Ablation trade off?

[Monomono1234]

I’ve had continuous AF for about 5 years. I’m on pradaxa and had a cardioversion last year that didn’t help. I haven’t been on any AF meds but am scheduled for a catheter ablation in two weeks. I’m still very active and don’t notice the AF much except for some general tiredness. Since ablation destroys some heart cells, I’m afraid it may do more harm than good to my ability to stay active. It seems like destroying part of a large muscle like that would limit its capacity to work well? My cardio doc says he doesn’t know if it will be cryo or electro ablation until he gets into the heart. I’m 58.

[BobD Volunteer]

The burns are very shallow so little actual muscle is damaged. I've had four and still alive though not as active due to much more advancing years and arthritis.

[MummyLuv]

I see you are in the US, perhaps have a look at the wolf mini maze, there are also other surgeons doing mini maze in the US. These tend to be more successful for persistent afib than a catheter ablation.

[KMRobbo]

not medically trained but I had a PVI cryoablation for AFib and a RF ablatoon right Atria for flutter. 12 months on I was running 6 miles on an only slightly slower pace than prior to AFib desp8te beqing older, and that was most likely owing to the fact that I was limiting my max HR considerably because I was now more heart aware! So my view is you wont notice anything. Also you must he aware that being in AFib is not good for your heart especially the atria anyway, so you potentially gain a lot more than you lose!

I was 58 when I had the ablations. Thats 5. 5 years ago

[MikeThePike]

Just be aware that ablation may not permanently cure your AF. It could return afterwards. You may want to consider the mini maze procedure as well. Best wishes.

[Robinson1]

Since you have been in permanent a fib that long, then you need a mini maze. Have you thoroughly checked out your electro, physicist credentials?

[Judylee]

I hope I can be of some help. When I first had Afib about 6 yrs. ago it was constant. I could always feel it 24/7 I was put on Pradaxa 150 2X a day. The only thing that controlled it was Flecainide 50mg 2X a day. I’m on several meds. I’ve never had any procedures. I’m in the US I don’t see my cardiologist very often. You mentioned being tired. I’m always tired but I have MS so it could be from that. Oh, I’m 75. I hope my info. is what you were looking for. Be well!!