Patient Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to common questions about visits, preparation, procedures, aftercare and travel. Each answer is general; your care team gives advice for your own situation.
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About This Page
These answers are meant to help you know what to expect and what to ask. They are general information and do not replace advice from your care team.
Instructions can vary depending on the procedure and on your own health, so please follow the individual instructions provided to you.
Your Visit
Questions About Your Visit
Before and during an appointment.
What happens at a first appointment?
Your care team will usually talk with you about your symptoms and history, and may suggest tests. See Before Your Visit.
What should I bring?
Earlier reports, test results and a list of your medicines are usually helpful, along with any questions. Your care team can say if anything else is needed.
Will I need tests?
Where clinically appropriate, tests such as an ECG or rhythm monitoring may be suggested. Your care team will explain which are relevant for you.
Can someone come with me?
Many people find it helpful to bring someone. Ask your care team what is possible for your appointment.
Preparing
Questions About Preparing
Getting ready for a test or procedure.
How should I prepare for a procedure?
Preparation depends on the procedure. Your care team will advise you; see Before Your Procedure for the general steps.
Should I change my medicines?
Please do not change or stop any medicine unless your treating team tells you to. They will give individual instructions where needed.
Do I need to fast?
Some procedures need it and some do not. Follow the individual instructions provided to you.
What if I feel unwell before the procedure?
Let your care team know as soon as you can so they can advise you on what to do next.
Procedures
Questions About Procedures
Understanding what is planned.
What is an electrophysiology study?
It is a test that looks at the heart’s electrical activity. See Treatments and the electrophysiology study page for an overview.
What is catheter ablation?
It is a treatment that aims to correct an abnormal rhythm source. Read the Treatments section to learn how the different approaches compare.
How long will it take?
This varies with the procedure and the individual. Your care team can give you an idea once your plan is clear.
Will I be awake?
This depends on the procedure and on what your care team recommends. Ask them what to expect in your case.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
The type of anaesthesia depends on the procedure and the patient, for example local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia. Your team will explain the plan before the day.
How long will I stay in hospital?
The length of any hospital stay depends on the procedure and your condition. Your physician will advise you.
What happens on the day of the procedure?
You arrive at the arranged time having followed the fasting and medicine instructions, are prepared by the team, and have the procedure, followed by a period of observation. Ask your care team whether a companion can wait with you.
Can the arrhythmia come back after ablation?
Yes, recurrence is possible, and it is more common with some rhythms than others. A repeat procedure or another treatment may be discussed.
What is left atrial appendage closure?
A catheter-based device procedure to reduce stroke risk in selected patients with atrial fibrillation. It is not an ablation. See the dedicated page.
Afterwards
Questions About Recovery
After a test or procedure.
What should I expect afterwards?
Recovery differs from person to person and between procedures. See After Your Procedure.
When can I return to normal activities?
This depends on the procedure and how you feel. Your care team will advise you; there is no single rule for everyone.
Will I need follow-up?
Often yes. Follow-up may include a check-up or rhythm monitoring, where clinically appropriate.
When should I seek urgent help?
If you have severe or worrying symptoms, seek urgent medical help rather than waiting for an appointment. See the urgent section of After Your Procedure.
Can I fly after a procedure?
Short-term flying restrictions depend on the procedure and how you recover. Please ask your physician before booking, and see Traveling to Cyprus for planning advice.
Travel
Questions About Travelling
Planning a visit to Cyprus.
Can I plan a visit from abroad?
Many people do. See Traveling to Cyprus for general planning points.
Can I travel home straight after a procedure?
Whether and when depends on the procedure and how you are recovering. Ask your care team before booking return travel.
Where do I find entry and visa information?
Requirements depend on your nationality and situation. Please check official sources.
Not Answered Here
If Your Question Is Not Here
Write your question down and raise it at your appointment. Questions about your own condition are best answered by your care team.
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