Diagnosed with afib, enlarged heart and possible angina. First consult with cardiologist was three weeks ago and he informed me that I could not have ablation because I have an left atrial enlargement....he said it would not work. In letter send to me after consult in addition to the left atrial enlargement it states that there is possible evidence of right atrial enlargement.
Day after seeing cardiologist ended up being admitted to hospital for 3 days by ambulance. ECG carried out by paramedics reads:
ABNORMAL ECG:
1 SINUS rhythm
2 Possible left atrial abnormality
3 Possible interpersonal infarct - age undetermined
4 Tall T waves - consider acute ischemia or hyperplasia
Have not got a clue what these readings mean but bottom line is, this cardiologist also told me that I was unsuitable for ablation. Basically the ECG reading above were all down to AFib.
Needless to say, but I am devastated not being able to have ablation. Has anyone had an ablation who is diagnosed with an enlarged heart? Was it successful?
If need be I will go private because I cannot tolerate side effects of medications. There has be some other options besides medications.
Really would appreciate some feedback on this post.
Thank you
Have a rewarding day
Written by
DizzyD
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Unfortunately I cannot answer your two questions re an ablation on an enlarged left atrium. However I thought I would contact you as I am in a similar boat.
I am in afib and my cardiologist has told me a left atrial ablation is not feasible due to my enlarged left atrium. I have had one before but since then my left atrium has increased in size and the cardio team will not perform a second LA ablation due to this increase in size.
My message is more in response to your statement to your statement "I cannot tolerate side effects of medications" - I can totally understand this, mine knock me around too and when combined with afib symptoms, I sometimes don't know whether I am coming or going!
However I am currently awaiting a date for an AV Node ablation. My cardiologist sees this as the next step (my sinus rhythm lasted only 10 days after a cardioversion) given that I cannot have a LA ablation.
Has the possibility of an AV node ablation been discussed with you? If not, I suggest raising it with your cardiologist.
Keep in mind, it's a non-reversible procedure. You will be dependent on a pacemaker for life. However I have heard and read good things about it, especially in the reduction of afib symptoms. I also believe you MAY be able to come off some meds post procedure, although you should check that with your cardiologist.
I wish you the best of luck with whatever course you take.
Ohhh thank you John you have cast some light into my life and given me hope. To think it maybe possible to have AV Node ablation. At present I am waiting to have coronary CT scan via NHS cardiologist but have no idea how long the wait will be. In the meantime, before reading your most welcome reply, I have already contacted one private cardiologist in London because I was thinking, in my naive state, that a pacemaker might help with AFib episodes that are getting more regular and longer lasting. Low and behold you mention the same procedure. EUREKA! I would sooner be dependent on a pacemaker for life rather than medications.
I am correct in assuming that AV Node ablation is actually pacemaker procedure.
I sincerely hope you get your procedure soon.
Being in a very similar situation to you I hope it's ok to ask If you will keep up updated on your progress?
Of course! I will be more than happy to keep you up to date on my progress.
And good luck to you with your private cardiologist and with the scan too!
Regarding the procedure, from what I have read it occurs in two parts, generally the pacemaker is implanted first and then there is a wait to ensure recovery from that and that the leads from the device to your heart are OK. Then they will do the ablation and turn on the pacemaker during that procedure. I am unsure of how long between each procedure, a few days maybe but I have read about both procedures being done at the same time, although I feel that is the exception. It probably depends on the individual.
Fortunately for me, I already have a device implanted. Its function is as a defibrillator but it does have pacemaker functionality which can be activated without surgery. The devices have wireless connectivity and a trained nurse with appropriate equipment can fine tune the settings of your device remotely. I believe that this is done frequently post AV node ablation as they work out the best settings for the individual once the pacemaker is working.
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