Side effects of ablation

[Hammerboy]

Hi I'm 3 weeks post ablation with one short episode of AF ( 90 minutes) after 2 weeks which self resolved and just minor ectopics since

Something that didn't happen after my first ablation in 2019 but oddly has now is my HR has suddenly dropped a bit over the last 2 days . I'm in NSR but where as at rest I'm usually running at about 58-68 BPM it's now low 50's and was down to 49 on and off yesterday.

I don't feel dizzy , maybe a bit lightheaded and mildly fatigued and my BP is normal

I'm just wondering if it's a normal settling down of my heart and a common after effect of an ablation procedure. I'm not on any medication other than an aticiagulant and low dose statin .

[BobD Volunteer]

To me that is odd since most reports suggest HR is raised after ablation. Usually people wih average 70 find they go up to 85 which can last six motnhs before settling down. Just goes to show how different we all are.

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob , I've always been on the low side, generally around 60 BPM on average and I cant tolerate Bisoprolol as it takes me down to mid 40's even at the lowest dose .I'll see how it goes and if it continues longer term I'll contact the arrythmia team for advice .

[Jalia]

I've had 4 ablations and my heart rate was always raised after the first 3. However after my last ablation 13 months ago it was lower, more in the 60s whereas it was in the 80s after the others. It remains lower than it has ever been, sometimes in 50s but more in 60s.

[Hammerboy in reply to Jalia]

So I'm not unusual then 🤣 thanks

[Jalia in reply to Hammerboy]

We can both be unusual 😐😄

[MummyLuv]

My heart rate was low after mini maze, I sat in the 40’s for the first week, then up to 50s for a few weeks now I am 60s when resting and have stayed there. The surgeon wasn’t concerned.

[Hammerboy in reply to MummyLuv]

Thank you that's good to know , it's an odd feeling like I haven't quite woken up or I need a sleep , hope it passes soon .

[MummyLuv in reply to Hammerboy]

If it doesn’t come up in time I’d contact your cardiologist. Hopefully you’ll see it gradually rising until you reach your new equilibrium.

[Hammerboy in reply to MummyLuv]

Will do 👍

[Mitcham]

I've had four ablation and the latest one has sent my he down to 50 I was told the ablation process has been considerably improved over the last couple of years. I assumed this was why my rhr was lower than previously

[Hammerboy in reply to Mitcham]

That's interesting

[Singwell]

I agree with BobD- unusual- keep an eye open and report to arrhythmia nurse about this, sending readings etc. It might be you need a temporary maintenance dose to stabilise your HR whilst your heart is remodeling. I'd say, don't hang about till the weekend- we all know the joys ofA and E at weekends!

[Hammerboy in reply to Singwell]

Bit of an improvement today, it's running at about 60 BPM so I'll see how it goes .Thanks for the advice 👍

[stoneyrosed]

After my second ablation my pulse went down on average to 45-55. I mailed cardio nurse who said that’s fine unless you feel dizzy or pass out. I am nearly 3 month post ablation and it is still low although I am on bisoprolol 2.5 mg. If you feel ok perhaps it is best not to worry about it.

[Hammerboy in reply to stoneyrosed]

Yes I agree it's difficult not to be too concious of little changes once you've had AF so I'm not going to obsess over it Today I'm nearer to normal so I'll see how it goes over the next few weeks. Bisoprolol, even at the lowest dose really brings my HR down so I don't take it anymore .

[4chickens]

Mine is low generally about 60 but after my ablations it was often low 50s and gradually returned to my normal of 60s. Think that’s why I’m finding my present 100+ so difficult to cope with, while I’m waiting for my hybrid convergent minimally invasive procedure. If you don’t feel unwell I wouldn’t worry to much.

[Hammerboy in reply to 4chickens]

Thank you and good luck yourself 🙂

[Tapanac]

Yes after my ablation in 2018 my heart rate dropped to 39 but since then has managed to crawl up to roughly 45-47. Each time I have a GP or hospital appointment they always say oh dear your heart rate very low but nobody seems panicked or do anything Feel ok but lethargic All the best

Pst

[Hammerboy in reply to Tapanac]

Interesting, thank you for that

[Bring-on-the-bird]

I had my second ablation five weeks ago, like you my resting heart rate did not increase and has remained around 56-59 bpm whereas after my first ablation it shot up by 20 bpm before dropping back by 10 bpm. I have not had any bouts of AF since this ablation so fingers crossed. I am still on 2.5mg Bisoprolol as well as Apixaban. One thing I have found is I get very tired and am wondering if reducing my dose of Bisoprolol will help, will have to contact the hospital to see. Bernard

[Hammerboy in reply to Bring-on-the-bird]

Definitely worth considering as Bisoprolol reduces your HR and if like me it's already lowish it leaves you very tired .

[BlueINR]

If you haven't already called your doctor's office to inform him of what's going on with you, do so today.