What is the connection between AFib and atrial ectopics? Does PVI ablation prevent some ectopics from occurring?

[James_j]

I was of the understanding that it’s the atrial ectopics coming from the pulmonary veins which can trigger paroxysmal AF. I certainly feel that when my AFib gets triggered it always starts with a bunch of ectopics. This leads me to also question whether having a pulmonary vein isolation ablation procedure would at least reduce a percentage of atrial ectopic burden if they were starting from the PV, given the ablation seems to encircle the vein. When I’ve tried to query the cardiologist on this I get shut down quite quickly for suggesting it might reduce atrial ectopics. Any info on this would be appreciated.

[deniseinmilden]

Hi James!

I'm afraid I don't know at all but would love to hear other's views and answers.

I don't have Afib but do get spells of Haye Block and they too come with an increased number of PVCs and PACs.

I've also heard other people say that they get an increase in either/both ectopics before and around whatever arrhythmia episodes they experience.

It could mean that your experience is directly related or perhaps ectopics may just be our hearts giving us a warning sign of an impending electrical anomaly and maybe ectopics aren't "to be ignored" as much as we are all told - even if they themselves are a benign phenomena?

I too have experience of cardiologists not wanting to openly discuss things with me and I tend to view them as "power nuts" and I don't trust them! It leaves me wondering if they really don't know what they're talking about or if they just won't talk to you about it because they think your ideas are beneath their dignity. Either way it is unpleasant!

[jimpiggott]

Hi James, i think perhaps you're getting no joy over PVI Ablation questions because its not used to prevent flutters, but A-fib. I know one follows the other but you are correct on how the ablation works . I have had three, but my heart heals without scarring so that is no longer an option for me. Ablations are serious procedures so unless you have quite regular PAF your cardiologist might not think it appropriate yet.