Have you ever felt as if your heart was beating too fast, or too slowly? It is also possible that you may not see anything. All of these signs indicate an abnormal heart rhythm, also known as heart palpitations. arrhythmiaWhere your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern, even when you are resting. These variations can range from harmless to potentially serious, sometimes causing symptoms and sometimes remaining symptom-free.

Irregular heartbeats can indicate various types of arrhythmias, with atrial fibrillation (AFib) being the most common. So, we talk to an expert to learn about cardiac surgery for arrhythmias, how it works, and what to expect.

Cardiac ablation is a procedure that uses energy to make tiny scars in the tissue of your heart. “These scars block abnormal electrical signals from passing through your heart, resulting in a more regular heartbeat. Cardiac ablation is often used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), and when it occurs specifically When done for AFib, the procedure is often referred to as AFib ablation,” says Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi. Dr. Khushwant Popli, Senior Advisor and HOD of (CTVS) explains.

Before recommending cardiac ablation, your doctor may suggest other treatments such as medications or resetting your heartbeat through a procedure called cardioversion. If these treatments don’t help, your doctor may recommend an abdominal dissection.

“To determine if you are a candidate for cardiac ablation, your doctor may first perform an EP (electrophysiology) study, which involves mapping your heart’s electrical activity. This study helps pinpoint precise areas “is where the abnormal electrical signals arise, allowing the doctor to more accurately plan the resection,” he says.

According to Dr. Popeli, the effectiveness of your cardiac ablation will depend on a variety of factors, including the cause of your abnormal heartbeat. “Some facilities report success rates of 90 percent or higher, but there is still a possibility that a second treatment may be necessary to resolve the problem. Even if the procedure is successful, you will still need to maintain a regular heart rate.” Medication may be required.” ” he adds further.

The Labyrinth procedure involves making a microscopic incision in the upper portion of the heart to create a scar tissue pattern, known as the labyrinth. “This labyrinthine blocks the transmission of abnormal heart impulses, which may help prevent some arrhythmias, particularly the fast heartbeat associated with AFib,” explains Dr. Popeli. He said this technique is typically used when other treatments have failed or if the patient has already undergone an open heart. -heart surgery.

In some cases, it may also be performed after an EP study to better understand the electrical pathways causing the arrhythmia.

If you have important coronary artery Because of disease and irregular heart rhythm, you may need coronary bypass grafting (CABG). “This surgery creates a new path for blood flow around a blocked or partially obstructed coronary artery, helping to restore proper blood flow to the heart. In cases where coronary artery disease has occurred as well If arrhythmias also occur, your surgeon may decide to treat both conditions simultaneously with an operation,” says the expert.

Most patients report an improvement in their quality of life after cardiac ablation. However, there is a possibility that the abnormal heartbeat may recur. If this happens, treatment may be repeated, or your doctor may suggest an alternative treatment. Depending on the nature of your irregular heartbeat, you may still need to take heart medications after cardiac ablation.

If you have had AFib for a long time, additional therapy may be needed to maintain a normal heart rate. You may also need medicine to control your heart rhythm for several months after treatment.

Patients who undergo the Labyrinth procedure often experience long-term relief from arrhythmia-related problems.

Many people do not need cardiac rhythm medications after treatment, improving their overall quality of life.

In addition to treatment, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help keep your heart healthy. This may include eating a balanced diet with less salt and alcohol, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical exercise, and managing stress and strong emotions.

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