Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a coronary heart situation affecting over 2 million Individuals. So far as arrhythmias go, AFib shouldn’t be solely fairly widespread, it might probably additionally pose some critical well being threats. The irregular, quivering heartbeat related to AFib might be so aggressive at instances that sufferers might 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 identified to extend one’s threat of blood clots, stroke, and coronary heart failure. Study extra about this cardiovascular situation, and discover out why AFib catheter ablation might be the correct selection 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 muscle groups within the coronary heart’s atria to contract irregularly. In flip, these irregular contractions of the atria end in an arrhythmic heartbeat.
AFib episodes might unexpectedly come up and subside after a while. However, the center’s rhythm won’t self-correct. As AFib episodes progress, sufferers really feel signs like coronary heart palpitations, weak spot, and shortness of breath. In excessive instances, sufferers may expertise chest ache or fainting. Drugs, cardioversion, pacemakers, and AFib catheter ablation are widespread 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. Nonetheless, 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 selection when AFib is the results of “sizzling spots.” A sizzling spot describes cells that erratically hearth electrical indicators throughout the atria. Through the ablation, a catheter (lengthy, skinny tube) is guided to the center by way of blood vessels within the groin. This catheter tip is provided with electrodes that may ship radiofrequency power, excessive warmth, or excessive chilly to the tissue. It’s focused on the tissue from which the erratic indicators are growing. 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 shall be ideally suited to catheter ablation. Earlier than recommending the process, an electrophysiologist will take sure well being components under consideration. Examples of those components might embody:
Whether or not the AFib situation is unresponsive to treatment
Whether or not the affected person can’t 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 protected and efficient therapy, however correct affected person preparation is required to make sure optimum outcomes. Listed below 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 vital to seek the advice of together with your physician to find out whether or not you’re a good candidate for the process. Your physician will take into account components comparable to your age, general well being, and medical historical past to find out whether or not catheter ablation is the correct therapy choice for you.
Cease Taking Sure Drugs If Instructed by Your Physician
Some medicines, comparable to blood thinners, might must be stopped earlier than the process to scale back the chance 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
Usually, 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 frame earlier than the process. Your physician will present particular directions relating to how lengthy you need to quick earlier than the process.
Prepare Transportation
Catheter ablation is usually finished beneath sedation or anesthesia, which implies you will be unable to drive your self house after the process. Be certain to rearrange for transportation beforehand so to get house safely.
These steps are vital to make sure that sufferers are correctly ready for an AFib catheter ablation process. Preparation is crucial for minimizing your dangers and rising the chance of a profitable end result. You probably have any questions or considerations about catheter ablation or the preparation course of, do not hesitate to talk together with your physician to seek 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. You probably have been identified with the situation or worry you will 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.