SECTION 3
Activity and recovery
The first 24 hours
Rest at home with an adult available to help. After sedation or anesthesia, do not drink alcohol, operate machinery, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours and until your discharge instructions allow it.
Driving after ablation
Do not drive for 48 hours after your procedure. You may resume driving after 48 hours if you feel well and are not taking medicines that impair alertness. Follow any longer driving restriction given by your care team.
Resume food and fluids as permitted by your team. Follow any existing dietary or fluid restrictions.
Take it easy for 7 days
Take it easy for the 7 days following your procedure. Do not exercise or play sports during this time. You may stand, sit, walk gently, and take a shower.
- Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 7 days, unless your team gives different instructions.
- No exercise or sports, including golf and pickleball, for 7 days. Avoid heavy pushing or pulling.
- You may stand, sit, and take gentle, short walks as tolerated.
- You may shower. Do not use swimming pools, hot tubs, or bathtubs for the first 7 days.
- Minimize repeated stair climbing during the first week. If stairs are necessary, use them slowly and avoid carrying heavy items.
- Do not drive for 48 hours after the procedure. Follow your care team’s instructions about returning to work; physically demanding work may require more time.
What might I notice while healing?
You may feel tired for several days. Some people notice brief palpitations after an ablation. After AFib ablation, rhythm episodes can occur during the early healing period and do not automatically mean the procedure failed.
Tell your care team about persistent or worsening palpitations. Do not assume every new symptom is part of normal recovery.
When should I seek emergency care?
Call 911 for severe or persistent chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of stroke such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking.
After a left atrial ablation, fever with chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or new neurologic symptoms also needs urgent evaluation. Tell the emergency team that you recently had a heart ablation.
The key idea: Ease back into activity while the groin sites heal, and follow your personal recovery instructions.
Updated October 2026. Your procedure team’s instructions take priority.