Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealing TimeCauses of FatigueWhy You Should RestDuration of FatigueSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Healing Time
Causes of Fatigue
Why You Should Rest
Duration of Fatigue
Seeking Medical Care
Fatigueafter a cardiac ablation (also called catheter or radiofrequency ablation) is normal and can be expected for two days up to two weeks. Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat an irregular heartbeat (e.g., atrial fibrillation) that doesn’t respond to medication.Still, cardiac ablation causes trauma to the heart and requires sedative medications to minimize discomfort.
This article discusses why you may feel fatigued after cardiac ablation, the importance of rest during the healing process, and how long to expect fatigue.
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How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Cardiac Ablation?
Generally,recoveryafter a cardiac ablation is quick. You can expect to be tired for two to three days. Often, you can resume regular activity within a day or two of the procedure, though you might be advised not to drive for a few days or lift anything heavy for a couple of weeks.Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific aftercare instructions.
Fatigue is expected during the recovery process.Medications to make you sleepy during the procedure contribute to fatigue. Most providers will advise you to avoid driving for at least two days after the procedure.
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, but it does create trauma to the heart, which also contributes to fatigue. It is essential to take things slowly following a cardiac ablation to allow the body time to heal and the fatigue to pass.
What Causes Fatigue After Cardiac Ablation?
Cardiac ablation can cause you to feel fatigued due to the following factors:
Coping With Fatigue After Surgery
Why Should You Rest After a Cardiac Ablation?
Even though a cardiac ablation is considered a minimally invasive procedure, it still results in postoperative fatigue. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s post-procedure instructions.In addition, getting adequate rest will support the healing and recovery process.
Understanding the Heart Ablation Procedure and Recovery
How Long You Might Feel Tired
Feeling fatigued after a cardiac ablation is considered normal. However, the procedure can help improve any fatigue you experienced before the procedure.
One study indicated that people who received a radiofrequency (cardiac) ablation tended to fatigue more before the procedure, which improved afterward.Another recent study revealed abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, cause more fatigue than catheter ablation.
Generally, most fatigue and tiredness after a cardiac ablation resolves within a week.A young, physically active person might feel fatigue dissipate within a few days after the cardiac ablation. Conversely, a less active person or someone with certain medical conditions may experience slower recovery and healing.
Everyone recovers from the cardiac ablation procedure at different speeds. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance if your fatigue is not resolving or worsening.
What to Know About Ablation Therapy
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Recovering from fatigue after a cardiac ablation will vary from person to person. There are some essential warning signs for when you should notify your healthcare provider, such as:
If you experience any of the following high-risk signs or symptoms after cardiac ablation, call 911 for an emergency medical response:
Summary
Fatigue after cardiac ablation is typically a result of sedative medications or a physiological part of the healing process. It usually lasts for a couple of days to a couple of weeks. If your fatigue lasts longer or worsens, or you cannot return to normal activities within a few weeks, follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure your healing process is on track.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins.Catheter ablation.British Heart Foundation.Ablation.Atrial Fibrillation Association.Recovering from ablation for atrial fibrillation.American Heart Association.Ablation for arrhythmias.Al-Betar MT, Masa’deh R, Hamaideh SH, Ahmed FR, Bakkali H, AbuRuz ME. Quality of life among patients with supraventricular tachycardia post radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Jordan.Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):333-342. doi:10.4266/acc.2023.00052Alrumayh A, Alobaida M. Catheter ablation superiority over the pharmacological treatments in atrial fibrillation: a dedicated review.Annals of Medicine. 2021;53(1):551-557. doi:10.1080%2F07853890.2021.1905873
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins.Catheter ablation.British Heart Foundation.Ablation.Atrial Fibrillation Association.Recovering from ablation for atrial fibrillation.American Heart Association.Ablation for arrhythmias.Al-Betar MT, Masa’deh R, Hamaideh SH, Ahmed FR, Bakkali H, AbuRuz ME. Quality of life among patients with supraventricular tachycardia post radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Jordan.Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):333-342. doi:10.4266/acc.2023.00052Alrumayh A, Alobaida M. Catheter ablation superiority over the pharmacological treatments in atrial fibrillation: a dedicated review.Annals of Medicine. 2021;53(1):551-557. doi:10.1080%2F07853890.2021.1905873
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins.Catheter ablation.British Heart Foundation.Ablation.Atrial Fibrillation Association.Recovering from ablation for atrial fibrillation.American Heart Association.Ablation for arrhythmias.Al-Betar MT, Masa’deh R, Hamaideh SH, Ahmed FR, Bakkali H, AbuRuz ME. Quality of life among patients with supraventricular tachycardia post radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Jordan.Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):333-342. doi:10.4266/acc.2023.00052Alrumayh A, Alobaida M. Catheter ablation superiority over the pharmacological treatments in atrial fibrillation: a dedicated review.Annals of Medicine. 2021;53(1):551-557. doi:10.1080%2F07853890.2021.1905873
Johns Hopkins.Catheter ablation.
British Heart Foundation.Ablation.
Atrial Fibrillation Association.Recovering from ablation for atrial fibrillation.
American Heart Association.Ablation for arrhythmias.
Al-Betar MT, Masa’deh R, Hamaideh SH, Ahmed FR, Bakkali H, AbuRuz ME. Quality of life among patients with supraventricular tachycardia post radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Jordan.Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):333-342. doi:10.4266/acc.2023.00052
Alrumayh A, Alobaida M. Catheter ablation superiority over the pharmacological treatments in atrial fibrillation: a dedicated review.Annals of Medicine. 2021;53(1):551-557. doi:10.1080%2F07853890.2021.1905873
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