Atrial Tachycardia after Ablation

[Sanpet]

1 week following my PVI ablation, what my EP described as 'typical atrial tachcardia' ocurred, which has now (4 weeks later) become permanent. My HR is between 120 - 130 and will not shift. He says this will need treating with a more straightforward ablation. But I believe this is unlikely until 3 months have passed from the original ablation.

I am still having episodes of AF which are resolved successfully with PIP Flecainide, I accept this is normal during the blanking period.

I would be interested to learn of any experiences anyone has on this subject. For example, will he wait that long to deal with the Tachycardia - I have a 7 day zio monitor at the moment so he can see what's going on. I am concerned about that HR for that long!

As always, any info is much appreciated.

[BobD Volunteer]

yes this happend to me after a couple opf m,y ablations , easily sorted by cardioversion.

[jeanjeannie50]

Yes, this happened to me too, but like Bob I was cardioverted back into sinus rhythm about 4-6 weeks after my third ablation.

How are you feeling?

Jean

[Sanpet in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks both. That's interesting . . . I didn't complicate my post by saying that I had a cardioversion 2 weeks after the ablation which only put me back into NSR for 11 days before the tachycardia returned.My EP is on holiday at the moment, but that's the question I posed to him, and await the reply on his return - what do we do now because I can't have a cardioversion every 2 weeks (!), so how long before you do the right atrium ablation which apparently solves it?

The tachycardia just makes me lacking in energy and tired after any moderate exercise.

Do we think continuous 120 -130 HR for possibly another 2 months is 'ok'? Or is it likely he'll do the 2nd ablation sooner? Is that even possible, medically I wonder?

[dedeottie in reply to Sanpet]

I had a cryoablation for AF then had a re entrant tachycardia which was ablated by RF only 6 weeks after. X

[Sanpet in reply to dedeottie]

Thanks. I have 'typical atrial tachycardia' (typical being the operative word). Interesting that they did a second ablation for yours within only 6 weeks, that's in the right atrium too, so perhaps I may be able to have mine sorted sooner than 3 months - let's see what my EP says.

Peter

[jeanjeannie50]

I've been left at that rate, in the past, for almost 2 months pending a cardioversion. It was hell and I couldn't walk far, so I feel for you. I had words with my cardiologist about it once as he said I never had to wait for a cardioversion, could come in and have it right away. I said no I'd waited almost 2 months and he said "Don't tell me what my staff do". I'd like him to apologise as what I said was true. In fact I could have told him I'd also waited in a hospital bed for almost a week before having one. Cardioversions were run by the AF nurses and a doctor (not him).

My ablations were performed at a different hospital.

I wouldn't want to be left at that rate again for 2 months and hope that you're not.

Jean

[Sanpet in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean, let's see what happens when the Prof returns from hols.

Peter

[pottypete1]

I had Tachycardia’ after my last ablation with rate between 120 & 160bpm.

It took 3 months for them to find a slot for my last ablation (I previously had 5 for AF and 1 for atrial flutter) .

The ablation was a success and in the 6 years since my incidence of AF declined and it is now 18 months nearly since my last episode. A real relief after having PAF for over 30 years.

Pete

[Sanpet in reply to pottypete1]

Sounds similar. I shouldn't have trouble with availability, as private, but it's just when EP thinks is the right time.

Thanks, Peter

[Bell50]

Hi sanpet

that is what happened to me I had my first ablation last November for PAF and was then told I had a flutter which was causing tachycardia my symptoms were worse than before the procedure which I was told this can happen so seven months later I had my second ablation and so far I haven’t had an episode. I was told that this time the EP burnt the bit that was causing the flutter and one had also reconnected from before which was causing the Afib too,I do wish that they would have told me that that could happen as I wasn’t expecting to come out of the hospital feeling worse than before hopefully yours will settle down as that can too.

[Sanpet in reply to Bell50]

Thank you for the reply. That sounds exactly like what is happening/going to happen with me. I just can't imagine having the tachycardia for as long as that, and I am definitely not going to take Amiodarone (thanks for the reply lilypocket).

I am encouraged that others have experienced similar, that's the beauty of this forum!

Peter

[Lilypocket]

Hi

It happened to me . It was quite distressing.

Long story short my cardiologist put me on Amiodarone for 6 weeks with regular checks ( it is a toxic drug). It knocked it on the head plus the Afib that also was present. I am not saying you should do that but it might be worth considering with your Dr after you have tried a cardioversion. When I came off it I stayed in NSR and have now come off all meds.

Good luck!

[DKBX]

Welcome to the club. I’ve had tachycardia after ablations (five of them!) sometimes lasting for a month or more before an intervention could be scheduled. While not ideal, do not be overly concerned. It’ll get resolved. Just stay on the anticoagulant and breathe deeply while repeating the mantra, “it won’t kill me.” Good luck.

[Sanpet in reply to DKBX]

Thanks DKBX, repeat in only 1 month, very encouraging!

[Janith]

I would not allow my heart rate to continue that fast for any length of time. I would fear that this could lead to heart failure. Try to get a private consultation with a cardiologist and get your heart rate down to a near normal number. I have never had an ablation nor would l. What’s the point … l rarely read anything truly good or lasting about that procedure. I have had a cardio version and l loved the procedure. Best, Jan

[Sanpet in reply to Janith]

Thanks for your reply.

I think we're in different camps about ablation; when first diagnosed with AF, I wouldn't even think about having an ablation, but as time went on, my condition worsened and the effectiveness of medication declined. In those circumstances, in my view, Ablation is really the only option if any long term QOL is to be achieved.

I am seeing a very good EP, he just happens to be on holiday, but one of his colleagues has reviewed the HR and not rung any immediate alarm bells, so I'll wait to see what they want to do and when following the results from a 7 day Zio monitor.

Peter

[Janith]

My best to you!