I had an ablation for AF in Dec. Since the procedure I have only experienced one short 3 min run of AF, but my heart has been very unsettled over the last five months.
Recently, I've been suffering bouts of tachycardia (140 BPM for a minute or two is about as bad as it gets) at night, which are manageable, but tiring. I also suffer from ectopics (lots of single missed beats and the odd couplet) and my heart rate can be anything from 50 BPM - 90 BPM at rest, which is quite frustrating. Otherwise, I'm in good health.
Has anyone else had similar issues, and how long did it last for?
* I'm currently taking 1.25mg of Bisoprolol and 2 X 50mg Flecainide daily. Although, I'm about to stop the Flecainide.
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John3333333
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Probably nine months to a year. Try the slow deep breathing for the ectopics. 140BPM is typical atrial tachycardia which is not unknown post ablation. If it were persistent then your arrrhythmia nurse might arrange a cardioversion but if only transient try to ignore it.
If you haven't already, I'd try and get a diagnosis on your tachycardia episodes.
Could be atach, flutter, SVT, etc. and depending on what it is, the path forward may be different.
Since the episodes are short lived, if you don't already have one, you might want to get a Kardia device to capture the event and then email it to your ep for analysis and possible treatment.
The tachycardia I experience comes on gradually, then peaks at around 140BPM, so it's unlikely to be atrial flutter or SVT.Maybe you or someone else knows otherwise, but it's my belief that these arrhythmias just start instantly (like flicking on a switch) - does that sound right?
I don't necessarily agree. Only an ecg will tell you what it is. I'm not saying this is something that should concern you and others have pointed out that it's normal during the blanking period, so you could arguably just accept whatever it is as part of the healing process. But if you really want to know what it is, then you will need an ecg from a Kardia device or similar.
You're totally right. If the tachycardia episodes continue and/or worsen, I may invest in a Kardia device. It's highly unlikely I'd capture the rythmn on a 24 HR monitor from the hospital.
John, I am now ~ 18 months post ablation. I turn 60 in August.
The bad thing about AFIB and heart problems (speaking personally) is you notice every skipped, extra, high heart rate, low heart rate etc. especially after the bouts of AFIB that were debilitating before the ablation, trips to the ER etc.
I especially had Heart OCD for the first six months, (I have to admit even a bit to this day, LOL) I bought a smart watch immediately after the ablation and became obsessed with checking every time I had a flutter or miss. I finally hung the watch on the charger about 8 months ago and took the attitude of "this too shall pass, my heart isn't perfect, and it is healing, and it will take time".
You are still in the blanking period. The cardiologist (and many on this site) said six months for healing and "normalization" of my heartbeat. This has been my experience, mine was more like 10 months and during that time I had short bouts of AFIB, ectopic beats, skipped beats and what I would consider weak beats when checking pulse on my arm.
You have just been through MAJOR surgery, at 50 years young. We do not heal the way we did at 26. I still have skipped beats, that are noticeable, flutter and overall arrythmia issues. I have decided that this has not killed me yet, and the racing heart, skipped beats etc. normalize. (It may take a while, but they do.) I decided no point in panic, as that just increases the time it takes to normalize, I slow down on whatever I was doing, drink water (I do my very best to stay hydrated all the time now.) and continue on with my life. You should, of course check in with your doc, but my advice is trying not to focus on every little beat, or miss, or flutter, will help in the long run. I am not a doc, but I can say, been there, done that, got the t-shirt now. Best of luck to you and it will all work out.
Footnote: had my 18 month follow up with my electro cardiologist last week. I asked him about the skipped beats and irregular (fast and slow) heartbeats, he pointed to his assistant and told me "Everybody has issues with those, she probably misses hundreds of beats a day, as do most people, she just goes on with her day, as do I, come see me in a year."
I had an ablation 9 months ago . I had ectopics etc in the first few months after the procedure. I still get the odd few now . They’ve reduced as time as go on .
My heart irregularities do seem to be decreasing in intensity and duration, but, frustratingly, I seem to get a new issue every couple of weeks, too. Hopefully, this is just all part of my healing process. All the best.
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