Post-Ablation Dizziness Concerns
Hello everyone, I’m a 24-year-old female with a background of experiencing heart palpitations. About a month ago, I underwent an ablation for SVT and, fortunately, I’m not currently on any medication. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has encountered similar difficulties or has insights into what I might be experiencing. I have visited the hospital multiple times where they ruled out any serious conditions, yet they remain uncertain about the cause of my symptoms. During the cardiac ablation, I faced complications that included a pseudoaneurysm in my groin, which has since been addressed and resolved, as well as a hematoma. Ever since the procedure, I’ve been plagued by intense dizziness. On some days, I struggle to walk or engage in any activities without needing to lean on something for support. Following the treatment, I was advised to rest in bed, which led to a significant decline in my strength; I even found it challenging to reach the bathroom. Given my usual active lifestyle, this is quite unexpected for me. More than a month has passed and, although I’ve noticed some improvement in the dizziness over the last few days, I still experience episodes from time to time. I have been attending vestibular physiotherapy, but the doctors have yet to determine the root of my issues. An appointment with an ENT specialist is scheduled, but my tests won’t take place until December, which raises concerns that nothing may be discovered by then.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 1:40:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time post-ablation, especially dealing with persistent dizziness and the impact it has had on your daily life. Your previous cardiovascular history and the complications from the ablation procedure you described can indeed contribute to your symptoms. It's commendable that you are proactive in seeking insights and support.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Dizziness after a cardiac procedure like ablation can stem from several factors, including:
- Vestibular disturbances: Following the bed rest and reduced activity, your vestibular system might be affected.
- Deconditioning: Prolonged resting can lead to decreased physical strength and balance problems.
- Blood flow issues: Complications like a pseudoaneurysm or hematoma may impact circulation temporarily.
Next Steps
Given your situation, here are some prioritized, actionable steps to help manage your dizziness and improve your strength:
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Continue Vestibular Physiotherapy: Since you've already started, stick with this therapy as it is designed to help with balance issues and dizziness.
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Gradual Activity Increase: If you're cleared by your healthcare team, gradually incorporate light exercises (like walking or stretching) into your routine. This can help rebuild strength and improve balance. Start with short, manageable durations and slowly increase as you feel comfortable.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support recovery. Dehydration can often worsen dizziness.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your dizziness episodes, noting the circumstances – like time of day, activities, and severity. This information could prove helpful for your ENT appointment and aid in tracking improvements.
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Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga, which may help reduce dizziness exacerbated by stress.
Follow-Up
While you're waiting for your upcoming ENT appointment in December, stay consistent with the above steps. Should your symptoms worsen (like increasing frequency or severity of dizziness, or other worrying symptoms), reach out to your healthcare team sooner for advice.
Remember, recovery can be a gradual process, and it’s important to give yourself the grace to heal while actively participating in your recovery journey. If you have further questions or need more support, don't hesitate to ask!
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