May 6, 2024
Facing heart conditions can be daunting, and when treatments like cardiac ablation are suggested, you may have many questions. Ablations are used to treat arrhythmia, an abnormal or irregular heartbeat. But what exactly is this treatment, how is it performed, and why should you consider it for your heart health? Let the experts at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) address common questions to demystify cardiac ablation treatment in Louisiana and help you understand if it could be the right option for you.
Cardiac ablation, or catheter ablation, is a medical procedure used to treat different types of arrhythmias. These heart rhythm problems can increase your risk of dangerous health events, including stroke, cardiac arrest, and heart failure.
This treatment restores normal heart rhythms by targeting and destroying the heart tissue causing irregular heartbeats. This offers patients significant relief and a pathway back to health, reducing the risk of heart failure by 57% as compared to patients on anti-arrhythmic medication.
Candidates for cardiac ablation include those who:
Your cardiologist will conduct thorough assessments to determine if you’re a suitable candidate.
While surgical ablation is available, there are five common types of catheter ablation:
Both techniques aim at stopping the arrhythmias at their source. Additional catheter ablation methods include:
You will be put under sedation before your cardiac ablation procedure. After applying a numbing agent to the treatment area, your doctor will insert a catheter through a vein until it reaches your heart. The type of ablation determines the next steps — either heating or cooling the area of problematic tissue. This procedure only takes a few hours to complete in a cardiac cath lab, depending on your condition.
After the procedure, patients often feel immediate improvements. Recovery in the hospital might last a day to monitor for complications, though some patients can return home the same day.
Like any medical procedure, cardiac ablation comes with its risks, although they are rare. A 2013 study showed that only 2.9% of patients experience complications after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Potential complications can include but are not limited to:
Like always, our team at Cardiovascular Institute of the South will discuss these risks with you and closely monitor your health along the way.
Cardiac ablation has a 75% success rate in treating certain heart arrhythmias, significantly improving patients’ quality of life and reducing any symptoms. Many patients return to normal activities and feel much better post-procedure.
Some short-lived soreness is possible after the procedure. Recovery from cardiac ablation typically spans a few days, however patients can usually resume non-strenuous daily activities pretty quickly. Your healthcare provider will offer personalized advice based on your condition and procedure.
After cardiac ablation treatment in Louisiana, adopting certain lifestyle changes can enhance your heart health:
Cardiac ablation offers hope and improved health outcomes for patients with heart rhythm disorders. By understanding the procedure, benefits and risks, and recovery process, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions about your heart health.
Your healthcare team is your partner in this journey, ready to guide you towards better heart health. If you or a loved one is considering cardiac ablation in Louisiana, reach out to a CIS cardiologist for advice tailored to your unique health needs. We serve the people of New Orleans, Lafayette, Crowley, Jennings, and beyond with top-tier cardiovascular care. Request an appointment at your closest location today to take the first step towards a healthier heart.