sent me a question from you about Bisoprolol but I can't find it on the site. I have had a very good experience with this drug. I am on the minimum dose like you, and it slows the heart effectively and makes me feel 'chilled'. At one point the cardiologist tried the next dose up instead of increasing the Flecainide but it slowed the heart too much. Since then I have had cryoablation and stopped the Flecainide but continued the Bisoprolol. The heart rate is higher post-op but still ok, I don't normally notice it though am careful to monitor it when swimming fast.

I do get the odd little cardiac electro-hiccup during the day, like a missed beat or extra beat, and the occasional flurry of 3-4 beats like you, though it feels like flutter not AF. It doesn't bother me, especially in the context of what others here have experienced post-op. At my follow-up the cardiologist beamed and said he was very happy to hear there was the odd flurry but that it didn't develop, as this means that the pulmonary vein AF has been successfully isolated and the prognosis is good.

We're unlikely to have 'perfect' rhythm ever again, indeed who does, but this is pretty amazing compared with regular AF and increasing doses of Flecainide, as for 15 years before the op. The Bisoprolol chill factor is great, too. Love those clever little molecules. Sun's out too!