Susan's Story: AFib and the Ablation Decision

The Beginning of AFib

Susan, a 60-year-old retired accountant and grandmother, first noticed something unusual during her morning walk. "My heart felt like it was fluttering. I stopped and checked my pulse—it was completely irregular and racing."

Her primary care doctor ordered a Holter monitor, which caught an episode of atrial fibrillation. Susan was referred to a cardiologist, then an electrophysiologist.

"I learned I had paroxysmal AFib. At first, episodes were brief and infrequent—maybe once every few months. I barely noticed them."

The Escalation

Over three years, Susan's AFib worsened.

"Episodes became more frequent and longer. Instead of lasting hours, they lasted days. I was going to the ER for cardioversion to reset my heart rhythm. It was disruptive and scary."

Her quality of life suffered. "I was afraid to make plans. Would I be in AFib for my granddaughter's birthday party? For our anniversary trip? The unpredictability was exhausting."

Trying Medications

Susan tried multiple medications:

• Beta-blockers (caused significant fatigue)
• Flecainide (initially worked, then stopped)
• Sotalol (caused dizziness)
• Amiodarone (worked but had concerning side effects)

"I was also on a blood thinner for stroke prevention, which was fine. But we couldn't find a rhythm control medication that worked well and didn't have difficult side effects."

The Ablation Conversation

Susan's electrophysiologist brought up catheter ablation. "He explained that it's a procedure to scar the tissue in the heart causing the irregular electrical signals. For many people, it can significantly reduce or eliminate AFib episodes."

Susan was hesitant. "Surgery on my heart? It sounded scary."

But her doctor explained:

• It's minimally invasive (through a vein in the leg)
• Success rates are good, especially for paroxysmal AFib
• Recovery is relatively quick (about a week)
• It might allow her to stop rhythm medications

Making the Decision

Susan did extensive research and got a second opinion. "I talked to people who'd had ablations. I read about the risks and benefits. The second electrophysiologist agreed that I was a good candidate."

What convinced her:

• Her AFib was getting progressively worse
• Medications weren't controlling it well
• Paroxysmal AFib has better ablation success rates than persistent AFib
• She was otherwise healthy

"I decided if I was going to do it, better to do it while my AFib was still paroxysmal rather than waiting until it became persistent."

The Procedure

Susan's ablation took about three hours. She was sedated but not fully asleep.

"I don't remember much. They went in through a vein in my groin, threaded catheters up to my heart, and used radiofrequency energy to create scars around the pulmonary veins."

She stayed overnight in the hospital for monitoring and went home the next day.

Recovery

"The first few days, I was tired and had some chest discomfort—normal after the procedure. I took it easy for a week, then gradually returned to normal activities."

Susan stayed on her blood thinner and a rhythm medication for three months post-ablation (standard protocol).

The Results

At her three-month check-up, Susan's holter monitor showed no AFib.

"It was the first time in years I'd had a normal rhythm recording. I was thrilled."

After six months of no AFib episodes, her doctor allowed her to stop the rhythm medication. She remains on a low-dose blood thinner due to her stroke risk factors.

18 Months Later

Susan is now 18 months post-ablation and has had only one brief AFib episode—when she had the flu and was very sick.

"My life is completely different. I make plans without worrying. I travel. I exercise. The freedom from that uncertainty is incredible."

She still monitors her pulse occasionally and has regular check-ups, but AFib no longer dominates her thoughts.

Susan's Advice

On the ablation decision: "It's not for everyone. Some people do well on medications. But if your AFib is progressing and medications aren't working, it's worth discussing with an electrophysiologist."

On timing: "Don't wait too long. Ablation works better for paroxysmal AFib than persistent AFib. If you're going to do it, earlier may be better."

On research: "Get informed. Understand the risks and benefits. Get a second opinion if you want. Make the decision that's right for you."

On expectations: "Ablation isn't a guaranteed cure. Some people still need medications afterward. Some have recurrences. But for many of us, it's life-changing."

Life Now

Susan volunteers with a heart health organization, sharing her story with others considering ablation.

"I want people to know there are options beyond just taking more and more medications. Ablation gave me my life back. I'm grateful every day for the freedom from constant AFib worry."

Susan's story shows that catheter ablation can be an effective option for people whose atrial fibrillation isn't well controlled with medications. Success rates vary, and it's not right for everyone, but for many, it offers significant improvement. Discuss with your electrophysiologist whether you might be a candidate.