Heart Racing after Ablation

[sharby]

Two days ago I had an ablation for SVT and AVNRT.  The day after the ablation I was awakened during the night with a pulse of 120-130 bpm.  This episode lasted for 20 minutes and then stopped on its own.  My doctor does not seem to be concerned.  Has anyone else who had an ablation experienced anything like this in the early days?  I am wondering if this is normal during the healing period.

[misha_AL]

I had the procedure in December 2008 (female, 38, nonsmoker, overweight) and I have had the heartrate sitting at 100-120 at rest and crazy if I even walked to the kitchen.  The doctor prescribed verapamil and it took the heart rate down.  I was completely freaked out and it was making me dizzy and nauseous.  It also jacked up by blood pressure too.  4 months later I am better but I am also taking prescription fish oil (allevia or something) and also taking Coq10 which needs to be monitored by doctor as it may elevate the liver enzymes.

My doctor acted like I was bothering him with my "side effect" of the catheter ablation - which he mentioned before the procedure I might "occasionally" have tachycardias, pvcs, fast heartbeat, etc... but not constant.  He was confused by this and not sure how to handle it.  Make sure he listens to you and gives you the time and answers you need.

Anyway, it does get better but it can be frustrating.  Good luck and good health (soon)!

[sharby]

Thank you both for the info.  The day after my ablation (during which I could pretty much feel everything) I was told to go home, take an aspirin for a month and carry on with normal everyday activities.  No one mentioned that I was going to feel extremely tired for the first few days or that I may have a higher than normal heart rate.  I was also not told that the heart needs a 'healing time' or what I might expect during that time.  As much as I like my doctor I think the post-ablation information I was given was seriously lacking.  I am thankful there are forums like this where people in my situation can learn from the experiences of others.  

[kim62]

I too had a high heartrate after an ablation. My ablation was in Dec/2008. I experienced a much higher than normal rate, which made me a little nervous, since I also have an ICD. I was told that this could sometimes last up to 3 months while the lesions are still healing. It has been just during these last couple weeks that I have noticed the slow-down beginning to take place. So far... these have been harmless. Hang in there...

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

It is pretty normal for the first few months, following ablation, for you to experience the sensation that your heart is beating a bit faster than normal. You may also notice some flip flop sensations as well...All considered normal.

Your heart has just been stunned from the procedure and is irritable. During the months that follow you should expect your symptoms to lessen and hopefully disappear all together.

Good luck with your recovery and hope that you are resting:)