To have an ablation or not..that is the question

In this video, Dr Sanjay Gupta discusses the subject of ablation for atrial fibrillation and what factors people should think of when they are considering an ablation. My name is Sanjay Gupta.
For more information visit me at yorkcardiology.co.uk
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[@willettej7988]

I had an ablation in 1996 for SVT. I was euphoric. Changed my life forever. Thank you, Dr. Melvin Scheinman, UCSF

[@DeweyDEWMANBrown875]

Amen. Same with me.

[@Unknown-hu4gf]

That's not afib!!!!!!!!! Totally different arrhythmia that can be ablated without needing a pacemaker.... Pay attention lady!!!

[@lyndavaughan6864]

I had a Maze procedure. Is that safer than ablation?

[@maryannott5220]

​@@DeweyDEWMANBrown875😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊q😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😮😊😊😊😊😊😂😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉😊😊😊😊😂😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊q😊😊q😊😊😊😊🎉😊😊😂😊😊😊😮🎉🎉😊😊🎉😊🎉🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉🎉😊😊😊😂qq😊😊😊😊 we😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊q😊😊😊qq😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉😊😊🎉😊🎉🎉🎉😊🎉🎉🎉😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊q🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊

[@gregcox9205]

I realize this video is about ablation for atrial fibrillation but I had an ablation for SVT..supra ventricular tachycardia... about 20 years ago. A few times my heart rate reached almost 300 bpm. The Cardiologist told me that I would never have the SVT again and so far I haven't ever had another episode. It totally changed my life for the better!!!

[@RazminWorld]

Happy to hear that so ur ablation is success and you said 20yrs ago..how u feeling now?my hear rate up to 300 doc want me to do ablation but im so worried if there is any side effect😢

[@dr.arikgreenberg25]

Important words: "AFib is a byproduct of inflammation." Thank you for this, Sir.

[@moniqueekelof1542]

I have a inflammation caused by an mislucky implant , after this, I started a AF.

[@nikkiroxsox001]

Aha. Tooth pain

[@kd8199]

Also important words: A-fib is a progressive disease.

[@pamelamarabini8014]

Please can anyone tell me if Roemheld syndrome/gastrocardiac syndrome is the same as Afib. I have Afib and the symptoms seem similar. One of them is freezing cold shin bones. Why would that be.

[@cube1us]

@@pamelamarabini8014 I have a fib going in for my second ablation procedure next week, and know nothing of the freezing shin bones. I don’t know about the other syndrome you refer to however. But still I’m pretty sure they’re not the same thing. I am not a doctor.

[@drdanthelizzyman]

I had a successful ablation in 2010 for SVT which was a game changer for my running and exercise.

[@mindcache5650]

As an ex York University alumni I'm so glad you run this channel. When I was at the University and worked at York District Hospital I was crying out for the University to set up a medical school ( and law school). You're doing a great job.

[@kenpeterson5951]

I enjoy hearing Dr. Gupta's perspective on afib.He's a smart man and seems like a nice human too.

[@juliethornberry5353]

Thank you for discussing alternatives in detail and what an ablation does and doesn't provide. This video allows me to make a better, more informed decision.

[@CLAYMEISTER]

Thanks so much for this info, doc. My own cardiologist is so busy he would never have time to go into this info. I saw him recently... 10 minutes max then whoosh... out the door and on to the next patient. So your YT info is a great supplement. Thank you!

[@MrsPaulaTorres]

Change the Dr

[@CYndibabI]

MY cardiologist is SO busy with tooooo many overloaded with patients 👈🏻 I ONLY see him in the hospital 🏥 when I end up in afib 😱 it SERIOUSLY should be a law that a doctor especially cardiologist can ONLY have SO many patients at a time 👈🏻

[@mariannep8352]

Thank you. This talks directly to me. I was to my nice cardiolog today. She told me that my irregularity has disappeared. I have been losing weight and eat very carefully but is very easy tired when I walk upstairs. She also said that my pulse is better but still too high. But I can´t stop taken the betablockers och dioxion she said and looked me seriosly in my eyes. She offered me to have a pacemaker and then an ablation. I said that I am almost 80 years old but even my pulse is a little high and easy got tired upstairs I feel okey. She earlier said that an ablation is a serios thing to do and I understand why. So I said no. It is always a little scary to do that so when I listen to your video I feel I did the right thing. It is not easy to decide in a short doctors meeting so I have thought a lot about it during the day. Now I go on with losing weight, meditate and accept that my life is a little reduced but still it is okey in many ways. Tnanks again for your important videos.

[@davidconstant4716]

How old are you?

[@Bhatmann]

Increase magnesium

[@spinedoc18]

@@davidconstant4716 She says, "... I am almost 80 years old".

[@josephstraw6224]

Had a catheter ablation about 5 years ago for afib. I was only 39 with small kids. Totally changed my quality of life. Highly recommend it.

[@dougcoleburn1579]

Are you still on blood thinners?

[@josephstraw6224]

@@dougcoleburn1579 oh no I was only on blood thinners for maybe 5 weeks or so. That's just a precautionary after the procedure. I'm doing great buddy! Living life like before I had afib.

[@shereensalim9930]

I'm so scared to do that , but your words really helped me to relax Thanks a lot

[@CountryBoyTnn]

How was your recovery after the procedure for the first 5 days?

[@josephstraw6224]

@@CountryBoyTnn I had a sore esophagus only when I swallowed solid food for about a week and a half. Other than that I was perfectly fine. I thought my symptoms would be worse but I felt good

[@elizabethpears307]

I had ablation 20 years ago, it worked brilliantly frying 9 electrical pathways that were causing increasingly frequent episodes of rapid heartbeat. Never a problem since. I chose to do it because the next step was more medication and it interfered with my job teaching, meds free ever since. I was very interesting being able to watch the procedure on a screen. Great info in your videos!

[@borismercalov6157]

Same here with me. I had episodes of paroxysmal tachycardia since 1975 (I was 18 at the time of my first episode). Those attacks were happening 2-5 times a year and my heart rate during episodes was 200-220 bpm. Otherwise, I was healthy young man. I learned to abrupt episodes very easy with modified Valsalva maneuver (getting in supine position as soon as possible after episode started, taking very deep breath-in and holding air in my lungs for 5-7 seconds). Usually that was it. Heart was returning back to normal heart rate (60 bpm) after first attempt. In 1992 I immigrated from USSR to USA, and in 1997 first time in my life I was not able to stop episode by doing that trick. I had to go to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston Mass and Dr. Mark Josephson did ablation. Procedure lasted for 45 minutes. I was fully awake during entire procedure. Now I am 65 (Thanks God). Since 1997 I am totally fine. No A-fib, no heart medications. God Bless USA and memory of wonderful cardiologist Dr. Josephson (unfortunately, he has passed away in 2017).

[@Jim-no3oy]

please do not hesitate. get the ablation. it is very safe. i wish i had it done years ago instead of a month ago. lifestyle change is beyond belief.

[@pat7655]

I’ve had two ablation procedures. I’m feeling great. Quality of life dramatically improved. Back to teaching my fitness classes. And will continue to take blood thinning medicine to prevent stroke.

[@Willynilly_69]

That’s awesome I will have my second ablation next week we’re you nervous going into it?

[@pat7655]

@@Willynilly_69 focus on a great outcome. I prepared for that and so that’s what happened.

[@deborahtrenchard1926]

Dr Gupta, I discovered you ...by chance...two weeks ago and I'm addicted to your videos. I had valvular surgery last October and have two biological heart valves. My heart went into Afib after the surgery. I had a cardioversion but my heart soon returned to Afib. I haven't any symptoms. I am grateful I saw this video because I am due to see my cardiologist in a few weeks' time and now I'll be armed with the right information regarding an ablation should it be offered to me. Meant to be!! Thank you. I did share the video on FB by the way!!

[@wayneryder5251]

For approx 8 years . I had 3 cardioversion s but kept coming back . I am a very athletic type so it really messed up any exercise programme with some days of shutdown fatigue . I then decided to have an ablation in CTown. A few weeks back . I am really elated with the positive effects both psychologically and physically . No more breathlessness with exercise and no more blood thinners. Even at my age a well worth it procedure done with no after op problems . Thank u again

[@Xight46]

Can I ask if you experienced afib episodes again since your ablation? Was one ablation enough to cure it? And what is your age?

[@karlaelvis9815]

THis post was 3 years ago - are you still Afib free?

[@jenniferdibuono]

Dear Dr. Gupta: I want to whole-heartily thank you for taking the time to make these videos. You have a simplistic way of communicating, and it is refreshing. I find that most cardiologists I have met with have little time to spend with each patient. Hence, efficient explanations of conditions and treatments are lacking. This is frustrating and scary. I am a 44 year old female with two Masters' Degrees, yet sometimes I feel as if my cardiologists are talking down to me. Your videos make the academics of the heart easy to understand, and I thank you for taking the time to explain. You definitely have some controversial positions (AFIB/STROKE), but you present your ideas logically, which makes it worth consideration. I'm really enjoying your videos. Many many thanks. Jennifer P/S I wish you were in the States!!!

[@eugenesedita]

Jay Dee Simplistic is not what you mean. Look it up.

[@phillipsbubble8244]

Good morning... I must say I have feel a lot better since I have been taking magnesium. Now working on lifestyle changes to improve further. Thank you for sharing.

[@Romer411]

I wish he was in western Australia ♥️

[@bunnybabe3601]

@@eugenesedita shut the fuck up eugene

[@gaylesmith8677]

Thanks for the info I have had two ablations for Afib. My heart beat hit 220 I was so tired I could barely walk. During the second ablation they found I had left ventricle dysfunction. Ablation improved my life immensely. It’s wonderful to access info like this. Well done and thanks. Keep up the good work.

[@dougcoleburn1579]

How bad was the out of pocket $ expense with insurance?

[@justtruth8310]

I had the procedure done two weeks ago and right now after 2 1/2 weeks I have not had any atrial fibrillation I am in recovery mode right now so far so good

[@curbozerboomer1773]

The "blanking period" lasts up to three months...be patient, as I am being right now...just 10 weeks to go, before the all-clear!

[@lancejones4636]

Success rates for 1st and 2nd ablation procedures has improved a lot in the past 5 years since Dr. Gupta recorded this. My EP stated 80% success rate (for his patients) for 1st procedure; 95% for a 2nd procedure. Dr. Gupta is correct in his assertion that post procedure some patients complain of ectopics. I'm one such person. Although my EP told me it could take up to 6 months for everything to "settle down" in the heart and pulmonary veins after the procedure. Thank you, Dr. Gupta.

[@user-od5fg6hu9b]

How r u now

[@mikewiseman5466]

Thank you so much for addressing this topic! I thought it was just something that was easily done and didn't know about the risks at all. I greatly appreciate this

[@robinrockwell2833]

Thank you. You made it very clear that lifestyle changes - weight and sleep apnea- are very important. Our local cardiologists haven't emphasized that.

[@EnglishMathTutor]

I'm having a 3rd ablation for SVT soon and this video is much more explanatory, concise, and clear than other ones I've found on KZbin. Thank you!

[@callmesenpai6928]

3rd time?

[@EnglishMathTutor]

@@callmesenpai6928 Yes, it's not uncommon for people to need more than one procedure to eliminate all of the faulty electrical connections causing their hearts to misbehave.

[@CYndibabI]

how are YOU doing/feeling after getting your 3rd ablation

[@EnglishMathTutor]

@CYndibabI I'm essentially cured. I have no more symptoms and I feel great.

[@LuC1800]

Thank you so very, very much. I am in this heart situation now. Theses videos help me prepare for my upcoming appointments. Now I am not so afraid…..thank you ever so much. You are such a huge Blessing to me!

[@billmarden3886]

I had it done and it's worth it. No more arrhythmia or breath shortness of breath....

[@azulinzavala7416]

Bill Marden did u feel like you needed to take a deep breath every little while?

[@f00lxpl]

Did it hurt?

[@maryphillips1154]

I am scheduled for this procedure in March. However, my brother-in-law underwent an emergency one February 4th. It was UNSUCCESSFUL❗❗ Once they were in the heart, they could not determine or locate the AFIB. He had to stay in hospital 6 days to establish medications, lifestyles and etc. He was an active 66 year old and now is sedentary, I'll and frustrated. Needless to say, he is worse off now than before. The doctors have been treating me with meds for 5 years now and my condition has steadily gotten worse. My mobility is now in jeopardy. I am afraid, confused and undecided. My family are in favour of the procedure more for their benefit than mine. All comments welcome !!!!🤔

[@akarusa0422]

Until March I think you should often tell yourself that the procedure is going to be SUCCESSFUL. Your brother-in-law was unlucky and I am sorry, but it doesn't mean you will be too. I understand fear is overcoming you. In my case, the a-fib is getting worse, medication doesn't work and I also have to decide what step to take. I am also scared but I have to take a decision. Good luck to you, Mary!

[@melodrama1401]

Mary Phillips I know this post old but I hope things went well for you and yo bro.

[@drumz47]

I have been diagnosed with AFIB since 2007 ,I had a cardioversion which kept my heart in rhythm for 5 years when the AFIB returned I changed my diet and lifstyle 360 which has helped my lifestyle tremendously. I am active playing basketball and cycling and working out with AFIB. I will go for another cardioversion again and keep to the diet whichmakes me feel great. Good Luck everyone. Good Health.

[@vos8390]

Hello dear Dr. Gupta... I am living in the Netherlands... Thank you for this study! I have to hear and see it again...but very interesting!

[@sabyasachisen5351]

DR SANJAY GUPTA IS THE GOD OF CARDIOLOGY PATIENTS.

[@reidarandersen24]

Thanks to Mother India for providing us with some Excellent Cardiologists, I have one here in Florida too (my age) ! He checks my heart, but I do my share: regular Excerzize, Meditation, Weight etc. In 21 I took 4 Metoprolol for irregularities- kicked my heart right back into sinus. All good - 75 in a couple of months - and now enjoying ONE glass of wine after 30 mins on my bike. I have been troubled by irregularities since i was 18 years old. Now I have less than I ever had ! Have a great weekend.

[@InternetDude]

Have you had an ablation?

[@larrythacker9824]

Good Job Doc, expertise with common sense... I really like your Vids!

[@MichaelBrown-st1mv]

This is the third time I have watched this video. I have lost 8 lbs so far. 60 lbs more will get me to a normal weight (180lbs 6' 0". Which will still be 20 lbs more than when I married my wife over 40 years ago. She just got a pacemaker. I am trying to avoid that. Dr. Gupta - You are a TREASURE. THANKYOU !!! - for the lowdown straight talk on risks benefits and weighing them against each other.

[@IndianSummer20]

Thank you so much doctor, for your wise words. They are of great help. All the best to you.

[@mikeverdi]

This was very, very helpful, thanks

[@TheSwampStalker]

I was having 2-4 episodes of SVT per week, brought on during martial arts training or any other intense exercise. I am now 6 weeks out and it was the best thing I have ever done. After 20 years of SVT following exercise, and skipping beats throughout the day, I feel like a new person. I was extremely apprehensive going into this. I wont even take a Tylenol unless I am in real pain. I even recovered from a ruptured Achilles using non-surgical methods I was so worried about being put under. But, I faced all my fears and apprehensions and just did it, and am so glad that I did. I highly recommend this procedure if A-fib or SVT is effecting your life. Do your research. Find the best facility and doctor you can find, and do it.

[@YorkCardiology]

i agree... ablation is fantastic for SVT. For Afib, worth considering if quality of life is significantly impaired but not as successful as for SVTs

[@daniellerussomanno188]

Me too! Glad you’re feeling well!

[@johnnycampell8519]

You are very lucky.Avnrt ablation brought many new arrhythmias for me.It has completely ruined my life.I am 27 and i cant live my life.

[@davidconstant4716]

@@johnnycampell8519 wow so ablation made it worse? Hope your ok now my friend?

@@johnnycampell8519 how often you have fibrilation?

[@altairtheeagle]

Thank you for keeping things NATURAL when possible sir

[@michaelwhite5255]

Thank you for this very helpful video. After many years of episodes of uncomfortable palpitations and tests and investigations l had Afib diagnosed on ECG. Nothing was helping so ablation was proposed. However on your recommendation I started taking magnesium taurate 200 mg daily and the relief of symptoms has been amazing. My electrophysiologist has discharged me. Quality of life has improved 100%. I do take a small dose of oral anticoagulant and blood pressure medication but at 81 years I’m relieved to be rid of the debilitating symptoms. Thank you again for taking time to make your videos.

[@billn.1318]

Magnesium works for some. For some, it doesn’t. I had PVCs and PACs for 8 months straight. I got checked by the cardiologist , took all tests including ALL possibilities of what I could be deficient in. My magnesium was normal. The PVCs and PACs was speculated to induce my afib but I get this once every 4 years. But my echo shows I’m not at risk of anything. I didn’t take any meds. My PVCs and PACs went away and all I did was lose weight and drink more water. I’ve been 40 days arrhythmia free, but, not afib free.

[@joakimdam9723]

@@billn.1318 you cant really test for magnesium stores, only serum magnesium

[@marypedersen9985]

really appreciated what you had to say

[@resourcefulqueen]

Thank you. You have provided information I can use at the next appointment with my cardiologist. 🙋🥇

[@TheOfficialSethos]

I went through 3 ablations that completely sent my afib over the edge, to a point where I could barely live any more. Those ablations did far, far more harm than good. It was so bad, I opted to have a cut-and-sew maze just to get some semblance of a life back. So while ablations might be all the rave in afib / ectopic circles, they can absolutely also have a dark side.

[@joakimdam9723]

update?

[@Pabloperes675]

Update?

[@suzannereiter3600]

I'm sorry you had such bad results. I had an ablation done last June after a valve repair in January, and I feel like a new person! I would have done it again if necessary. Perhaps the right doctor has something to do with it?

[@mrshadenoughofallthis911]

I’ve just had my second ablation. First one I had a bad episode of SVT a week later. I feel a lot better after the second one than I did after the first one.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

No way should a competent ablation make you feel worse!...something is wrong with your situation.

[@springtime445]

Thank you for a really interesting video. I have been on the atrial fibulation support forum and there are a lot of Americans on there. They all seem to be desperately wanting an ablation, they think they are going to be cured. After watching your video I am even more determined not to have my lovely heart burned even if it misbehaves every couple of weeks. The annoying thing is that I do have a very good diet, lots of exercise and I am not over weight and still have it, but with all the information on your videos I have become much calmer about it all.

[@VirajWikramanayake]

+springtime445 I am probably in the same boat as you are. I watch my diet, treating for sleep apnea, exercising regularly. I get an episode about twice a month. I am not looking forward to any invasive procedures. However, I am told the episodes tend to progressively get worse as time passes by. At that point it may be difficult to get a procedure done and expect good results. I am having AFIB for just over an year and will watch it for the next year or so. Good luck to you.

[@samanthalee72]

Viraj Wikramanayake that's exactly what they told me . They like to get it before it makes new pathways and once your in it for good the out come from an ablation is reduced for it to be cured 🙁💔 it's so hard to decide . But I have had one 7 hour run of it and that was enough for me 😢😰it apserlutely terrified me .

[@redburtley6021]

You should look into magnesium

[@rexhowells7015]

I have had an ablation, now two years ago. I really had no choice as my heart would go into AF without warning, very scary my back seemed to even shake with the episode. I was 64 with type 1 Diabetes. Not over weight, didn't drink or smoke. They tries me on a beta blocker , disaster, nearly stopped my heart it beat so slow and irregular. So electrical cardiologist said no choice I must have an ablation. It took about 7 months before I felt any good, but still much better for having the ablation, even though not as good as before af came along .the cardiologist told me I probably had it in more mild form for 10 years before it got bad, and I didn't know, thought when my heart use to race after climbing the bank after scuba diving that was normal. Must get a good electrical cardiologist who does ablation,'s often, and so knows his stuff.

[@donwetherell8738]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5u1oqOtoreoqtU

[@josephfallon3975]

Great Guy to listen to learned a lot Given me a lot of thought . Thanks DR. Gupta

[@donnabiondi4188]

This was so informative to me and it actually stopped me in my tracks when you said if you continue to have AF the more likely you will have more AF and it would be better to be treated NOW because more likely it would work on top of the diet the sleep apnea lifestyle changes. I am definitely working on lifestyle changes and pray that my AF will die down. Otherwise I am scared to death to have Oblation done. I am 62 years and I have been diagnosed with AF 7 years ago. Also I’ve had two heart attacks, two stents, i’m diagnosed with cardiovascular Disease in 2007. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[@LeadfootPTM]

I’m 64 and having a ablation done on the 23rd. My first AF episode was 12 years ago. I’m now on a 240mg dose of calcium channel blockers among other drugs. I’ve been hospitalized twice and several trips to the er because of AF. Each visit to the ER if $1200 out of pocket not to mention the hospital stays and meds. At my heaviest I was 209 I am now 177 due to A Mediterranean diet. My reasons for having the procedure is financial and I don’t care for being dependent on drugs to keep my heart in rhythm.

[@astralartist4]

Yes I was told that too before mine - that it would progress - I saw it for myself over the 4-5 yrs since I first had symptoms.

[@astralartist4]

@@LeadfootPTM Hope all went well for you.

[@Chipchase780]

No reason to be scared of ablation. I’ve had 2 at 59, the second was a redo. Absolutely no question, the best decision I made about fixing my afib. Yes I was told that if/when it becomes persistent it would be much harder to treat, so I went ahead with ablation. No regrets. I’ve had some minor episodes post procedure, but generally 90% better and off all medication. My biggest enemy is stress which as all us ‘afibbers’ know can trigger an episode (along with alcohol, coffee, bad diet, hypertension etc) but is very difficult to limit with the demands of work etc.

[@mega23slots]

@@Chipchase780 thank you so much for replying. I’m getting closer on getting it done.

[@gregmckenzie4315]

Is a mixture of powerful and sometimes "toxic" drugs taken daily NOT an "invasive procedure"? If the side effects of the drugs are diminishing your quality of life, shouldn't that be a consideration? Thank you for this video. Perhaps it is time to do an update. This procedure has been evolving rapidly. I'd like to see the facts on what current ablation procedures consist of and what are the risks now?

[@Cris-jj6yd]

I love your videos you always speak the truth. I noticed the second time when I was hung over my heart with a race and sure enough they were quick to offer me this procedure when I’m sober I have no problems that always seems like the next day my heart would race, so where it boils down to is I just don’t drink anymore

[@lioncitymusicgroup7211]

This guy speaks to me more than my doc! Thanks you have on several occasions gave me the answers I need! 5 years into paroxysmal afib an I do want a better quality of life, having this sux!

[@bunznammo6070]

Because he’s a younger doctor. Most doctors over 50 are tired and used to routine by routine treatments and they know what works and what’s not. Most doctors you see are schedule driven so if you’re seeing a doctor for 20-30 minutes, you’ll see if him or her for that time and they are out and you see the nurse or nurse practitioner afterwards. I’ve had a chance to talk to my cardiologist about my persistent pvcs. After 3 years of suffering from it without explanation of treatment, I finally expressed my thoughts with the doctor that I need more answers. He sat with me for 30 minutes and talked. Best conversation I had. Comforted but still no answers on why my heart have PVCs and PACs. I say it may get worse as I age. I’m a former boxer. Must’ve been from days of training and it changed my heart.

[@franklincornelius9373]

Finally, someone telling the truth about AF and how to treat the symptom of what you're body is trying to tell you.

[@ferneche]

what an awesome video, once more, I have learned a lot more about my condition.

[@donmulder8061]

I've been working out daily since I was 12 and am now 61. I have borderline Long QT so take metoprolol, 50 ER as a precaution but it has never caused problems for me or my family. Had a hernia last year, lost 20 pounds for the surgery which went well. During the work up for surgery one of my EKGs said First Degree AV Block which I never had before. So I stopped taking Berberine and I felt better and my EKG returned to normal. I was also stressed that day I got the pre op EKG. Sixty days following hernia repair I was drinking a smoothie after walking two miles and it was really a cold smoothie. It got stuck in my lower esophagus right next to the heart and it started freezer burning my heart and then gave me a brain freeze. Suddenly I had what felt like a PSVT where my heart rate went from about 58 to 96. I lowered it to 68 using vagal maneuvers but it never felt normal again until two months later I asked for another EKG and the EP nurse gave me a patch to wear which said I had AFib. First time ever. I went on Eliquis and went in for an electro cardioversion. They did a TEE which is a scope for checking for clots and I was clear so they jolted me and I went back to normal sinus rhythm on the first try. Now I am on Eliquis daily and had one brief episode of Afib a month ago while drinking another cold smoothie -- too fast. I was gulping it and not taking breaths to swallow. I guess it tasted too good. I did vagal maneuvers and came right out of it i one minute or so. Anyway because of the Long QT, the EP doesnt want me on pill in the pocket in Flecainide for rhythm control. So I am on a trial run with the sinus rhythm. Bought a Galaxy Watch that is FDA rated for Afib and use my pulse oximeter with pleth to check if I ever feel oozy. So far so good. The EP nurse says I dont want an ablation. It is an invasive surgery and has many risks and they actually poke a hole in your atrium. Plus it is under general anesthesia for 12 hours which I am not sure I am healthy enough for that. i work out daily and look fit but also have ET -- high platelets. So here's hoping I remain in sinus rhythm.

[@dhegab]

thank you for posting this video. i showed it to my father who was considering one given a recent doctor's visit. the doctor wasnt as forthright and thorough as you though.

[@dolphinsc1]

Incredible informational video. Simply put Wow! You've given me lots to think about and so many of my questions have been answered. I appreciate you. Thanks Doc. PS: Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[@hollyharries5284]

Thankyou for this very useful consultation. It has been both helpful and reassuring in some ways, valuable as having this kind of in depth discussion is hard to come by what with waiting lists and cancellations. Thankyou kindly.😊

[@ann755]

Northwestern's top electrocardiologist wanted to perform RF Catheter Ablation for my PVCs 23 years ago. I was training for a Marathon at the time. I said Nay Nay. Glad I did. Then he wanted to put me on Beta Blockers, which I again declined. So far, so good. It was the right decision both times. PVCs hardly happen now.

[@timjenkins7019]

How'd you get them to slow down? Mine are getting much worse...

[@Bhatmann]

@@timjenkins7019 high quality liquid mineral supplements worked for me.

[@bryandelarosa91]

@@Bhatmann What brand do you use?

[@arturorobles1989]

Doctor there aren't enough words to explain my gratitude for your videos. Like many comments below, one of my cardiologist didn't seam to care so I got a second opinion , and have found someone who is better. Ofcourse your videos explain everything in much more better detail. God Bless you !

[@barbaramah4422]

Thank you! Another great and helpful video with a lot of food for thought!

[@MG-iq6lr]

As usual..clear explanation. Thanks

[@brianevans2819]

Thank you Doctor, very informative in layman’s terns.

[@janshifferd972]

I will see an electrophysiologist today an I have read so much in the last months that I am now scared an all mixed up as to what choices to make. As as a retired Respiratory Therapist I have enough knowledge to be dangerous to myself. Thank you for your calm approaches to afib and I hope I will make the right choice. I don't want to take anti rhythmic drugs.

[@YorkCardiology]

best wishes Jan

[@Beanybob]

Hi I'm a 58 year old male had 2 ablations for RVOT ectopics in 2015 6 months apart. I believe this has caused my cardiomyopathy and heart failure. It has made my life a misery. Think very carefully before you sign the consent form.

[@carlsandino3469]

steve teager

[@bonnieatkinson7455]

steve teager !

[@RishiSDamera]

Very useful analysis to get an idea prior to have ablation!

[@YorkCardiology]

Thanks Samuel!

[@wayneryder5251]

Thanks very much dr gupta . Very interesting . I am 75 years old and have had proximal AF for approx

[@reggierico]

Thank you, doctor. You have a wholistic approach to diagnostic explanations and that is wonderful for us patients. I wish I had come across your videos before my ablation procedure for excessive pvc's. I was desperate to return to my work which requires yearly EKG's and was willing to do anything to rectify my situation. In hindsight, I believe that if I had cleaned up my lifestyle some, i.e. lost 20-30 lbs, reduced caffeine intake, cleaned up my diet and exercised more, I may have been successful in treating my own problem.

[@MadammeObvia]

Tell us more...

[@davidconstant4716]

Hello my friend so how was ablation for you? Mines due on October for ectopics like yours I get about 7000 a day. Did it work?

[@reggierico]

@@davidconstant4716 Hi David, My procedure was very effective initially, but there is a caveat when considering ablation. You are basically burning a small area of the heart to create scar tissue which blocks the area where the electrical impulses are emanating from. Burn too much, you could have serious permanent damage to the muscle tissue. Burn too little, and the arrhythmia's will return, eventually. That is what happened to me. But because my condition corrected itself by about 90%, we chose to supplement drugs to treat any ongoing issues. The drugs I take are basically blood pressure meds that help regulate your heartbeat. Four years later and everything is going as well as could be expected. I do have to submit a battery of cardiac tests every summer to maintain my license. Cheers and good luck with your procedure!

[@boomdawgs5465]

@@davidconstant4716 How are you doing now? Did everything go well?

[@carolbenson6524]

Stroke scares me more than anything...too many risks...I've researched this for a while. Thank you for your video..I wish doctors could explain these things to us like you do.

[@debisjoy8017]

Carol Benson my surgeon in Columbus Ohio did a great job or explaining the pros n cons.

[@peggymicsky8607]

I'm with you! Strokes are very scary, especially when they run in the family. That alone helps keep me straight.

[@lloydstrappini6167]

Thank for this explanation.

[@Whynot247]

Wow this doctor is really good.

[@nicholasmills3290]

Dr.G, I agree with you. Everyday people are uneducated and run for these procedure without noting that the success rate is low. Please people consider your options and maybe even go see a cardiovascular surgeon for consultation regarding other options such as a maze. Research people, educate yourselves.

[@lancejones4636]

In 2021 it's not low. It's high.

[@t.r.9542]

I had one ablation 11 years ago... ( under local anesthetics) . Procedure was horrible but the results are great. Had some irregularities for more then a year but never had atrium fibrillation anymore. Even that went away. So my results in the long terms were also good. It all started after i had a flew.

[@charlesschauer8927]

They should have put you out....that was cruel....

[@MissWeezeyUSA]

@@charlesschauer8927 They give you something to replicate the symptoms so your heart is racing and you cannot be simultaneously knocked out. It was the worst experience of my life (the ablation procedure)... you are strapped down, hot, scared, feel like you’re having a heart attack... and in my case I was nauseous too, lying on my back dry-heaving. Meanwhile you can hear all conversation and are aware of everything around you, also visual hallucinations when the eyes are closed! Just the worst...

[@kathrynmat6857]

@@MissWeezeyUSA That is very odd. I live in the US and had an ablation 4 months ago. It was done under General Anaesthesia. I know others who have had it done and also had General Anaesthesia. I have never heard of an ablation being done under local anaesthsia, or even conscious sedation.

[@MissWeezeyUSA]

@@kathrynmat6857 I wish I would have had that option, that’s what rules out a revision for me, out of the question. By the way... my procedure was at Loma Linda International Heart Institute... supposed to be world class.

[@kathrynmat6857]

@@MissWeezeyUSA Mine was done in Miami at South Miami Hospital.

[@WhereTheBeaversLive]

I had one 20 years ago for AV node reentry tachycardia. Then, about 3-4 years ago I developed IST...but thankfully no afib.

[@borismercalov6157]

I had ablation without inserting pacemaker and I am totally fine for 25 years without any medications (Thanks God and Dr. Mark Josephson).

[@PhillRobinson]

Thank you for this Dr Sanjay

[@mariviesantos3567]

Thank you Doctor such amazing lecture and advice. God bless you. Keep safe ❤

[@Robert-kz8nw]

To have an ablation or not to have an ablation is Ludacris. What we need is a cure which will never happen because of the medical industry.

[@resurgem]

This is as near a cure as you can get. What are you suggesting?

Iv had 3 pvi ablations for lone AFib. I’m 52 years old, male, normal structural heart, had palpatations since my early twenties. I still get breakthrough episodes of AFib 4 to 5 hours duration every 2 months nearly always in the early hours.! I would say I am in a lot better place than I was a few years ago👍 I still get ectopic beats for days sometimes too.😡 my cardiologist has told me that it is not unreasonable for him to ablate me a fourth time so I’m hoping to be in again at the end of this year. When I was first diagnosed 5 years ago I was told to learn as much about AFib as I can. I have learnt so much from watching dr Gupta. He explains things in a really understandable way. We are so lucky to have this gentleman giving us knowledge. Thankyou very much sir.

[@leelee9106]

My husband would have been dead years ago had he not decided to have an ablation. Unfortunately, here in New Zealand, the state/public hospitals do not place hygiene high on their list of priorities so he got a Staph Aureus infection and this put his life at risk. He recovered however and lives a very active life now. Highly recommend this treatment.

[@MrYurkov]

I did it twice in NewYork-Presbyterian, it last 3 weeks first time, second time I had a fib next day...

[@addictedtogear]

I have had Cryo-ablation which is done by freezing the area instead of burning it. Its been over 5 years that I've had it done and I have been much better. Right now I do get the occasional skipped beats which are bothersome but so much less so than the arrhythmia I had before.

[@timorourke9072]

Very helpful. Thank you for passing on your extensive knowledge to help people

[@reneesam6963]

Thank you dr. You are so smart

[@lorenzoarroz3688]

As always very sane presentation super helpful for those of us that have the chore of making a decision concerning ablation

[@johnsawdon9948]

I had my ablation at St Michaels which returned me to natural rhythm . I was awake and felt pain when the burning occurred and was told not move. When I exercise aggressively, especially if under stress, I occasionally spike in terms of heart rate. It only lasts a minute but can rise to 190 . My ablation was in 2009 . I developed both Atrial Flutter and atrial fibrillation during my bypass surgery in 2007. So far so good

[@amcc3398]

I had an RF ablation some ten years ago for paroxysmal afib it hurt but they soon put me out and I didn't come round for some 8 hours it was worth it as I was afib free for those 10+ years which was so worth it. I said at the time I wouldn't think twice about having it done again although my only concern was why are you awake and aware when they burn you which was very painful. Anyway recently I had a fast afib attack which needed electrical cardioversion in A and E followed by amiodarone tabs daily for six months they are nasty my hair started falling out I saw the cardiologist who said we'll book you in for a top up ablation but you will need to lose weight as well after or it will come back. This time I had a cryo ablation my god the pain in my chest shoulders and head was excruciating unbearable I begged them to stop they said not long now but didn't put me out. I could not go through that pain again it was the worst brain freeze you couldn't even imagine the shoulder s was the worst pain in angry and feel let down that they did not put me out I would not have cryo again but it gets worse for six weeks now following the procedure I am unable to walk very far or at all up any even slight incline as my frenic nerve has been damaged during the procedure and my right side of my diaphragm is paralyzed I can only sleep in one position if I want to breath sitting makes me short of breath and I am self employed but cannot work I am house bound basically and awaiting a diaphragmatic screening at the hospital's pleasure six weeks of torment trapped at home struggling to breathe and God knows what I will have to go through next to fix it if they even can I am so depressed I was a fit healthy male who is now a cripple walking around slowly gasping for air like an old man I can't believe this has happened to me or that the hospital expect me to wait 3 month's for screening to see if it gets better on it's own financially I am ruined and have lost my business a 2%chance in a thousand of this happening they said when they got me to sign the form .

[@davidconstant4716]

@@amcc3398 so sorry to hear this, they offering me ablation what would your advice be?

[@amcc3398]

@@davidconstant4716 I can't advise you as they say it's very rare it goes wrong me personally i would do it again but maybe go for RF ablation as in my first proceedure. I am graduly getting my breathing back.

[@davidconstant4716]

@@amcc3398 no worries man glad your on the mend

[@amcc3398]

Just to ad ablation has been a godsend quality of life is everything.

[@mra57]

Thank you, this really helps.

[@tiffanihermann9439]

Dr. Gupta, thanks for the simple way of explaining how these tech" in medical terms to understand them. I'm almost 47 and I take a lot of pills to control my heart rate. I still get afib events. recently my meds have increased my dose. the doctor wants me to do the TEE procedure and then cardioversion. If their is nothing wrong with my heart structure then another Ablation. First one was in 2015. Second one might work. it fractioning in what to do. when to go to ER, and not too. no information is given when asked. I'm afraid that the second ablation won't work. If it doesn't, then what should be done? and When? I don't drink or smoke. normally very healthy, except type one diabetes.

[@rabick62]

I had the procedure done 3 years ago. So glad I had it done, off the blood thinner, I would do it again.

[@cheriechavez3513]

May i ask ur age? My mom is 70. 100%afib

[@rabick62]

@@cheriechavez3513 I was 68.

[@cheriechavez3513]

How severe was ur afib? I'm worried the odds are high that people go back into a-fib after procedure anyway.

[@rabick62]

@@cheriechavez3513 It's not a guarantee, but they have pretty good success rate. Your heart is being overworked in afib, Eliquis just lowers your stroke %. They shocked me 2 different times, but I went right back in. I know people that stay on blood thinners for years and do ok.

[@astralartist4]

Just had it done last wk for parox afib. So far so good

[@Currency49495]

My cardiac electrophysiologist recommended this surgery for me recently. I'm 33 years old now, had pacemaker surgery Dec 6th and currently in AFib 15 hours a day. However I can only feel it when going into a resting state, i.e. going to lay down at bedtime. I take low dose Aspirin daily and have little issue with that, I however don't want to be on medication for AFib the rest of my life nor am I looking forward to a surgery every 1-3 years for the rest of my life. I slept 15 hours yesterday, Saturday and had no issues going to bed at my normal bedtime. I'm a machinist by trade, and have not seen any issues with working 9-10 hours a day five days a week. I have heard it could be an issue but I've not experienced any. Also not noticed much of a difference in day to day activity since surgery in Dec. I live in Indiana, USA, and plan to seek a second opinion on my AFib otherwise I'm ready to schedule surgery.

[@dylandefronzo916]

Hey man. What did you end up doing about your AFib?

[@Currency49495]

@@dylandefronzo916 I had a heart catheter ablation done on Feb 19, 2018. This was done with a Cryoballoon for most of the work, a laser was used to burn around a smaller artery. I was informed it may need done once a year, worst case. So far I've had little issues Afib related, the pacemaker does monitor this and the doctors inform me of little to no issues. I can feel when I have issues more now than before. I did file chapter 13 bankruptcy and now in my last year. My out of pocket after insurance, $327,000, was roughly $60,000. I filed bankruptcy after the hospital refused to accept any payment under $150 a month. $150 a month for 33.6666667 years. To say this has to be done to combat Afib isn't 100% true, medication is up to 50% effective but this operation is over 80% effective at lower the Afib. Although it will never completely fix it.

[@dougcoleburn1579]

@@Currency49495that’s a shame so much out of pocket. Hope you feel better

[@carara979]

so helpful Thanks Doctor👍

[@Backcountryhiker]

Thank you very much for the in-depth explanation! I am considering the procedure but after listening to your explanation, I've decided to put it off. My quality of life is not, so far, that affected by my AFIB and I am on medication. I have mild sleep apnia and some stress but will try to work on both of those conditons before considering the procedure. Again, thank you very much for that information!

[@mikeross4081]

Dr Gupta, thank you so much for this clear and informative video. I note it was made about 6 years ago. Has anything changed in terms of ablation technology and reliability?

[@janabogsphd]

I would like to know that too!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

It is all getting improved as time goes by!

[@jcc6356]

The Heart Institute in Montreal has a success rate up to 95%. So this video is 4 years old and the technology has evolved since then. The procedure is necessary for AFib patients.

[@sunshinelovenv]

Dont care that it is 95 percent, I believe gupta not you. 4 years is not that long at all. no ty

[@jcc6356]

@@sunshinelovenv go believe someone you never met. I lived through it twice. Again, I believe real life facts not internet videos. He looks like a 30 years and saying he has 28 years of experience. Sounds fishy to me.

[@mikeduggincom]

It’s not necessary, hell sometimes it doesn’t work!

[@ericlloyd663]

this was super helpful to me

[@jamestoaifolia8609]

Very helpful thanks

[@TheKetch35]

What can u use instead of amiodrone since it is toxic if taken for long.

[@peggymicsky8607]

I was under the wrong impression that because I had no symptoms of AFIB, it was no big deal. Thanks to Sanjay (I think!) I've learned there are many issues and problems that are happening within your body because of AFIB. Blood thinning medication is a necessity to avoid the risk of blood clots and strokes, as is life style changes, diet, exercise, good sleep and pacemakers. Ablation is a last resort for me!

[@Cris-jj6yd]

Same me too

[@frankoneyjr.4515]

Great video !

[@jiylees]

Dr Gupta, thank you for this video and all the videos you share. My husband had a telephone consultation with you a few months ago regarding his paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and is currently undergoing a pulmonary ablation as we speak. Thank you for the information and reassurance you gave him during your consultation - you provided important information he had never previously been told and helped him make his decision to go for the ablation. Many Thanks and good health to you and your family.

[@blakemoore666]

How is your husband doing now? Was the ablation the right decision??

[@jiylees]

@@blakemoore666 he’s doing good and recovered quickly from the procedure. It’s too early to tell if it has worked as we won’t know until he has another episode of AF - which will hopefully be never! The cardiologist said in his case the success rate is around 85% so fingers crossed

[@blakemoore666]

@@jiylees Thanks for your reply. Tough decision for me to make. My journey started December 2019 after a bad bout with a respiratory virus, heart went into afib, went to er, cardio version the day after, been dealing with pac and pvc ever since, albeit they are not that bad, only a few per day, some days 10-20, Flecainide didn’t help, cardiologist sent me to EP, he’s suggesting ablation, he says the pac and pvc will only get more frequent as I get older, will be 59 next month. Just trying to get as informed as possible!

[@jiylees]

@@blakemoore666 I can understand how tricky your decision is. My husband and had his first episode of AF out of the blue aged 28 - otherwise completely fit and healthy and never ill a day in his life until then. Wasn’t told much at the time other than he may or may not have another episode. He had nothing until a 2nd episode last October aged 40. He then had a telephone consultation with Dr Gupta who said he would be a good candidate for the ablation so we got an appointment with an electrophysiologist cardiologist who talked it over with him. He said that within the next 10 years he would likely progress to persistent AF and end up having to take take drugs for the rest of his life which really didn’t appeal to him so opted for the ablation as a chance of a cure. Now it’s just a waiting game to see if he has another episode or not. It could be likely in the first 3 months following the ablation while his heart heals but so far he’s only had a very short episode lasting a few seconds. Fingers crossed he has no more. You could arrange a telephone consultation with Dr Gupta. He is brilliant at explaining things and takes the time to listen to you and answers all your questions. He really put our minds at ease particularly when he told us the AF would not shorten his life. We spent 12 years in tenterhooks thinking that another episode could prove fatal. Why he wasn’t told that aged 28 I will never know.

[@blakemoore666]

@@jiylees praying your husband continues to heal & do well ! Yes, my EP told me it only progresses no matter your situation, so that’s reason enough to address it ! Just so scary anyone tinkering with your heart, lol 😂. My EP makes it sound so routine and really I guess it is nowadays !

[@echadmiyodea]

Have you made a video or looked into hypercalcemia causing irregular heartbeat ?

[@sanman1956]

Dr. Gupta, would you mind addressing the patient’s exposure to fluoroscopy during the ablation? This is an area of which few patients are aware. Generally speaking, the amount of time to which the patient is exposed to this strong radiation depends on the body habitus (i.e., the larger the patient the longer the fluoroscopic exposure). Typically, the average patient during a catheter ablation is exposed to the equivalent of 830 x-rays using fluoroscopy.

[@MrsPaulaTorres]

There’s an electrophysiologists video here on KZbin who says it should be 5-10minutes max

[@jeromebland6635]

Thankyou Doctor I have had ablation done i go more information from you than i got from my doctor thankyou very much. You are truly a Doctor that want to help even if like me not your patient. Thankyou again

[@johnbeggs9669]

I've had 2 svt attacks nearly a year apart. First one after a neck injury, second one after neck injury flared up. I'm positive the injury is responsible,( compressed vagus nerve?) But the docs just keep throwing ablation at me, they don't want to address the root cause. Glad I saw this video.

[@reggiepalmer6157]

Great video once again! When I go into AFib my bronchioles actually start burning and hurting when I take a deep breath which is kind of strange. So for the burning of my bronchioles I take a couple puffs of Albuterol and maybe a nitroglycerin tablet or two it seems to help. I really agree with the inflammation issue my question is how to block that my doctors won't give me anything the block the information because I'm on Xarelto and I work out all the time. I know I definitely have some kind of breathing disorder grew up in Anaheim all my life with lots of smoggy days and I remember as a kid playing baseball or football or riding my skateboard that my lungs would burn afterwards the good old days growing up with lead in our gasoline to having malathion spray over our cities for the medfly Lord knows what other Ariel experiments they did to us Santa Susana field Laboratory not too far away having their accidents Delco battery off La Palma and Magnolia I'm sure they release some nice toxic things into the environment all those years growing up, anyways back on subject. I often wonder if cardiac ablations are going to be considered like a frontal lobotomy burning the heart just doesn't seem like the Wright Avenue to take, I often wonder about Botox being used in micro dosages something like that versus Burning the heart. I've had two ablations 1 for flutter one pulmonary I've never had atrial flutter since but seems I sure do go in and out of AFib easier now. I am on 50 mg of metoprolol per day 200 mg of amiodarone it holds me pretty good as long as I'm not working out and causing inflammation but I like to work out and I'm pretty sure I have sleep apnea that I'm going to get tested for I know that's kind of how it started I was told I have lots of snoring and I have woken up in the middle of the night gasping for air thinking I was going to die with a dry mouth so I'm sure the apnea was the cause. I remember taking testosterone to out the time and now finding out that testosterone can cause sleep apnea. anyways I love your videos thank you so much for most people with heart issues!

[@sliderulelover]

If you take Nitroglycerin and you smoke, you risk blowing yourself up. Please be careful.

[@rauchka]

Can you do an update on ablation. I would imagine since six years ago this procedure may have improved . My cardiologist is looking at an AV ablation for me.

[@balto8a]

awesome video , thanks a Lot Dr

[@lilianpoulsen8394]

VERY helpful!