Post ablation

[Thomas29]

I had a cardiac ablation 2 days for PAfib . I’m feeling well and was told the procedure went smoothly. I had thought that after the procedure I would gradually reduce the medication over a period of perhaps 3 months or so. Instead I’ve been told to take the same dosage as before for 3 months and then an ecg … and then a review at that point but that I may have to stay on all or some of my medication. I take 200 mg Flecainide plus blood thinner.

My reasoning for having the ablation was to get off all meds at some point but have I misunderstood this?

Would be grateful for any options on this.

[BobD Volunteer]

It is common to continue drugs for three months to allow the heart to heal in a peaceful environment. As far as anticoagulants are concerened stopping is ill advised if you required them prior to the ablation (Chadsvasc score requirement) as there is no data to show that even scucessful ablation removes stroke risk.

If you only started anticoagulants for the purpose of the ablation and recovery it may be permitted to stop.

In case you haven't read it have a look at this.

heartrhythmalliance.org/res....

[Ppiman]

I was told to come off my medication a week after my ablation, but that was for atrial flutter, so not quite the same, as there is no "blanking period" with that. However, within a week, I'd had a bad episode of AF so I was stared back on bisoprolol for a short time. I think, following AF ablation, doctors like to keep the heart well protected for three months after the procedure and then review matters - which seems to be what is happening to you.

Steve

[belindalore]

It takes some people longer to heal. Hang in there. 🙏

[KMRobbo]

I stopped on the drugs until the 3 month EP review. I actually stopped the flecainide a few weeks before the review presumably so if I went back into AFIB the review would be next steps rather than "you are fine".

[Jajarunner]

Each time I have been told to try and reduce them after three months.

[Magson]

First of all I would be very surprised if your medical team advised you to drop the anticoagulant as anyone with a history of AF tends to be permanently on these meds. Secondly, your medical team may recommend stopping Flecainide at 3 months after ablation. I was able to reduce Flecainide to a half dose 6 weeks after ablation and stopped it after 12 weeks. I am still on Rivoraxaban. Listen to your consultant.