Ciliary Arrhythmia - 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Ciliary arrhythmia, or atrial fibrillation, is one of the most common and noteworthy arrhythmias. Zviad Matoshvili, head of the New Hospitals Arrhythmia Center, answers 10 interesting questions about this arrhythmia.
This is necessary for at least several months. After that, the patient’s risks are evaluated. If the patient has other risks, such as a history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, etc., long-term medication is necessary. After successful ablation, medication can be discontinued for low-risk patients.
1. What is ciliary arrhythmia and how is it diagnosed?
Ciliary arrhythmia is a type of arrhythmia in which the heart contractions occur in a completely arrhythmic and chaotic manner. It is fairly easy to diagnose, and standard cardiology tests (such as a cardiogram taken at the time of the arrhythmia) are sufficient to make the diagnosis.
2. What is the cause of ciliary arrhythmia?
It does not have only one cause. Often it is various heart diseases (including heart valves), thyroid dysfunction, electrolyte imbalance, tobacco and alcohol use, overweight, sleep apnea, etc. Rarely, ciliary arrhythmia may develop for no apparent reason.
3.What complaints occur with ciliary arrhythmia?
Weakness, fluttering heart, palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc. Very rarely, a patient may have no complaints. The severity of the complaints is determined by the heart rate of the arrhythmia and the individual sensitivity of the patient.
4. What risks accompany ciliary arrhythmia?
During this arrhythmia, there is an increased risk of heart failure, thrombosis, and ischemic stroke. At the same time, ciliary arrhythmia itself increases mortality.
5. How does treatment occur?
Treatment begins with drug therapy. In addition to antiarrhythmic treatment, the risk of thrombosis must be assessed and an appropriate “blood thinner” medication selected. Often drug therapy is not sufficient to control the symptoms. In this case ablation is recommended.
6. What is ablation?
Ablation is a procedure that involves removing foci of arrhythmia. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with a puncture through the thigh (no incision). It involves “burning out” (radiofrequency ablation) or “freezing out” (cryoablation) the arrhythmia foci in the heart.
7. What is the likelihood of complications and how effective is the procedure?
The likelihood of dangerous complications in ciliary arrhythmia is 1-2%. The effectiveness of a single ablation is about 70%. A repeat ablation can be performed if necessary, although most patients have significant results after the first ablation. A timely visit by the patient to the arrhythmologist is crucial. The earlier the patient undergoes ablation, the better is the outcome. In very late cases, ablation is ineffective.
8. What is the duration of ablation and how long does the patient stay in the clinic?
Ciliary arrhythmia ablation lasts on average an hour and a half. As standard, the patient stays in the clinic for one day and then goes home.
9. How long do restrictions last after ablation?
Generally, patients are advised to refrain from physical activity and live at home for 10-14 days. No special restrictions are required.
10. Is it necessary to continue medication after ciliary arrhythmia ablation?
This is necessary for at least several months. After that, the patient’s risks are evaluated. If the patient has other risks, such as a history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, etc., long-term medication is necessary. After successful ablation, medication can be discontinued for low-risk patients.
