← Return to Ablation for Atrial Fibrilation

Discussion

Ablation for Atrial Fibrilation

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: May 12 4:21pm | Replies (30)

Comment receiving replies
@dduwe243

I get the feeling most of the people commenting on this site are 70 or less in age. I am 81 and last year I was diagnosed with Afib. My doctor placed me on Eliquis and referred me to an Electrophysiologist/ cardiologist. I had a TEE to make sure there were no clots. About 2 wks after the TEE and Eliquis, the EP attempted zapping my heart into normal rhythm. It worked for about 20 minutes and then back into Afib! My question is: Because I am 81, going on 82, will a cardiologist attempt an ablation? I have reached a point in my heart problem that I am strongly considering it. Donna

Jump to this post


Replies to "I get the feeling most of the people commenting on this site are 70 or less..."

My father had a TAVR just this past summer. He was 93 when they did it. So, it is an arrangement between you and your consulting physician. You bargain, you present yourself in your best light, and if you're a solid candidate for an ablation or an aortic valve repair, which the TAVR is, you'll get it. If one refuses, find another. My dad was fortunate that the cardiologist doing the gate-keeping/screening for the team that did the actual repair seemed confident in my dad's general health. You're well south of that, dduwe243 (Donna), and if you can do your own banking, walk a mile, cut your own toenails (don't laugh..it's a thing!), and sound the least bit coherent during your screening, I don't see why not.

Seriously, put your best foot forward, and sell yourself. Give 'im the ol' pitch about what an upstanding senior you are, how active you are in your community, and dare to suggest you're quite irreplaceable. You'll win.

I'm 81, and had an ablation at 79 for Tachycardia and occasional AFIB. No hesitation from the EP to do it.
It turns out the ablation was unsuccessful, Now, thanks to metoprolol (25mg/day) + baby aspirin , vagal procedure (as needed), active lifestyle, and Tai Chi, I seem to have it under control. Good luck to you.