Once found, the healthcare provider destroys the abnormal tissue.

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

Who Qualifies for Surgery?

Medicines successfully control symptoms for many people with heart disease.

Types of Heart Ablation

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

They use X-rays to guide the tube to your heart and find the areas responsible for the arrhythmia.

During the procedure, the cardiologist may ask you questions regarding your heart.

It’s common to feel light-headed or have a faster or slower heartbeat during the procedure.

You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Repeat Heart Ablation

For some people, a heart ablation will eliminate arrhythmia.

However, others may experience symptoms because the scar tissue is not effectively blocking the electrical signals.

If they persist three or more months after the procedure, your healthcare provider may recommend another heart ablation.

Ideal candidates for the procedure are those with no other structural problems or symptoms lasting less than a week.

Factors such as overall health, age, and arrhythmia severity can influence recovery.

Sometimes, a repeat ablation may be necessary if the arrhythmia returns or persists.

American Heart Association.Ablation for arrhythmias.

John Hopkins Medicine.Catheter ablation.

John Hopkins Medicine.Atrial fibrillation ablation.

Stanford Medicine.Types of ablation.

Penn Medicine.Ablation recovery: what you should know.

John Hopkins Medicine.Surgical site infections.

Hynes M.Beyond ablation in atrial fibrillation: 10 steps to better control.Am J Lifestyle Med.

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