Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
"A-Fib.com is a great web site for patients, that is unequaled by anything else out there."
Dr. Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
"Jill and I put you and your work in our prayers every night. What you do to help people through this [A-Fib] process is really incredible."
Jill and Steve Douglas, East Troy, WI
“I really appreciate all the information on your website as it allows me to be a better informed patient and to know what questions to ask my EP.
Faye Spencer, Boise, ID, April 2017
“I think your site has helped a lot of patients.”Dr. Hugh G. Calkins, MD Johns Hopkins,
Baltimore, MD
Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Prevents Recurrence Compared to Drugs
Several recent research trials and studies have demonstrated that up to 94% of patients with Atrial Fibrillation treated with catheter ablation are free from arrhythmia recurrence at one year.
And, with nearly one-half the chance of death, stroke, cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular hospitalization when compared to patients on antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).
In addition, these studies show that catheter ablation could significantly improve patient quality-of-life versus a treatment strategy of drug therapy. (Also, ablation is a more cost-effective option over the long term.)
Recurrences Attributable to Comorbidities (Other Illnesses)
With so many catheter ablations for A-Fib being performed worldwide (some estimate over one million preformed last year), it’s inevitable that anecdotally you’ll hear of people having recurrences.
Comorbidities raise risk of A-Fib recurrence
But recurrences are often attributable to comorbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.
For example, if you come in with sleep apnea, some centers won’t allow you to have a catheter ablation till you get the sleep apnea problem under control, because of the threat of recurrence.
To lower your risk of recurrence after a successful ablation, aim to avoid other health problems. Address your sleep apnea. Lose weight and/or maintain a healthy weight. Stay fit, eat a healthy diet and limit alcohol consumption. These life choices can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes.
Staying in generally good health (and avoiding comorbidities) will lower your risk of recurrence of your A-Fib.
Why Not to Fear Recurrence: Consider a Worst-Case Scenario
For a moment, let’s discuss a worst-case scenario. At age 60 you are diagnosed with Lone A-Fib (no comorbidities) and have a catheter ablation which makes you A-Fib free.
It lasts 10 years. But think. For all those 10 years, you’ve know what a blessing it is being in normal sinus rhythm (NSR).
Then, at age 70, your A-Fib returns. After a short touch-up ablation (which probably filled in some gaps that appeared in the ablation lines), you’re once again A-Fib free. And, you will probably live in normal sinus for the rest of your life.
(This scenario worked out pretty well, don’t you think.) If your A-Fib recurs it’s not the end of the world. You and your doctor will deal with it.
For A-Fib Patients Reluctant About Catheter Ablation
The track record for successful catheter ablation to treat Atrial Fibrillation is impressive. And continues to outperform treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).
While recurrence does happen, it’s mostly after years of living A-Fib free in normal sinus rhythm. If that happens, often it only requires a “touch-up” ablation to get back once again in normal sinus rhythm.
It makes no sense to not have a catheter ablation because of some remote possibility you might have a recurrence!
On a Personal Note
My 21-year Catheter Ablation ‘Warranty’ Ran Out!
My A-Fib returned in Sept. 2018. Recurrence didn’t come as much of a surprise. Back in 1998 my ablation was primitive compared to what EPs are doing today. They actually ablated inside just one of my pulmonary veins (PVs) to eliminate the A-Fib signal source. -> Read how Steve Ryan’s became A-Fib-free again.
