Having an Ablation: A Patient's Perspective Guide

What is an ablation?

An ablation is a procedure that uses heat or cold to destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causing an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Arrhythmias can cause a variety of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting. Ablation can be an effective treatment for many types of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia.

Having An Ablation?: A Patient's Perspective & Guide

by Mike Mature

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Language	:	English
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What are the risks of ablation?

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with ablation. These risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Damage to the heart or lungs

What to expect during ablation

Ablation is typically performed in a hospital operating room. You will be given general anesthesia, so you will be asleep during the procedure. The doctor will make a small incision in your groin and insert a catheter into your heart. The catheter will be used to deliver heat or cold to the areas of heart tissue that are causing the arrhythmia.

The procedure usually takes several hours. After the ablation, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for any complications. You will likely be able to go home the same day or the next day.

What to expect after ablation

After ablation, you may experience some discomfort, such as pain at the incision site or bruising. You may also be tired and have difficulty sleeping. These symptoms should improve within a few days.

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions after ablation. You will need to take antibiotics to prevent infection and blood thinners to prevent blood clots. You will also need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.

Ablation is a safe and effective treatment for many types of arrhythmias. If you are considering having an ablation, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure.

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Having An Ablation?: A Patient's Perspective & Guide

by Mike Mature

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4991 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	86 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE