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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
What is Heart Ablation?
Introduction
Heart ablation, or catheter ablation, is a medical procedure used to treat certain heart rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias. The procedure involves using heat (radiofrequency) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to destroy small areas of abnormal heart tissue that cause irregular heartbeats.
Why is Ablation Needed?
Ablation is commonly used to treat the following arrhythmias: - Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – The most common type of arrhythmia causing irregular and fast heartbeats. - Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – A rapid heart rhythm originating from the upper chambers of the heart. - Ventricular tachycardia (VT) – A fast heartbeat that arises from the lower chambers and can be life-threatening.
How is the Procedure Performed?
- A catheter (thin tube) is inserted through a vein, usually in the groin.
- The catheter is guided into the heart using X-ray imaging.
- Special electrodes detect abnormal electrical signals in the heart.
- Radiofrequency energy (heat) or cryotherapy (cold) is applied to the affected heart tissue.
- The damaged tissue stops sending abnormal electrical signals, allowing the heart to restore normal rhythm.
Benefits of Ablation
- Reduces or eliminates the need for long-term medication.
- Improves symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Reduces the risk of complications related to untreated arrhythmias.
Risks and Considerations
While heart ablation is generally safe, potential risks include: - Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site. - Damage to normal heart tissue, which may require a pacemaker. - Blood clots that could lead to stroke (especially in AFib patients).
Conclusion
Heart ablation is an effective treatment for many types of arrhythmias. If you experience symptoms of irregular heartbeats, consult a cardiologist to determine if ablation is a suitable option.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.10.021
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
2. 2022 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients with Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000550
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.053
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(17)31250-X/fulltext
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.