Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a coronary heart situation affecting over 2 million People. So far as arrhythmias go, AFib will not be solely fairly frequent, it could actually additionally pose some critical well being threats. The irregular, quivering heartbeat related to AFib might be so aggressive at instances that sufferers could really feel as if their hearts may leap from their chests. It may be a daunting sensation, however the potential penalties are scarier nonetheless. Solely 33 p.c of AFib sufferers imagine the situation is critical. However, it’s recognized to extend one’s danger of blood clots, stroke, and coronary heart failure. Study extra about this cardiovascular situation, and discover out why AFib catheter ablation might be the best alternative for sure AFib sufferers with Cardiovascular Institute of the South.
What Occurs Throughout AFib?
Throughout AFib, or atrial fibrillation, the center’s higher chambers (atria) beat out of sync with the decrease chambers (ventricles). Erratic electrical indicators trigger the muscular tissues within the coronary heart’s atria to contract irregularly. In flip, these irregular contractions of the atria lead to an arrhythmic heartbeat.
AFib episodes could unexpectedly come up and subside after a while. However, the center’s rhythm may not self-correct. As AFib episodes progress, sufferers really feel signs like coronary heart palpitations, weak point, and shortness of breath. In excessive instances, sufferers may additionally expertise chest ache or fainting. Drugs, cardioversion, pacemakers, and AFib catheter ablation are frequent AFib therapies. These medical interventions are used to handle AFib and regulate a standard coronary heart rhythm.
How Does Catheter Ablation Deal with AFib?
Medicine to assist management the center rhythm is a typical first line of protection in AFib therapy. Nevertheless, some sufferers require extra aggressive therapy based mostly on the severity of their situation, its persistence, and their signs. For these sufferers, an AFib catheter ablation process is a standard therapy technique.
An AFib catheter ablation is a standard alternative when AFib is the results of “sizzling spots.” A sizzling spot describes cells that erratically hearth electrical indicators throughout the atria. In the course of the ablation, a catheter (lengthy, skinny tube) is guided to the center through blood vessels within the groin. This catheter tip is supplied with electrodes that may ship radiofrequency vitality, excessive warmth, or excessive chilly to the tissue. It’s focused on the tissue from which the erratic indicators are creating. The result’s the destruction of problematic cells and the restoration of regular heartbeat rhythm.
Who’s a Candidate for AFib Ablation?
Not all sufferers with AFib will probably be ideally fitted to catheter ablation. Earlier than recommending the process, an electrophysiologist will take sure well being elements into consideration. Examples of those elements could embrace:
Whether or not the AFib situation is unresponsive to treatment
Whether or not the affected person can not tolerate treatment
Whether or not the affected person has suffered coronary heart failure
Whether or not the affected person has lowered ejection fraction (low EF)
Moreover, sufferers who obtain catheter ablation will typically be beneath 80 years of age and have a normal-sized left atrium.
AFib Catheter Ablation Preparation
AFib Catheter ablation is a secure and efficient therapy, however correct affected person preparation is required to make sure optimum outcomes. Listed here are some key steps sufferers can take to arrange for the process.
Seek the advice of With Your Physician
Earlier than present process catheter ablation, it is essential to seek the advice of along with your physician to find out whether or not you’re a good candidate for the process. Your physician will take into account elements similar to your age, total well being, and medical historical past to find out whether or not catheter ablation is the best therapy possibility for you.
Cease Taking Sure Drugs If Instructed by Your Physician
Some medicines, similar to blood thinners, could have to be stopped earlier than the process to cut back the danger of extreme bleeding. Your physician ought to present particular directions relating to which medicines to cease and when to cease taking them.
Quick Earlier than the Process
Normally, sufferers might want to quick for a number of hours earlier than the process. This implies no meals or drink, together with water, for a sure time period earlier than the process. Your physician will present particular directions relating to how lengthy it’s best to quick earlier than the process.
Organize Transportation
Catheter ablation is usually performed beneath sedation or anesthesia, which suggests you won’t be able to drive your self house after the process. Be certain to rearrange for transportation beforehand so as to get house safely.
These steps are essential to make sure that sufferers are correctly ready for an AFib catheter ablation process. Preparation is crucial for minimizing your dangers and rising the probability of a profitable end result. When you’ve got any questions or considerations about catheter ablation or the preparation course of, do not hesitate to talk along with your physician to search out out extra.
AFib Ablation in Louisiana
Cardiovascular Institute of the South is house to a number of extremely certified electrophysiologists. These specialists focus completely on electrical indicators and arrhythmias of the center, together with AFib. When you’ve got been identified with the situation or worry you could have it, contact us to request an appointment. Discover peace of thoughts and world-class medical experience and coverings with Cardiovascular Institute of the South.