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What to Expect After AF Ablation Adelaide: Activity Restrictions, Driving, Medications, and Signs of Complications

  • jingxianquah
  • Mar 16
  • 4 min read

Updated: Mar 26


Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a common and effective procedure for many patients with AF. However, knowing what to expect after the procedure can help you prepare for a smooth recovery. As an electrophysiologist, I often guide my patients in Adelaide, South Australia, through the post-ablation process. In this blog post, we’ll cover what you should expect after AF ablation, including activity restrictions, driving guidelines, medications, and symptoms of potential complications.



What to Expect Immediately After AF Ablation Adelaide


  1. Recovery Room:

    • You’ll be monitored for a few hours after the procedure to ensure there are no immediate complications.

    • You may feel groggy from the sedation or anesthesia.


  2. Hospital Stay:

    • Patients usually stay overnight for observation.

    • You will have a stitch at the groin site, which will be removed the next day

    • You will have a bandage over the catheter insertion site, usually in the groin. This is to be removed in 48 hours.


  3. Initial Symptoms:

    • Mild chest discomfort or a sore throat (if a breathing tube was used during anesthesia) is common.

    • Some patients may experience sharp discomfort in their chest which is worst on deep breathing and also better when sitting up. This may be due to inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericarditis), and can be treated with anti-inflammatories for 1-2 weeks, depending on the clinical course

    • You may feel fatigued for a day or two, but this can last up to a week, depending on individual.



Activity Restrictions After AF Ablation Adelaide

To ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications, follow these activity guidelines


  1. First 24–48 Hours:

    • Rest as much as possible.

    • Avoid bending, lifting, or straining to prevent bleeding at the catheter site.

  2. First Week:

    • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise.

    • Walking is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.

  3. After 1–2 Weeks:

    • Gradually resume light activities, such as household chores and light exercise (e.g., walking, gentle yoga).

    • Avoid high-intensity workouts or contact sports for at least 4 weeks.



Driving Restrictions After AF Ablation (AUSTROADS guidelines)


  • Private license: No driving for 7 days after an AF ablation procedure

  • Commercial license: No driving for 4 weeks after an AF ablation procedure



Medications After AF Ablation

Your doctor will tailor your medication plan based on your specific needs. Common medications include:


  1. Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners):

    • Used to prevent blood clots and reduce stroke risk. Examples: warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban.

    • You may need to continue these for several weeks or longer, depending on your stroke risk.

  2. Antiarrhythmic Drugs:

    • These help maintain normal heart rhythm during the healing process. Examples: flecainide, amiodarone, sotalol.

    • You may take these for a few weeks to months, depending on your recovery.

  3. Pain Relief:

    • Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol can help with mild discomfort.

  4. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):

    • If you experience acid reflux or stomach discomfort, your doctor may prescribe a PPI (e.g., omeprazole).



Symptoms of Complications to Watch For

While AF ablation is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential complications. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:


  1. Bleeding or Swelling at the Catheter Site:

    • Persistent bleeding, a large bruise, or a lump at the groin site may indicate a hematoma or pseudoaneurysm. Seek emergency care immediately.

  2. Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath:

    • These could indicate pericarditis (inflammation around the heart) or a more serious complication like cardiac tamponade, fluid accumulation around the heart. You will need to seek urgent medical attention.

  3. Palpitations or Dizziness:

    • While some palpitations are normal during recovery, frequent or severe episodes may indicate arrhythmia recurrence. If there is a recurrence of your atrial fibrillation, you may require an electrical cardioversion to help maintain sinus rhythm. Early recurrence of your AF in the first 3 months after your ablation procedure may not necessarily mean the ablation has failed and can occur when there is significant inflammation around the heart muscle after an ablation procedure.

  4. Stroke Symptoms:

    • Sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or vision changes. Seek emergency care immediately.

  5. Fevers, Neurological Symptoms, Worsening reflux symptoms, Chest Pains:

    1. This may indicate the formation a connection between your esophagus and your heart, also known as atrio-esophageal fistula.

    2. This usually happens within the first 60 days

    3. This will require urgent medical attention, as late presentations/delayed diagnosis have been associated with high mortality, and it is important that the physician seeing you is aware of the AF ablation procedure that was performed.

    4. A CT chest is usually the first line, and an upper GI endoscopy may sometimes be required.

  6. Shortness of Breath, Exertional Intolerance and Chest Pains Few weeks to Months after AF ablation

    1. This may indicate narrowing in the pulmonary veins, called pulmonary vein stenosis

    2. This may require a CT or MRI of your heart for diagnosis



Key Takeaways

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first week after an AF ablation.

  • Do not drive for at least seven days after the procedure.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications, including anticoagulants and antiarrhythmic drugs.

  • Watch for symptoms of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or chest pain, and contact your doctor if they occur.

  • Most patients can resume normal activities within 2–4 weeks, but individual recovery times may vary.



If you’re in Adelaide or South Australia and need personalized advice on AF ablation in Adelaide, contact us today to schedule a consultation with a heart rhythm specialist.



Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.


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