Recovery at Home

You may feel sore, swollen, or see bruising around the insertion site for a few days. This is normal. Recovery takes time, but following these rules will help the area heal.

What You CAN Do

  • Light Housework: Simple tasks around the house.
  • Cooking: Light meal preparation.
  • Walking: Easy walking is usually okay (if allowed by your doctor).

What You CANNOT Do

  • No Heavy Lifting: Nothing over 10 pounds (like a gallon of milk).
  • No Hard Exercise: Avoid vigorous workouts.
  • No Driving: Wait until your doctor clears you.

Hygiene Rules

  • 24–48 Hours After: You may shower.
  • First Week: Do not soak the site. No baths or swimming until cleared by your doctor.

Medications After Ablation: What to Expect

Many patients are surprised to learn that heart medications are often continued after an ablation. This is expected and does not mean the procedure didn’t work.

Why medications are still needed:

  • The heart tissue needs time to heal after ablation
  • Temporary inflammation can trigger irregular rhythms during healing
  • Medications provide extra support while the heart stabilizes

You may be asked to continue:

  • Antiarrhythmic medications: Often continued for weeks to months to reduce early rhythm episodes
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Commonly continued to lower stroke risk, even if your rhythm improves
  • Rate-control medications: Such as beta blockers, depending on your condition

 Do not stop or change any medication unless your cardiologist specifically tells you to. Medication adjustments are usually made gradually at follow-up visits. 

Your Discharge Care Plan

Before leaving the hospital, staff will review your medications and lifestyle changes (such as diet and smoking cessation). Because medications often change after this procedure, be sure you understand:

  • Which medications to continue
  • Which medications were stopped or adjusted
  • When medication changes may be reassessed

When to Call for Help

Call 9-1-1 Immediately

  • Severe trouble breathing or sudden shortness of breath
  • Sudden chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Passing out (loss of consciousness)
  • Stroke signs: Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty

Call Your Doctor

  • Bleeding: Bright red blood soaking through the bandage
  • Swelling: A lump at the site gets bigger
  • Infection: Increased pain, warmth, redness, pus, or fever
  • Circulation: Limb feels cold, numb, painful, or looks blue
  • Nausea: Vomiting or unable to keep fluids down