How Long AFIB free after a ablation?

[Cat0420]

I have been parosymal AFIB for 1 year and have managed it primarily with no alcohol and no caffeine. Only had a few episode which lasted short time and resolved on their own or with couple tylenol. Have been having episodes more often recently and wondering if i should consider ablation. It would be nice to have a drink socially once in awhile.

My concern is I see quite a few comments on here that indicate AFIB reoccurring in a year or so. I would appreciate hearing from those of you who have had long term success.

Thanks Cat0420

[mjames1]

Afib ablation in April 2023. Only one short episode in October 2023. Afib free since. Quite happy with the result.

Jim

[Cat0420 in reply to mjames1]

Thank you , hope it continues for you. That it is great news!

[BobD Volunteer]

after three ablations ,2005 ,6 and 8 AF free since.

[Cat0420 in reply to BobD]

Thank you, this is good to know. I have heard some people have had to have multiple ablations. Is there anything different that was done on the final one in 2008? Did your doctor expain how this could happen. I am trying to learn as much as possible before I start down that road.

[secondtry]

Once I had identified the AF and had it diagnosed by the medics, I was offered an ablation with 70% chance of success. This did not sound good enough to me so I turned it down and I was put on a medium dose of Flecainide (200mgs/day), a relatively tried and tested heart drug that primarily controls the rhythm ie the AF but does not have a significant effect on the heart rate.

This, together with many improved lifestyle choices, was successful for 10 years and then earlier this year, I started a different but less intrusive irregular rhythm pattern and a new EP suggested an ablation again quoting 85% chance success with an echocardiogram showing heart is physically fine.

EPs usually recommend an early ablation but I would do lots of homework here and elsewhere to have an informed frank discussion with your trusted medics and include consideration of drugs initially as the ablating procedure is being improved all the time.

[FindingCaradoc]

I had a pulsed field ablation for early persistent AF in September 2022 which has been and remains a success for the time being 🤞 - no AF as far as I am aware 😊

[Buffafly]

Two years before return. Be aware that if you are sensitive to alcohol having an ablation would probably be pointless unless you abstain afterwards as well. I would take secondtry’s advice.

[DKBX]

Over 12 years had six ablations. The first lasted almost seven years, the last five only about a year each. Aging (and death) is a slog but acceptance of the decline is inevitable.

[Palpman in reply to DKBX]

So you have had 6 "successful" ablations.

[Dodie117]

lasted 8years for me. Returned now but much milder than previously.

[Karendeena]

Ablation in March 2024, no episodes since

[RVine3]

Have you and medical team considered a cardioversion first? Sometimes it can be an indication if an ablation will be successful, of course not always. I have not had an ablation yet but had a cardioversion nearly two years ago now and have remained in NSR. When I come out of NSR, I would hope to get a pulse field ablation. I have a friend who had an ablation that lasted less than a year and one whose ablation has lasted seven years so far. Each person is different.