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I'm 83 years old and have permanent afib for a year and half now, most of the time it's asymptomatic but this past 7 days I have been having the the typical symptoms, tiredness, weakness and palpitations .
Would having ablation be more risky at my age?
Risk definitely increase with our age. Primary issue is your confidence in your cardiologist, I have enough in mine that I really don't question her recommendations (not saying I don't search online to verify what's happening after her recommendation). I had my ablation at age 60 and have had no recurrence of the afib or regrets for having it done. It is a longer procedure time wise, she did the 3d mapping along with the rf ablation and took 4 1/2 hours but had no issues or complications from it. Spent the night in the hospital then went home with activities as tolerated.
@A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member ... I had a cardioversion for atypical afib 3 years ago at age 77 and have done excellent with it. You may be able to have cardioversion. I would speak to the doctor about that if I were you. Good luck let us know your outcome!
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can help restore normal heart rhythm in AFib patients. During the procedure, a thin tube is inserted through the groin to reach the heart, where it creates small scars to block problematic electrical signals. While it can be initially successful, there is a Show Full Answer
Thank you for sharing your experience. It's entirely understandable to have concerns about new or worsening symptoms, especially after managing atrial fibrillation (AFib) for some time.
At 83, experiencing increased fatigue, weakness, and palpitations over the past week could indicate changes in your heart's rhythm control or rate. Even if AFib has been asymptomatic previously, symptoms can evolve due to various factors like electrolyte imbalances, infections, or changes in medication effectiveness.
Regarding Catheter Ablation:
Catheter ablation is a procedure aimed at restoring normal heart rhythm by targeting areas causing AFib. While age alone isn't a strict contraindication, studies suggest that in patients over 75, the procedure may have reduced efficacy and a slightly higher risk profile compared to younger individuals . Therefore, it's typically reserved for those who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy.
Alternative Approach – AV Node Ablation with Pacemaker:
For patients who don't respond well to medications and aren't ideal candidates for catheter ablation, an alternative is atrioventricular (AV) node ablation combined with pacemaker implantation. This approach doesn't eliminate AFib but controls the heart rate, alleviating symptoms. It's generally considered safe and effective for older adults .
Next Steps:
It's crucial to consult your cardiologist about these recent symptoms. They may recommend monitoring your heart rhythm through an ECG or Holter monitor to assess rate control. Adjustments in medication or exploring procedural options can then be considered based on these findings.
Remember, many individuals in their 80s manage AFib effectively with the right treatment plan. Your proactive approach in seeking information and support is commendable and plays a vital role in your heart health journey.
References:
1. Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients. Canadian Journal of Cardiology.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/av-...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/p...
2. AV Node Ablation to Treat A-Fib. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatment...
3. Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients 75 Years and Older. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.10...
Feel free to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action tailored to your individual needs. Take care
I had an ablation in 2021 when I was 73. I am now pushing 77 and if my doctor told me that I needed another I would have it. It really helped the first time. Ask your doctor.
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