For AFib, notes that 30–40% of patients may have a recurrence after their first ablation, although many still experience substantially fewer symptoms and a better quality of life. Repeat ablation can improve long-term rhythm control.

For example, in randomized trials of paroxysmal AFib, recurrent atrial arrhythmias at one year occurred in about 25–43% of patients after ablation, meaning roughly 57–75% remained free of recurrence in those studies.

What affects your individual chances?

Success is generally higher when:

• AFib is paroxysmal rather than persistent.
• The procedure is performed relatively early after AFib develops.
• The left atrium isn’t significantly enlarged.
• There is less underlying heart disease or atrial scarring.
• Blood pressure, weight, sleep apnea, alcohol use, and other AFib risk factors are well controlled.