Cardiac ablation is also known as catheter ablation or radiofrequency ablation. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. Read more: https://cadenceheart.sg/condition/atrial-fibrillation/.
During the procedure, a heart specialist will insert a small flexible tube called a catheter into a vein in the groin or leg and guide it to your heart. The catheter delivers heat or cold energy to destroy small areas of heart tissue to cause arrhythmias.
The aim is to block irregular electrical signals and restore the heart’s normal rhythm. But, who qualifies for the procedure, and what could make you not a good candidate for cardiac ablation in Singapore? Keep reading to find out.
Who Qualifies for Cardiac Ablation?
Cardiac ablation can be used to treat a wide range of heart conditions. But who qualifies for cardiac ablation?
The first group of people who qualify for cardiac ablation are those with arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats that can’t be controlled by medication or cause serious side effects. These arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, and ventricular tachycardia.
If medications aren’t effective or cause intolerable side effects, cardiac ablation may be a suitable option for you. A good provider will guide you through what the procedure involves so you know exactly what to expect.
The other group of people who qualify for cardiac ablation in Singapore is those with certain structural heart diseases. These conditions include cardiomyopathy, amyloid cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), familial dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease.
For these patients, cardiac ablation cannot only help improve symptoms. It can also help reduce the risk of complications.
Who should not have an Ablation?
Cardiac ablation is effective for several diseases of the heart. It also comes with several benefits which include relieving symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib), reducing the risk of death and heart failure for patients with AFib, and lowering the risk of serious outcomes among other benefits.
But as is the case with other medical procedures, this procedure does come with its fair share of risks thus the question; who should not have an ablation. You may not be approved for cardiac ablation in Singapore if you fall into any of the groups below;
-
People with Bleeding Diatheses and Coagulopathy
Cardiac ablation involves inserting catheters through blood vessels. This action can increase the risk of bleeding.
For individuals with bleeding diatheses or coagulopathy, the risk of excessive bleeding during or after the procedure is significantly higher. These conditions are the main contraindications for catheter ablation because they can lead to serious complications and potentially life-threatening situations.
-
Individuals with Long-Standing Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common condition treated with cardiac ablation. However, people with long-standing atrial fibrillation, especially those with underlying heart disease, may not be ideal candidates.
In these cases, the heart’s atria may have undergone structural changes that make successful ablation more difficult. The procedure might not be effective, and the risks could outweigh the benefits.
-
Patients with Significant Left Atrium Fibrosis
Fibrosis of the left atrium can impair the heart’s ability to contract and distend properly. For patients with long-standing atrial fibrillation and significant left atrium fibrosis, ablation can worsen these pre-existing conditions.
The procedure could lead to further impairment of atrial contractility and distensibility. These developments could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and possibly exacerbate the patient’s condition.
-
People with Severe Heart Failure
Individuals with severe heart failure may also be cleared for cardiac ablation in Singapore. The procedure can put additional stress on an already weakened heart.
Moreover, severe heart failure often accompanies structural changes in the heart which makes it more challenging to achieve a successful outcome with ablation. The risks of complications such as heart failure exacerbation or other cardiovascular events may be too high in these patients.
-
Patients with Active Infections
Anyone with an active infection should avoid cardiac ablation until the infection is fully resolved. Performing the procedure during an active infection can increase the risk of spreading the infection to the heart or other parts of the body. This can lead to severe complications, including endocarditis (infection of the heart’s inner lining) and other systemic infections.
What is the Alternative to Cardiac ablation?
Cardiac ablation is a very effective procedure used to treat heart arrhythmias. However, it’s not the only option available—especially if you’re deemed to not be a good fit for the procedure. Here are five alternatives to cardiac ablation in Singapore:
- Medication to Stabilize the Heartbeat: Medications, known as antiarrhythmics, are often the first line of treatment for heart arrhythmias. These drugs help regulate the heart’s rhythm and can prevent episodes of irregular heartbeats. Common medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and sodium or potassium channel blockers. While effective for many patients, these medications require regular monitoring and adjustments to ensure efficacy and minimize side effects.
- Electrical Cardioversion: Electrical cardioversion is a procedure where an electrical current is sent through the chest to reset the heart to a normal rhythm. This treatment is typically used for atrial fibrillation or other types of arrhythmias that do not respond to medication. It’s a quick procedure performed under sedation, and while effective, it may need to be repeated if arrhythmias recur.
- Implantable Devices: For some patients, implantable devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be recommended. Pacemakers help control abnormal heart rhythms by sending electrical impulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. ICDs monitor heart rhythms and can deliver shocks if a dangerous arrhythmia is detected. These devices are particularly useful for patients with severe arrhythmias or those at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes can significantly impact heart health and reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias. Patients are often advised to adopt a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and avoid substances like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco that can trigger arrhythmias. Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are also crucial for heart health.
- Surgical Ablation: For patients who do not respond to other treatments, surgical ablation may be an option. This is a more invasive procedure than catheter ablation and involves open heart surgery to locate and destroy the tissue causing the arrhythmia. Surgical ablation is often considered when other treatments have failed or if the patient is undergoing heart surgery for another reason.
Closing Thoughts
Those with uncontrolled or severe arrhythmias and specific structural heart diseases may benefit from cardiac ablation. This procedure offers a chance to manage symptoms effectively and improve overall heart function.
Do you have questions about cardiac ablation that you would appreciate getting answers for from a professional? Please, get in touch with us at the Cadence Heart Center to schedule a consultation. See details below;
Cadence Heart Centre (Dr Devinder Singh) | Heart Screening, Heart Check Up
3 Mount Elizabeth, Medical Centre,
14-13, Singapore 228510
+65 6369 8789
https://cadenceheart.sg/
