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Advice about Pulmonary Vein Ablation and alcohol use
Hi, my husband was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation back in December 2025. He had a cardioversion, which worked on the day, but reverted after about 2 weeks. He continued to suffer from breathlessness and extreme fatigue (nodding off while sitting at his work desk, etc.). He is also a type 2 diabetic. He struggles to take his medication, and has only begun taking them with somewhat regularity over the past 2 weeks. He is due to go in for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation on Monday, 20th April, and my biggest worry is that my husband drinks excessively; he would drink approximately every night 6-8 pints. He would never admit to consuming this amount, but he has been doing this for 20 years, because he functions in work (until recently, that is) he doesn’t think it’s an issue. I worry that they will not do any pre-surgery tests that would show this. He is due in on the day of, and just got a note to fast the night before, etc. Is it very dangerous to have an operation where you are fully under and to be drinking so much more or less right up to it? Not sure what to do, and I worry about the complications afterwards, especially if he goes right back to doing what he always does. I have tried talking to him about it, but he is in denial about his health and thinks everything will be A OK after the procedure!! I know all of this is a car crash waiting to happen, but I just need some advice or words of enlightenment from people who have gone through this. Thanks
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Alcohol is a major trigger for Afib and flutter. Having an ablation without stopping drinking is a waste of time. Does his Dr. know? Maybe a one on one with the Doc will wise him up.
I don't know if the EP knows of his diabetes, but fasting might present a serious challenge for your husband. I'm no medical expert, but my EP wanted all sorts of diagnostics before he even met me. He wanted to rule out anything that might confound his efforts or compromise my health even further, and this meant multiple tests and imaging. You MUST ensure his EP knows everything about him.
I am sorry, and you must be frustrated and disappointed, that your husband downplays his alcohol consumption. I would guess it works fully against any efforts by his medical team to improve his chances of living longer. Again, I'm nothing close to a medical professional, but I would bet a lot of money alcohol counselors everywhere would insist to your husband, if asked, that he is an alcoholic. At the very least he is emotionally dependent on it.
@gloaming thank you I agree with what you are saying I am so frustrated and sad he won’t listen to anyone. Thank you for taking the time to answer me so much appreciated
@labexperiment his doctor doesn’t know he down plays it even to himself unfortunately. He promises he will cut back but never seems to happen. Thank you for taking the time to answer me it’s much appreciated
@eolcorbett It's SOP to obtain pre op labs , CBC, fasting glucose and basic chem panel. This will show his fasting glucose which is elevated in diabetes especially if uncontrolled.