Cardiac Ablation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cardiac Ablation?
A cardiologist (a heart doctor) performs cardiac ablation with a team of technicians and nurses in a hospital. An electrophysiologist, a cardiologist trained in heart rhythm problems, often leads it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cardiac ablation?
Cardiac ablation is a procedure that treats heart rhythm problems, which doctors call arrhythmias. An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular way. Changes in the electrical signals that control your heartbeat cause these problems.
Cardiac ablation works by scarring small areas of heart tissue that send the abnormal signals. The scar blocks the faulty signals, so the rhythm problem can stop. There are two main methods. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy. Cryoablation uses very cold temperatures.
Symptoms
Cardiac ablation is used when heart rhythm problems are not controlled by medicines. Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain.
- Fainting.
- A slow or fast heartbeat, or palpitations (a feeling of skipped or racing beats).
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating or paleness.
Untreated arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain, and other organs. They can also be life-threatening.
Causes and who gets it
Changes in the heart's electrical signals cause arrhythmias. Many things can affect the heart's rhythm. These include a heart attack, smoking, congenital heart defects (heart problems present at birth), and stress. Other risks include a family history of arrhythmias, heart disease, sleep apnea, older age, and certain medicines.
Heart rhythm problems that ablation can treat include atrial fibrillation (a fast, irregular rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart), atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia (a fast rhythm in the lower chambers), and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia. Some of these problems are dangerous if not treated.
How doctors diagnose it
To find out if you have an arrhythmia, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam, checking your heartbeat and pulse. The most common test is an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that records the heart's electrical activity. Your doctor may also order blood tests and check for other conditions that can cause an arrhythmia, such as thyroid disease.
During cardiac ablation itself, doctors place small wires called electrodes inside the heart. These measure the heart's electrical activity and help find the exact area causing the problem.
Treatment
Treatment for an arrhythmia may include medicines, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD, a device that shocks the heart back into a normal rhythm) or a pacemaker, or sometimes surgery. Cardioversion, which uses electric shocks to restore a normal rhythm, is another option.
Catheter ablation is done when medicines do not control the problem. You get a sedative (medicine to help you relax) first. The skin on your neck, arm, or groin is numbed. The cardiologist makes a small cut and places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel. Live x-ray images guide the catheter to the heart. The tip sends heat, cold, or laser energy to the problem area. This creates a small scar.
The procedure can last 4 or more hours. Afterwards, you lie flat for 1 to 6 hours while your heart rhythm is checked. You may go home the same day or stay overnight. For 2 or 3 days you may feel tired. Skipped or fast heartbeats can also happen. Your cardiologist may keep you on your heart medicines or give you new ones.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 right away if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting. Also call 911 for sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or bleeding that will not stop where the catheter went in. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms get worse.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can check symptoms like palpitations, order first tests such as an EKG, and follow your heart health over time. They can also refer you to a cardiologist for ablation and help manage your care after it.
Common questions
Is cardiac ablation safe?
Catheter ablation is generally safe. Rare problems include bleeding where the catheter goes in, blood clots that can reach the brain (stroke), leg, or heart, damage to an artery or heart valve, heart attack, and fluid around the heart. Your cardiologist will talk about the risks with you before the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Catheter ablation is a long procedure. It can last 4 or more hours. You will then rest in bed while your heart rhythm is checked. You may go home the same day or stay overnight.
What happens after a cardiac ablation?
You will need someone to drive you home. For 2 or 3 days, you may feel tired. Skipped heartbeats or fast, irregular heartbeats can also happen. Tell your cardiologist about any new symptoms.
What is the success rate?
Success rates are different depending on what type of heart rhythm problem is treated. Your cardiologist can tell you what to expect for your condition.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Cardiac ablation procedures
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Arrhythmias Treatment
- MedlinePlus - Arrhythmia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
