I am looking at needing the ablation procedure for my a-fib problem. I get a-fib with a resulting resting HR of 100 or so and an exercising HR in the 190’s to 200’s. My normal resting HR is 45 to 60 and my MAX is 158 to 161.I am 50 yrs old and a yearly Bruce treadmill yields a HR in the 160’s, my HR monitor yields a HR in the 150’s when on the track or in the hills. This is becoming more frequent, about 5 to 6 times a year over the last 5 years and the episodes lasting up to 3 days. No rhyme or reason why it starts or what converts it other than the obvious SA conduction issue. It pisses me off during training and I have had to drop out of three races due to it (nothing like dropping out in the first 2 miles of the bike). Yes I know it could kill me if not treated and yes, I know I need it done and yes, I am taking aspirin and yes, I have made the phone calls to the appropriate DR’s for the initial consults. Do hard performing triathletes return to a normal life after the ablation? Although I do have a working knowledge of cardiology and most meds, I will be on the receiving end of a serious procedure and I don’t like that end. As always, I appreciate the advice given on these forums.
i’m sure you’ll get a lot of worthwhile responses to your thread. to cover all bases, search this forum for atrial fibrillation. you’ll find several threads. i suggest this because some folks who posted to those earlier threads may not see this one. you might want to ping directly certain individuals on this forum board who’ve gone through the procedure.
I had an ablation last August and I resumed training within 3 weeks. My a-fib started shortly after I completed IMUSA in 2001. Initially, it was controlled by medication but then the medication stopped working so I elected to have the ablation after going into fibrillation during the swim at Eagleman.
It seems that you are at the beginning stages of diagnosis and treatment. Are you on meds? I share your frustration with a-fib. Not knowing when it will rear its head or for how long is a serious issue. I know that alcohol and caffeine are triggers. The ablation was a piece of cake. I was on my back for 9 hours during the procedure and discharged the next day. I had some discomfort but only for a few days.
Let me know if you have any questions.
I didn’t even start doing triathlons until after an ablation. My condition was somewhat different: constant ventricular bigeminy and an EF of about 35% before the ablation. BTW, I was 28 when I had the procedure and had already been physically limited for about 2 years because of my arrythmia. The day after the procedure my wife and I hopped in the car and drove across country (with many frequent walking/stretching stops). I can only say that my personal experience was life changing and totally worth going through. For me, life didn’t start until had an ablation.
Alcohol and caffeine are triggers? Hmmmm, I’m screwed! Thanks for your reply and I will have tons of questions. Glad to hear your’s went well.