If you're considering cardiac ablation to treat an arrhythmia, a common question is: "Will this help me live longer?" The answer is nuanced and depends on the type and severity of your arrhythmia, as well as your overall health.
Cardiac ablation primarily aims to improve quality of life by reducing or eliminating debilitating symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. While it directly targets irregular heartbeats, whether it significantly extends *life expectancy* varies. For some individuals, especially those with life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia, successful ablation can absolutely improve survival odds.
For others with less dangerous, but still disruptive, conditions like atrial fibrillation, ablation may not drastically increase lifespan, but it *can* reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure – factors that significantly impact longevity. By controlling the arrhythmia, ablation can help prevent these complications, indirectly contributing to a longer and healthier life.
Talk to your cardiologist. They can assess your specific situation and provide a personalized estimate of how cardiac ablation might affect your overall prognosis and life expectancy.
