Cardiac Ablation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.
A cardiac ablation is a procedure to treat an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. Your heart rhythm is controlled by electrical pathways in your heart. During cardiac ablation, energy is sent to the area of your heart that has an electrical problem. The energy causes a tiny area of the heart muscle to scar. This stops the electrical problem and allows your heart to beat regularly.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You cough up blood.
- You have a seizure.
- You have trouble thinking or speaking clearly.
- You become weak on one side of your face or body.
- You feel short of breath or have chest pain.
Seek care immediately if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- The bruise at the catheter site starts to get bigger, or the area has new swelling.
- Your heartbeat is fast or irregular.
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You feel lightheaded or faint.
Call your doctor or cardiologist if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your catheter site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have a cough that does not go away.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Antiarrhythmics help slow your heartbeat and make it more regular.
- Steroids decrease inflammation.
- Antiulcer medicine helps decrease the amount of acid that is normally made by the stomach. You may need to take this medicine to help the lining of your stomach heal or to prevent an ulcer.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Wound care:
Carefully wash your catheter insertion site as directed. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. You may shower 24 hours after your procedure, or as directed. Do not soak in a tub or use very hot water until your provider says it is okay.
Holter monitor:
You may need to use a Holter monitor to check your heart rate and rhythm at home. Ask how and when to use it. If you have questions, ask your healthcare provider for more information about Holter monitors.
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Activity:
Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can go back to your usual daily activities. Until then, do not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds or climb stairs. Follow all other instructions from your healthcare provider, such as playing sports or returning to work.
Follow up with your doctor or cardiologist as directed:
You will need regular blood clotting tests to monitor your blood thinner medications. You will also need EKGs to check your heart rate and rhythm. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.