American Heart Month is a time to focus on heart health. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is one of the most common heart rhythm problems in the United States. More than 6 million Americans live with AFib. This condition causes an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious problems like stroke and heart failure.
The good news? There are treatments that can help. AFib ablation is one option that may reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What Is AFib Ablation?
AFib ablation (also called pulmonary vein isolation) is a procedure that targets the area of your heart, the pulmonary veins, which are producing the faulty signals that trigger AFib.
When successful, AFib ablation helps your heart beat normally again. It can reduce symptoms like:
- Fast or fluttering heartbeat
- Feeling very tired
- Trouble breathing
All About the Procedure
Before the Procedure
Meet with Your Doctor: You’ll meet with a heart rhythm doctor (electrophysiologist) who will explain the procedure and order several preprocedural tests:
- EKG (a test that checks your heartbeat)
- Echocardiogram (an ultrasound of your heart)
- CT scan (special pictures of your heart, done 1–2 weeks before)
Medications: Most patients may keep taking their regular heart medicines and blood thinners. Sometimes, your doctor may ask you to stop certain heart medicines before the procedure like antiarrhythmics. You must stop these medicines before your procedure:
- GLP1 medicines (like Ozempic)—stop 1 week before
- SGLT2 medicines (like Jardiance)—stop at least 3 days before
Fasting: No food or drink after midnight before the procedure.
Arrival: You’ll arrive at the hospital at least 2 hours early for check-in and preparation.
During the Procedure
- Sedation: You’ll be under deep sedation or general anesthesia.
- Catheter Insertion: The doctor will put thin tubes (catheters) into veins in your groin and guide them to your heart.
- Mapping & Ablation: After your doctor identifies the pulmonary veins, electrical energy is sent to the veins to create scar tissue. These scars isolate the pulmonary veins from the rest of the heart and faulty signals can no longer escape into the heart to trigger AFib. Sometimes the doctor will treat other areas with ablation if you have additional triggers or abnormal heart rhythms.
- How long it takes: The procedure typically lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour. Most patients go home the same day.
After the Procedure
- Recovery Room: You’ll be monitored for a few hours before you’re released to go home. This includes a minimum of 2 hours of bedrest immediately following the procedure.
- Activity: Take it easy and rest! No driving for 48 hours after the procedure. Don’t lift heavy things for about a week.
- Follow-Up: Your first follow-up visit will be 1 month after the procedure. Your doctor will monitor your heart rhythm and adjust your medications if needed.
What to Expect After AFib Ablation
- Recovery: You may feel some mild discomfort in your chest or groin for a few days. Feeling tired or having some irregular heartbeats is normal for a few days.
- Results: Most patients feel much better after the procedure. Some people may need a second procedure and/or additional medications.
- Risks: Serious problems are rare but can include bleeding, stroke or injury to the heart.
Taking the Next Step
AFib ablation has helped many people live with fewer symptoms and better heart health. If you’re living with AFib and want to learn more about this treatment option, talk to your doctor. Together, you can decide if AFib ablation is right for you and your heart health goals.
Questions?
Contact your care team anytime. We’re here to support your recovery and heart health.