Ablation

[Prince123456]

Hi. I have been taking Flecainide for 10 days now 50mg twice daily for PVCs and none sustained runs of VT. They haven’t worked has much than I thought they would. My EP said if the Flecainide don’t work then I could have an ablation. I was just wondering what the odds are if the ablation making my PVCs worse ?

[BobD Volunteer]

I presume that you mean your EP has said he will do an ablation for AF? Ectopics do not usuallty respond to ablation nor is it often offered as ectopic beats are a natural function ofa healthy heart and considereed benign. In fact ectopic activity for a few months post ablation is quite common but usualy responds to slow deep breathing and fades away after a while.

[Chrissy7 in reply to BobD]

… I have had PVCs or “extra beat” since my 30s .., learned eventually to ignore it as it’s a quick “thump thump” in my chest and sometimes feel it in my neck (carotid artery) Bob answered best but besides breathing … drinking ice cold water always helped for me

[Prince123456 in reply to Chrissy7]

Sorry but it’s impossible to ignore my PVCs because mine are too strong and it’s not just a quick thump for me if only they was. some days they are present for hours and occur every 3 beats which becomes very tiring.

[Chrissy7 in reply to Prince123456]

Oh dear. So sorry…

[jwsonoma]

Hey Prince,FYO,

50mg is the usual starting dose for Fledainide. It can be increased to 150mg 2 x day if not or ceasing to work. My Dr. increased it from 50 to 75mg and it stoped most of my VT

[Prince123456 in reply to jwsonoma]

Do you take the Flecainide twice daily ? Do you get any side effects from it ?

[Mabrook in reply to Prince123456]

I have been put on to 100mg Fleicanide twice daily and it has controlled my heart rhythm which has been normal sinus rhythm when checked with my Kardia. However, i do feel a bit dizzy and wobbly on taking this dose in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast and am found myself breathless and weak when walking outside. Is this an acceptable side effect? I have been taking this drug for about 8 weeks and am not due to see the cardiologist for a few weeks more. Can anyone enlighten me as to whether this is ok or should be a lower dose or should be stopped? No GP will comment on this and the health service in the uk is almost at standstill unless an emergency!

[Prince123456 in reply to Mabrook]

Hi for what reason have you been prescribed Flecainide ? What rhythm are they treating you for ?

[Mabrook in reply to Prince123456]

I was having palpitations. I have had paroxymal AF for a few years.