Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
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Dr. Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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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
FAQs Understanding A-Fib: Asymptomatic Longstanding Persistent A-Fib
“My EP won’t even try a catheter ablation. My left atrium is over 55mm, and several cardioversions have failed. I am 69 years old, in permanent A-Fib for 15 years, but non-symptomatic. I exercise regularly and have met some self-imposed extreme goals. What more can I do?
As you already know, being in permanent (long-standing persistent) Atrial Fibrillation can cause other long term problems like fibrosis, increased risks of heart failure and dementia. So you are wise to be concerned.
I’m not surprised your electrophysiologist (EP) is reluctant about a catheter ablation. Being asymptomatic with 15 years of long-standing persistent A-Fib and a Left Atrium diameter of 55mm, most EPs wouldn’t recommend or perform a catheter ablation on you.
Drug Therapy Option: Tikosyn
Tikosyn (dofetilide)
Have you tried the newer antiarrhythmic drug Tikosyn (generic name dofetilide)?
Tikosyn was designed for cases like yours. It’s a Class 1A drug that works by blocking the activity of certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
The only inconvenience of Tikosyn drug therapy is you have to be in a hospital for 3 days for observation and to get the dosage right.
Benefits of Activity and Exercise on Your A-Fib
You are truly blessed to be so active and without noticeable symptoms in spite of being in A-Fib. While exercise will not reduce the size of your LA, your activity level may compensate for the lack of pumping of your left atrium. In fact, your ventricles may be acting kind of like a turkey baster sucking blood down from your non-functioning LA before pushing blood out to the rest of your body.
Catheter Ablation and Surgical Options
Catheter ablation: Studies of non-paroxysmal A-Fib have shown that a successful catheter ablation can significantly reduce atrial dilation and improve ejection fraction. But, with your A-Fib being persistent long-standing, this may not apply.
Surgery: A Cox Maze IV surgery may reduce the volume and size of your left atrium while hopefully making you A-Fib free, but surgeons may be reluctant to tackle your case since the success rate is under 80%. A Cox Radial Maze is open heart surgery which is very traumatic and risky. It may be hard to justify open heart surgery if you’re asymptomatic.
My Recommendations
1. If you haven’t tried it yet, ask your EP about taking the newer antiarrhythmic drug Tikosyn.
2. If you’ve tried Tikosyn and it doesn’t help you, I recommend you consult an EP who specializes in longstanding persistent A-Fib. See Steve’s Lists. You may need to travel, but it may be worth it to you for your peace of mind. Also, ask the EP if surgery may be a helpful option.
3. Based on the results of the EP consult, I’d seek the opinion of a cardiac surgeon who performs the Cox Maze IV surgery. (See Steve’s Lists of surgeons who treat A-Fib patients.)
Making an Informed Choice
Armed with the above information you will be able to determine how you want to proceed. This is a decision only you can make.
With no A-Fib symptoms and a fulfilled life with plenty of body and soul enriching exercise, you may decide you are content with your present A-Fib status.
Go back to FAQ Understanding A-Fib
Last updated: June 18, 2018
