Does AV Node Ablation treat shortness of breath in elderly?
Patient: Is AV Node Ablation a good treatment for my 81 yr old mother (she's a young 81!) with shortness of breath (worsening over the past 90 days)?   She had a heat attack with 5-way bypass 11 yrs ago and already has an ICD (defib and packmaker) implanted.   Has been very independent up until last 90 days.   Now very low energy and worsening shortness of breath.   Her heart rate is good, blood pressure good and oxygen content in blood all good.  Tried multaq and amiodarone briefly but sides effects too strong for her.  She's still with coreg.   Just wondering.....?    Thanks. Doctor: I am assuming that your mother was offered this procedure for atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm)? If that is the case, the procedure itself would prevent the irregular and sometimes fast electrical activity from the atria from reaching the ventricles. This has the potential to improve shortness of breath that is caused by ventricles that are beating too quickly. However, your mother may also have other causes of shortness of breath that are directly related to the efficiency of the pumping function of the heart. I hope she feels better.