Women, Atrial Fibrillation, and Inflammation
Since I posted a few days ago on Statins Help Women with Atrial Fibrillation, Hans Larsen, owner of the Lone Atrial Fibrillation Bulletin Board, created a great recap of studies related to inflammation and atrial fibrillation, including lone atrial fibrillation (afib without any underlying heart disease). It’s definitely worth checking out to find out more about inflammation.
Some findings he included were really fascinating, such as that being out of normal sinus rhythm can cause inflammation, rather than the other way around. Also, inflammation may not be as important in true lone atrial fibrillation.
Importantly, most studies on afib and inflammation have been on populations that were mostly men. That’s why the statin study is so unique - it’s an afib study in WOMEN, FINALLY! We know that afib is slightly different in women and it’s nice to finally have some afib studies that tell us what happens for women.
So, if statins’ anti-inflammatory properties were beneficial for women (in this case, post-menopausal women with existing heart disease) by decreasing their atrial fibrillation risk, then natural anti-inflammatories should also be beneficial for many, if not most, women in decreasing their afib risk. We know that anti-inflammatories are beneficial to men, but it’s good to finally know that this applies to women as well.
Speaking of afib research on women, one study just presented at the Heart Rhythm Society annual meeting showed that women are way under-represented among those referred for catheter ablation. I know that to be the case for surgery as well.
So that means that if you’re a woman with afib, you just may have to be more proactive and assertive to find out all your options to get the atrial fibrillation treatment you deserve.
We are told that it will be several months after a cardiac ablation before anyone knows whether or not the procedure was successful, because the procedure, in and of itself, like other heart procedures, can bring on arrhythmia, which may, or will, take some time to subside.
In this post-ablation period, if there is arrhythmia, does that mean that new short circuits are probably being created? And, if so, does that mean that during the healing time, the patient should continue taking drugs, and avoiding stress, and doing everything possible to reduce the arrhythmia?
Some doctors advise against taking meds during the post-ablation period, saying “just let the arrhythmia run.”
If you do that, are you shooting yourself in the foot?
Anne,
It’s true that for several moths after a catheter ablation you are more likely to have arrhythmias. That’s due to the inflammation of the heart tissue from the procedure rather than reconnection of electrical pathways per se.
Because of the inflammation, it’s wise to take it easy while your heart heals, avoiding too much exercise and stress, if possible.
However, it’s pretty common for doctors to prescribe medications for the arrhythmia for at least a few weeks after the ablaion. But that certainly varies from one doctor to the next.
I don’t think you’re really shooting yourself in the foot by letting the arrhythmia run, but if you’re having really bad arrhythmia, it is definitely worth discussing with your doctor. Let him or her know EXACTLY what it’s doing to you. We’re all different, so unless your doctor knows what you’re experiencing, he can’t help you make a decision and solve the problem in the best way for you.
Good luck.
Mellanie
Yes let it run so doctors can see how bad it is!! i had it done 3 years ago and was free from AF normal every day life . Unfortunately it is back…more pills..warfin…beta blockers, none of them work..what next!! just been shocked to give me a little respite…but it will be back…the truth is it can’t be cured. 17 yrs i have had persistent AF, HAD 5 CARDIOVERSIONS-ABLATION …Drs-consultants-nurses just fog you off, trust me i know. Christine
Christine,
You said, “the truth is it can’t be cured.”
There is still hope. Have you talked with a surgeon recently? Due to advances in medical science they are having more success every year in treating long-standing afib. It might be worth a try.
Please don’t give up.
Mellanie
I sound like the blogs I’ve read. Multi atrial malfunctions. Ablations for afib,a flutter. Pulmonary node ablation in June followed by flecainide,dofetilide(prior to ablation failed rhythmol, sotalol). symptoms continue although lately I don’t feel the fluttering , but high rate makes me tired, unsure of myself to pursue life in minimal ways.
I am to make a choice this week re: amiodarone( very nervous about drug and <with my hx, concerned it will be effective) or AV node ablation.
Have others had success by waiting after an ablation? Am I being impatient with (MD’s impatient) with a positive outcome by giving myself more time after the ablation? How much time?
Thanks for input. I like what I hear about av node ablations with pacers but I don’t like the finality of no more treatment options.
Thanks again,
Betty
Betty,
I’m sorry about your afib.
Please don’t let them rush you, or rush yourself, into a decision you will regret. You may need time to research and check out options before making a decision.
If you just had a pulmonary vein ablation in June, it may be too soon to know if it worked. Often you’ll have afib for a month or two, even three, afterwards while the heart is healing. That’s not unusual.
Amidarone has lots of side effects. And an AV Node Ablation is pretty final. Please read
AV Node Ablation: Why You Shouldn’t Have It.
If your doctor is rushing this, maybe you need a second opinion with another electrophysiologist.
Good luck.
Mellanie