Ask Dr. Larry Chinitz and Dr. Ralph Damiano Your Atrial Fibrillation Questions

Respected Sir,
I have few questions regarding Afib if u can plz guide me on that as follows:
1.Is there any age above which u feel that anticoagulation is risky?
2.What INR do you try to achieve in patients of AFib in:
a-Valvular AFib
B-NonValvular AFib
c-Prosthetic Heart valves in AFib?
3.Do u anticoagulate all your patients with Afib?
4.What is the ratio of patients suffering from Rheumatic Heart Disease who have diagnosed AFib in ur experience?
I will be obliged if u plz answer to my queries asap
Thanking u in anticipation
With Regards

David,

Since your EP couldn't offer other options, maybe the next step is finding another EP to dscuss advances in the field and to get a second opinion.

How long has it been since your 2 ablations? If it's been a while, there may be advances in ablations such that a third ablation might work.

You might also consider surgery. Some EPs don't know much about the surgery and thus may not mention it as an option.

You can learn more about both catheter ablation and surgery options at http://www.stopafib.org/cured.cfm - there are pages and pages of info there.

Good luck.

Mellanie

I am a 56 yeor old male that has had atrial fib. for 20 years.it started with v-tach and svt's this was elaviated with two sets of ablations.the result was the v-tach and svt's stopped but the atrial fib returned.i had several attempts at cardioversion that failed.the e.p. doctor said i would have to live withe the a-fib but it is becoming more difficult to live with.after or during physical exertion the heart rate increases and actually pounds and causes shortness of breath and chest pain.My cardiologist recently put in two stents and said the heart was ok and it is not causing my chest discomfort.I currently take coumadin and beta blockers alon with alpha blockers,the meds make you feel sluggish and weak.Are there any new remedies for a_fib other than meds?