Ablation for Afib

It has to do with the 'bioavailability' of the drug at any one time, like when you could use its intended effects during or after a tachyarrhythmia like AF. The half-life of apixaban, with some variance between individuals, is approximately 12 hours. So, after the first 12 hours, about 50% of the active drug remains unmetabolized by your liver and is circulating and able to perform its function of delaying clotting. But you need a certain amount of it to be effective, and that is why your next dose comes at the 12 hour mark. When you take the second pill, you have full protection within about 45 minutes. This strategy provides the maximum benefit. The lesser dose you are inquiring about is insufficient for the blood volume of the typical adult with AF.

I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experience.
I gave me so much encouragement. My procedure is this Friday. I was 69 (female) when I was diagnosed. 70 now. The EPs never told me what to do, they both just presented four choices to me. I hope I am doing the right thing. It was my understanding that the earlier you have the ablasion after the diagnosis the better, before your heart remodels as a result of numerous episodes. Again, thank you for taking the time and care to reply.

Yes, I found that if you are having side effects or have a elevated serum creatinin (impaired kidney functioning) or you are over 80 years old or under 130 pounds, then the dosage can be lowered. I am not 80 yet and I am almost "lean" enough to qualify for a reduced dosage. I am going to ask for a reduced dosage; I don't really feel comfortable on three pretty powerful cardiac medications for the long term. So far, I have been doing well and I don't want to take any more medication than is necessary. Thank you for your input.

Ablation at age 73, had been placed on Eloquis 6 mos prior with first AFib detected occurrence. Actually had an AFib event while on table for ablation so was easy for EP to find spot. I was left on Eloquis after ablation and followed every 6 Los. That EP left Vanderbilt 19 mos later. In 8/23 I have a pacemaker “installed” after stress EKG by new EP. Due to Sick Sinus syndrome and HR failing to respond properly when heart was under physical stress. After Followup visits, I was taken off Eloquis and followed every 12 mos. Both EP gave me a “warm and fuzzy” feeling that their diagnosis was correct for me. My current EP makes me feel that he knows what is best for me “factoring” in all of my variables. Medicine is not an exact science. Finally, when I am prescribed a new med, I do not go and read all of the possible side effects. Just do not want to prejudice my mind. I just try to read my body everyday to monitor possible changes.

My Apple Watch picked up about half of my afib episodes. When it did pick them up I’d been in fib for about an hour. The watch also read my frequent PACs as afib a lot unless I used lead II. To get lead II put the back of the watch on your bare left leg and touch the crown with your right finger. My Kardia over read my PACS as afib a lot too. It is worth learning what your afib looks like on an ecg, especially if you are doing pill in the pocket.

I agree. After watching a couple of videos of ECGs showing AF, it's easy to see it from then on. No discernible P-wave, and the R-to-R intervals are varied in length, not consistent (to within about 45 ms).

Hey @mec151
I am 54, very healthy and active, and am shocked to have had two Afib attacks since May. Both were accompanied by a build up of chest pain for a couple days before the actual Afib events. I went to the ER for both, did not have cardiac conversion, but my heart rate was 155. I am currently on metropolol and eliquis (no stroke, thank you!), and am under the care of a cardiologist. I have had an echocardiogram (2 minimally leaky valves), a CT coronary angiogram (zero heart disease), and am currently wearing a Ziopatch heart rate monitor to determine if I am a candidate for ablation. I absolutely want the ablation so I do not have to go through this discomfort or stress of Afib and will eventually be able to get off the meds. I don't know your story, but my doc is certain I will just need this one ablation and I will be good to go.

If I were you I wouldn’t count on having no more AFIB after ablation. I speak from experience as I had an ablation and less than a month later I had a afib again. I now have pacemaker and am on blood thinner and heart meds. However, I think ablation does work for some. Good luck.

Statistically, she has a 75% probability of a successful ablation. Approximately 25% of all index ablations fail. The solution, in most cases, is a simple redo. The probability of success for second and subsequent ablations runs approximately 85%. So, the odds are in most people's favour.

Dear Lovelielovie (I love that name). I am scheduled for an ablation on 9/11/25. I am anxious about the procedure but am very encouraged by your confidence, I too hope that an ablation will resolve the AFib. I am having my CT scan on 8/27/25. Fingers crossed. Wishing you a great outcome.