Should I have ablation while symptom-free?

[Bedlington14]

I’ve had PVCs for 5 years. Twice they developed into Ventricular Tachycardia with a heart rate of 177+ and I was hospitalised. I had the choice of medication or an ablation and chose medication because an ablation really frightens me. That was 5 years ago. I have PVCs on and off most of the time but for long periods they can be fine and very quiet although I’ve had a few spells of tachycardia over the years (heart rate 150). Last year I had a very bad time and decided to request an ablation. I now have an appointment on 4th October with my Cardiologist to discuss this but once again I’m problem-free. I don’t know whether to go ahead or not as I’m really worried about the procedure. I’d really appreciate your opinions. Thanks.

[Stumpy47]

During an ablation for SVT a drug is injected to trigger a high heart rate which enables the EP to isolate the area which needs ablating. So you do not need to be in svt .I had an ablation in May for avnrt & have had no episodes since. This may not cure the ectopics though, best discuss it with your EP.

[Bedlington14 in reply to Stumpy47]

Thank you. Hearing positive stories is good. I think I’m going to bite the bullet and go for it.

[Shcldavies]

Go for the ablation, it’s not a pleasant experience but it’s not that bad either. What is bad is living under the cloud of it returning or getting worst. Meds for the condition are not the best as they do have side effects, some can make your condition worst or morph it into another arrhythmia which can be more life threatening. Being human you will always try to find logic in not having an ablation, your heart will tell you one thing, your brain another, my advice is to get it done, take it easy for 6 months after - yes it will take some time to recover properly, and you may well get some funny tachycardia sessions for the first week or so after but it’s well worth it.

[Bedlington14 in reply to Shcldavies]

Thank you. Your reply sums up my feelings exactly - head says one thing, heart something else. I’d be interested to hear your experience of ablation, if you’re willing to share. The nearest I’ve come was when I had an angiogram some years ago. I was very worked up throughout the whole thing.

[Shcldavies in reply to Bedlington14]

Yes, please see my posts on my ablation and recovery, I go into some detail on my ablation. Just click on my photo to see my posts

[Bedlington14 in reply to Shcldavies]

Thanks. I’ll have a look.