Patient guide to radiofrequency ablation for irregular heartbeat.

Overview

What is atrial fibrillation (AF) or irregular heartbeat?

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and sometimes very fast
• The upper and lower chambers of the heart may not work together properly
• As a result, the heart may not pump blood properly to the body
• Blood can collect inside the heart and form clots
• If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke

What causes atrial fibrillation?

AF happens when the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat become irregular.

Common causes include:

• High blood pressure
• Prior heart attack or heart disease
• Prior heart surgery
• Diabetes
• Sleep issues
• Stress
• Caffeine
• Excessive alcohol
• Smoking
• Ageing

Why is it important?

If not treated, AF can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious health problems.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of AF include:

• Extreme tiredness or fatigue
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or while lying down
• Chest discomfort or chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fast, pounding, fluttering or skipped heartbeats (palpitations)

What treatments should I expect?

Treatment for AF may include:

• Medicines to control heart rate or rhythm
• Blood thinners to lower the risk of stroke
• Cardioversion, a procedure that helps restore normal heart rhythm
• Catheter ablation, also called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), treats abnormal electrical signals in the heart
• Surgery may be needed in some cases if other treatments do not help

Procedure overview and preparation

What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and why is it done?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive heart procedure

• A thin tube called a catheter is guided to the heart
• Heat energy is used to treat the abnormal electrical signals causing AF
• It is done when medicines alone are not enough to control symptoms of AF

Before the procedure

Key instructions

• Inform your doctor about all medicines
• Some medicines may need to be stopped temporarily
• Do not eat or drink before the procedure as advised
• Arrange for someone to take you home

Preparation guidelines

• Blood tests, ECG, or scans may be done
• Remove jewellery before the procedure
• Wear comfortable clothing

Procedure overview

Step-by-step

• Medicine is given to help you relax or sleep
• A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through the upper thigh area
• The tube is guided to the heart
• Heat energy is applied to the problem area
• The tube is removed after treatment

Time required

• The procedure may take a few hours depending on the condition

Risks, benefits and hospital stay

Possible risks of RFA may include:

• Bleeding, bruising or infection at catheter site
• Blood clots in legs or lungs
• Damage to blood vessels
• Rare risk of stroke or heart attack

Benefits and expected outcomes

• Better heart rhythm
• Fewer symptoms
• Improved quality of life
• Reduced episodes of irregular heartbeat

Duration of hospital stay

• Some patients go home the same day
• Others may stay overnight for observation

Recovery, lifestyle and follow-up

Recovery and aftercare

• Rest for a few days.
• Avoid heavy lifting for about a week.
• Keep the insertion area clean and dry.
• Take medicines regularly.

Recovery timeline

• Light activity: few days
• Full recovery: usually within 1-2 weeks

Lifestyle and prevention

Diet

• Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables
• Reduce salt and processed foods
• Limit alcohol and caffeine

Long-term care

• Control blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol.
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking

Preventing recurrence

• Take medicines regularly
• Avoid triggers such as stress or excess alcohol
• Attend regular doctor visits

When to contact a doctor

Call your doctor if you have:

• Fever
• Bleeding or swelling
• Chest pain
• Severe breathlessness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Follow-up

• Regular ECG and heart monitoring
• Doctor visits
• Medicine review
• Repeat treatment may sometimes be needed

Myths and facts

FAQs