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Answer:
Generally speaking if the episodes are short but not frequent, the risk is very minimal. Unlike the episodes which last for a few hours but occur so frequently during 24-48 hour period. Other factors that need to be considered are age, history of hypertension, presence of diabetes, and history of previous strokes among others.
Answer:
Since you are asymptomatic now in AF, I doubt that will change in the future. However, AF has two main risks, Stroke and heart failure. Many people opt to achieve rate control and minimize their risk of stroke without any further interventions. Other may opt for more aggressive management, like ablation. You did not mention your age or your general state of health, but you also seem to be very worried and unable to make an informed decision. I strongly advice you to research the subject, consult with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist and weigh all the benefits and risks of each option and decide on the best route to pursue
Answer:
PV isolation procedure performed by experienced operator is relatively safe. The main two complications we worry about are: Stroke and perforation of the heart. The rate of these complications in high volume, experienced programs is less than 1%. When choosing an operator, you should choose one who is willing to share with you his/her track record and the actual outcomes of the procedures performed.
Answer:
Both approaches aim to isolate the pulmonary veins. The approach with use is guided by the electrograms using the Lasso catheter and placing the ablation lesions accordingly until complete isolation is achieved. Dr Pappone’s approach places the ablation lesions guided more by the anatomy of the pulmonary veins and less by electrograms, which may or may not guarantee complete isolation
Answer:
This will really depend on how aggressive you want to be in managing your atrial fib. If sensitivity to sun is seriously affecting the quality of your life as you mentioned, is this bad enough to change your approach? Using Amiodarone is postponing dealing with the issue of AF. You might want to wait until Amio stops working one of those days, then decide. Or you might choose to stop taking Amio now to avoid any further more serious side effects of this drug. Amio will remain in your system for at least 6 months from the date you stop taking it. You may want to discuss all these options with your doctor(s) and do what is best for you.
Answer:
Please send me the link and I would like to educate myself also. Unfortunately, there is no scientific data that shows iodine or proline supplementation can cure AF. I searched google myself and found a surgical device that can embed proline in to the body to prevent AF (US Patent 7147633 - Method and apparatus for treatment of atrial fibrillation). I did not see any studies to support this claim. On the contrary, hyperiodinism related thyroid abnormalities can increase the chances of AF susceptibility. Sorry, I don’t have any information to support or criticize the claims of this site that you are referring to. Please stay away from it if you do not have complete information.
Answer:
You had the usual progression of this arrhythmia. You went through the routine clinical course and treatment and like several thousands of patients out there you had side effects related to the rate control medications. Good to hear that you have good rhythm control on Amiodarone except for an occasional breakthrough. You did not mention how long you have been on Amiodarone and if you had any side effects from Amiodarone (thyroid, skin, nerves, eyes, liver etc). I hope you are on good Amiodarone surveillance programs. Coming to your question if some one has to be in AF to be ablated? Whether you are in AF during the procedure or not, should not impact if you could be a good candidate for ablation. Some physicians try to induce AF at the beginning of the case and some like myself don’t. Instead one can complete the isolation and then try to reinduce. Most commonly, patients do develop AF while ablating around the pulmonary veins that are electrically active. The predictive value of reinducibility on the long term success rates is still debated in the EP circles. Even though your AF is rare you may still be able to undergo ablation with the goal of coming off of Amiodarone (mind the extensive side effect profile) and Coumadin.
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