Catheter ablation for atrial tachycardia

[Skippy_h]

Hello, can anyone tell me of their experience of catheter ablation for atrial tachycardia in either the left or right atriums? I can't seem to find much online about it (apart from those who have had ablation for a-fib)? Also, I would be really grateful for any information anyone has relating to catheter ablation for under 25s/30s. Thank you!

[Georgia1989]

Hi, I just recently had an unsuccessful ablation for atrial tachycardia, my EP had to give up after 4 hours as the Arrythmia was coming from to close to my phrenic nerve in my right atrium. I was 30 when I had the ablation 3 months ago. After the failed ablation my EP prescribed me Flecainide which has some bad side effects and there's a chance it can be damaging I am however getting used to those side effects now but don't really want to be on the meds long term but at the same time ive had very few symptoms the odd ectopic beat here and there. Are you thinking of going forward and having an ablation?

[Skippy_h in reply to Georgia1989]

Hi Georgia1989, I'm sorry to hear that your ablation was unsuccessful. Funnily enough I had a telephone call from my EPs secretary last week to let me know that they had booked in a date for my ablation which will hopefully happen on the 9th February. I have been on and off different medications for around 5 years now, but it seems that I either can't handle the side effects or my tolerance increases so they have to keep increasing the dosage. Flecainide was the first medication they prescribed me with in 2015 when I was 20 and I just couldn't handle the side effects. They then prescribed me Verapamil which was fine and did help with the symptoms for a few weeks but then became less effective. It also gave me terrible face flushing and made me feel a bit 'spaced out' for an hour or so after taking them. I am now on Bisoprolol which has probably been the medication with the least side effects, but they've had to up my dosage twice in a matter of 7/8 months as it's becoming less and less effective in controlling my heart rhythm/pace. I'm hoping that the ablation will somehow fix me but I know it's not as simple as that! How have you found the whole experience of having atrial tachycardia - was it only recently that you were diagnosed? x

[Georgia1989 in reply to Skippy_h]

Hi Skippy_H, My Arrythmia journey started about 3 years ago when all of a sudden my heart rate shot up, my partner rang the paramedic and by the time they arrived my heart was 190 BPM as this had not happened to this extent before it was so scary. The paramedic suggested SVT after that these episodes became more frequent and I had to wear a holter monitor for a week after my EP received the results he pinpointed the Arrythmia to AT and I too was prescribed Bisoprolol which as you said has little side effects but wasn't that effective which is why I opted for the ablation and even know it was unsuccessful at least I tried i suppose. At first the whole experience really affected my mental health but as time goes on I'm starting to realise that this Arrythmia is not life threatening and is more annoying than anything else. I have a call with my EP tomorrow so I am going to ask him about Pill in the pocket Flecanide so you only take it when you have an AT episode. My heart is always above 90 BPM even on the flecanide. How is your resting BPM or is it the episode that affect you more? I really hope your abaltion goes well and I wish you the best of luck! x