Recovery after AF ablation: day by day and week by week

The leaflets agree on the broad shape of recovery but not the details, because units differ in the type of ablation and the sedation used. The ranges here are drawn from three NHS or charity sources, and your own discharge sheet takes priority. The procedure itself is described in the guide to catheter ablation.

After the procedure the nurse checks pulse, blood pressure and the puncture sites. The Worcestershire leaflet says you stay in bed for two or more hours, then get up, dress and eat. You may feel drowsy for a couple of days from the sedation, so avoid important decisions. Paracetamol is advised for aching at the top of the leg.

The Sussex leaflet says the dressing can come off after 24 hours but suggests leaving it two or three days, avoiding hot showers for 24 hours, hot baths for three days and alcohol for three days. Bruising can be extensive, sometimes down to the knee. For bleeding, lie flat, have someone press on the site, and call an ambulance if it has not stopped in ten minutes. A lump larger than a 50p coin needs the same approach.

The Worcestershire leaflet recommends gentle walking only for the first 48 hours, then raising activity to normal over the following seven days. The Sussex leaflet says to avoid heavy lifting for a week and to resume exercise gradually, checking with your doctor if unsure.

You may feel minor chest discomfort that worsens with a deep breath or leaning forward for a week or so, which the Sussex leaflet attributes to inflammation. Abdominal discomfort or indigestion can occur from irritation near the gullet, and a stomach-acid tablet is often prescribed for that reason. Headaches, migraine around two to three days after, and short visual disturbances are described as possible and usually pass, although worrying symptoms should be reported.

The BHF says tiredness can last days or weeks and that everyone's recovery is different. It advises avoiding heavy lifting for at least two weeks. The Sussex leaflet says it is common to have AF symptoms in the first two months and that this does not necessarily mean the procedure did not work. You may also notice pulse changes that are not AF.

Do not stop or miss an anticoagulant. The Worcestershire leaflet says continue it for at least one month afterwards, and the Sussex leaflet says there is an increased stroke risk in the first few weeks. Longer-term use depends on your stroke risk and will be reviewed by your team.

The BHF says it is after around 8 to 10 weeks that the answer is clear. If it has worked, your team may talk about stopping some medicines; if not, a repeat ablation or other options may be discussed. The Sussex leaflet says palpitations usually settle within 12 weeks. A routine clinic follow-up is usually arranged a few months after, according to the Worcestershire leaflet, and it advises contacting the arrhythmia team if no appointment arrives.

Driving: the Sussex leaflet says two days after a successful ablation with no other reason to avoid it, but recommends a week. The Worcestershire leaflet suggests waiting a week and being sure you could manage an emergency stop. For lorry or bus licences the leaflets describe longer waits and DVLA notification. GOV.UK says to ask your doctor and tell the DVLA if you are still unable to drive after three months, and driving when unable to control the vehicle safely may affect insurance.

Work: about a week off in the Sussex leaflet, longer for heavy manual jobs, while the Worcestershire leaflet says a few days may do for desk work. Exercise returns gradually; NHS.UK advises avoiding intense exercise and not exercising during AF symptoms.

The Sussex leaflet says to call NHS 111 or go to the emergency department if AF returns and you feel very unwell, and to seek help straight away for sudden weakness in an arm or leg, or fever. NHS.UK says to call 999 with a fast or irregular heartbeat and chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, severe headache, weakness on one side of the face or body, or confusion, and not to drive yourself. In the first week use the hospital's number; later your GP may be the best contact.