Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and would like to explain that your husband complaints need a comprehensive clinical investigation to differentiate between a possible complication of atrial fibrillation ablation or any separated health disorder.

Though I don't know exactly how far ablation procedure has been performed, despite this time period, potential complications may be associated with cardiac ablation even in a late term fashion.

So judging from your husband symptoms, possible ablation complications such as: pulmonary vein stenosis, pericardial bleeding (leading to hemopericardium), a phrenic nerve injury ,atrial tachyarrhythmia, etc., may be responsible for his shortness of breathing.

I would advise a medical check up to his ablation reference center: a medical physical exam coupled with a resting ECG, a cardiac ultrasound, a chest x ray would help in diagnosing atrial tachyarrhythmia (ECG), pericardial bleeding and pretamponade (cardiac ultrasound) and phrenic nerve injury (elevation of diaphragm in chest x ray).

Regarding a possible pulmonary vein stenosis more sophisticated imaging tests like cardiac CT scan & MRI and nuclear ventilation-perfusion pulmonary scan would be helpful.

Regarding isolated abnormal health conditions like possible pneumonia or any other infections, some additional blood tests (complete blood count, PCR, etc.) should be done.

You have to discuss with his cardiologist about all the above mentioned issues.

Hope to have been helpful!

I am at your disposal for any other questions, whenever you need!

Best regards,

Dr. Iliri

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