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Drugs vs Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (58)Comment receiving replies
I had an AFIB ablation @ Duke U. hospital over a year ago. Everything went well until a few days ago when I experienced an all-night occurrence of rapid heart rate. I didn't sleep well but shook it off the next day and went on with the day as usual. Yesterday I woke up with the same experience I took my BP with my home cuff and it showed 157/ 77 and a pulse rate of 95 and indicated an irregular heartbeat. I took my vital info again after about 15 minutes and theBP had gone to 95/70, and my pulse went to 122. Another irregular heartbeat was indicated. I drove myself to an ER about 70 miles away where they did an exam with an ekg which indicated an A-flutter. A heart "shock" was suggested but I turned it down as I was told I couldn't drive home, and my wife has an important medical appointment today. She doesn't drive, I have to take her. My BP is OK today but my pulse is still high. Should I schedule or inquire about ablation for the flutter soon? Or another option>
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@bobbybailey Flutter tends to stay in flutter. So my EP told me (electrophysiologist). You could 'try' a cardioversion...it might work. But it sounds to me like your heart is now electrically disordered and you may be headed for a period where you get a lot of PACs (premature atrial contractions) or AF....atrial fibrillation. They are all kissin' cousins anyway.
I admire you for doing the best for your spouse. Once her needs are met, the most urgent and important ones, you should consult with an EP and see about a catheter ablation. They usually work well for AFL. They are day surgery....in the cath lab waiting room by 0700 typically, home with a driver by about 1700 at the latest, depending on when you're wheeled into the cath lab for your procedure. There will be other patients that day.