Post Ablation Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) and Skipping Beats

[Lonelytraveller]

Hey All!

My quick resume follows;

Diagnosed in June 2020 with Afib. Had some but relatively mild symptoms. I was on metoprolol and propafenon for over a year. At one follow up visit, a doctor decided to cut the medication and I was medication free for a year. Then during another 6-month follow up I was Afib on ECG and both left and right atrium dilated (enlarged) on echocardiogram. Quite a shock as the electrophysiologist implied that through the medication phase I lost quite some time and chances of full recovery diminished! No time to lose, I was ablated for Afib and flutter in May24, 2022. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for right atrium (for flutter) and Cryo PVI ablation for the left atrium. I am on anticoagulant and bisoprolol (decreases the beat). Still in the blanking period with some post ablation issues. Will follow up in 2 months. By the way I am only 44, male, fit, have been tobacco &alcohol free and have taken Afib seriously all along.

A couple of issues I would appreciate comments on ,

I had my first post-ablation arrhythmia on day +5, I know no big deal and it should be that way, but now 3 weeks out my pulse stared skipping beats, I never had skipping beats before, now it is like this : 4-5 normal beats then a pause and a strong beat, comes usually at night with shortness of breath and stays for hours well into the day. Is this a phase of healing ? Or an early recurrence of Afib?

Second issue, I think I have shortness of breath and some tied throat more than what should be expected, almost a month after the ablation now, it is even more than pre-ablation. It gets worse once the skipping beats (PVC s , VESs ?) emerge. I assume it may be due to inflammation and smth temporary. Did not read from others on issues of post ablation shortness of breath. Anyone with similar condition?

Thank you for reading this long and your comment is appreciated.

[Bailey2004]

Hi, I’m a 48 year old female, diagnosed with Afib in Mar 2020 and now at 8 week mark post ablation. I started having skipped beats around the 3-4 week mark and I’m still getting them now. I’m still tiring very easily and some days after just 5 mins exercising on bike, I’m exhausted and sweating. Extremely frustrating and was hoping I’d feel a lot better by now. Still getting 2-3 Afib episodes a week, some last just 5-10 mins and another lasted 4 hours. On all meds still till end Jun then come off 2 weeks before my 3 month check up. I’m assuming this is all still as expected during the blanking period. Interested to hear other replies on this. Also don’t smoke or drink and have no other issues. Hang in there 😊

[Lonelytraveller in reply to Bailey2004]

Hi Bailey, thank you for posting this. It seems we are running in tandem and what you have told completes what I have not told, tiring, sweating, etc. I hope it is what it should be. Hanging in there

[Sal55 in reply to Bailey2004]

hi i had my heat ablation just under 6 weeks, my pulse also started to skip3-4 weeks post which i found strange. Tired easily when walking for extended time. Taking flecainide and metoprolol. One thing i’ve noticed too is the increased urination, not sure if its meds related

[Lonelytraveller in reply to Sal55]

hi I wish you a quick recovery. I recommend you read my other posts to see my progress that I think would suggest you a perspective.

[JKJLH]

Hi there,

I have a different condition, ventricular tachycardia.

I had my ablation May 2021, the symptoms you are experiencing were similar to some of mine, although I went tachycardic rather then afib. Breathlessness, fatigue, strong heartbeat etc. Three-four months post ablation is the most challenging, so take things easy and be kind to yourself. You have plenty of time to regain fitness.

Due to mine being exercise induced VT, I was off exercise for 12,months - just introducing exercise gradually now.

I would always speak to the cardiac rhythm team if you are concerned, they will know your condition better.

A year on, off all meds, building up fitness but still experiencing ectopics, 10 over 24 hours, which is within the range of normal.

Mine was a long recovery, with blips along the way, but I think that was also my body’s and heart’s response to drugs and treatment.

Be reassured, you will get there - I am also mid 40s, always been healthy and fit, active life of running, cycling, climbing etc. I completely get how you feel.

You will get there, you’ll have good and bad days - it’s frustrating and upsetting at times but keep positive.

Take care

[Lonelytraveller in reply to JKJLH]

Thank you so much Jkjlh, so encouraging and positive remarks. I trust I get there. Take care you too.

[JKJLH]

You will get there. Take care too.

[TracyAdmin Partner ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Hi there and welcome to the group! If you would like to visit the AF Association webpage: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... You will find helpful tips and advice on AF, treatment options including recovering from an ablation. You may also be interested in joining the AF Association Community on HealthUnlocked too.

[Lilypocket]

HelloYou may possibly have a little liquid round the heart ( my current situation). I felt OK but because I am having many different arrythmias post ablation I had an echocardiogram. That's when the cardiologist discovered it. Perhaps get that checked and ruled out and cut back on your exercise for the time being. I have been put on water pills for a few days.

Take care