1. Community
  2. Heart Health
  3. Cardiac Arrhythmias

Have persistent arrhythmia and have been told by Doctor that ablation is very risky. Please advise.

Posted , 4 users are following.

donald85642
donald85642

Doctor also told me that chance of success from ablation is only 40per cent. I  am 74 yrs old, and otherwise in good health with normal blood pressure. I have been taking 80mg of Sotalol hydroxide twice a day and 75mg of aspirin for the last ten yrs and only fairly recently have the attacks become more frequent - about every few weeks rather than at 6mth intervals. I am 6ft 2 in height and 16 and a half stone. Am wondering whether to risk the ablation.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • sarah87793
    sarah87793 donald85642

    Posted

    Hi. What sort of arrhythmia do you have?

    Sarah

    • donald85642
      donald85642 sarah87793

      Posted

      I really don't know. Pulse is not excessive but is very irregular.

      Don

    • sarah87793
      sarah87793 donald85642

      Posted

      It sounds like Atrial Fibrillation. AF is a very common arrhythmia. Are you on any blood thinning medication? Ablation for AF is usually pretty routine. It isn't always as successful as for other forms of arrhythmia vmbit I would say its worth a try if it is really bothering you. There maybe a reason your doctor feels it's too risky but I think you should ask him why or perhaps get a second opinion from someone else. Let us know how you get on. Sarah
  • caroline68835
    caroline68835 donald85642

    Posted

    Both myself and my sister are in our fifties and have had successful ablations. It has made life more comfortable 
  • ann35714
    ann35714 donald85642

    Posted

    Ifyour Dr says its too risky then listen. I have lived with this for 30 years.I am now 63.  If the problem is too near your own pacemaker they won't risk it. Also have you tried Magnesium Citrate that does help.It does ease the beats.Leme know
    • donald85642
      donald85642 ann35714

      Posted

      Thanks for your advice.I don't have a pacemaker and am fairly fit at 74. Pulse is still irregular but have just been for a fast walk for about a mile with no discomfort so can it be that bad? My son is a GP as is his partner and they all give different advice eg. Aspirin is as good as warfarin for preventing strokes or..Consultant No.1...Go on to Warfarin immediately or..Consultant no. 2....Stick with 75mg. Aspirin till you're 80 then go on to Warfarin,,!, Anyway  I shall cut out chocolate and, with enormous difficulty, Cheddar cheese and try your Magnesium Citrate.

      Thanks again and Happy New Year!

      Don

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.