Patrick Vellner Shares Insights on His Heart Ablation Procedure – Fitness Volt

Introduction

Fitness is not just about pushing your physical limits but also about ensuring your overall health. Patrick Vellner, a seasoned CrossFit athlete, exemplifies this balance. Over the past decade, he has ascended to the top ranks of the sport while also navigating personal health challenges. In this article, we delve into Vellner’s experience with heart issues, the steps he took to address them, and the lessons we can all learn about prioritizing well-being.

Patrick Vellner’s Heart Ablation Journey

For over ten years, Patrick Vellner has been a formidable competitor in CrossFit, continually improving his performance. Despite his success, he faced a significant hurdle: a heart condition that impacted his ability to compete at the highest level. During the offseason before the 2026 season, he chose to undergo a heart ablation procedure to address this issue, sharing his experience on Instagram.

Heart ablation addresses irregular heartbeats, which can significantly affect athletic performance. For Vellner, these irregularities hindered his training efforts and competitive outcomes. With the desire to optimize his health and fitness, he decided to take action.

Identifying the Issue

Vellner’s challenges began in 2024 during the CrossFit Open. While competing, he experienced unexpected exhaustion, which he initially dismissed as normal fatigue. However, his wife, a physician, urged him to seek medical attention.

“I had a strange episode towards the end of the Open. I was far from finishing, yet felt overwhelmingly tired. My wife insisted I get it checked out. After an evaluation, I was diagnosed with atrial flutter, a condition characterized by abnormal electrical patterns in the heart.”

The symptoms were similar to those experienced during intense training, leading to a prolonged period without diagnosis. Left untreated, the condition posed potential risks, including stroke, which Vellner naturally wanted to avoid.

“Symptoms like palpitations and fatigue are common for athletes like me. Initially, my episodes were brief and infrequent, so it didn’t seem urgent. However, ignoring it could lead to serious health risks.”

Pushing Through to Recovery

Unable to undergo treatment during the busy 2025 season, Vellner continued to compete despite the challenges. The high-stress environment of competition triggered more frequent episodes, prompting him to prioritize his health once the season ended.

“After moving coasts and getting settled, I realized I needed to address my heart condition during the offseason. Episodes were becoming more frequent, so ultimately, I opted for the ablation.”

Vellner described the procedure as straightforward, involving a catheterization through the groin to target problematic areas in the heart. He reported the experience of having part of his heart treated while awake as unusual but manageable. Recovery was expected to be quick, allowing him to gradually ramp up his training within weeks.

Looking Ahead

With numerous accolades, including three silver and three bronze medals at the CrossFit Games, Patrick Vellner exemplifies perseverance and dedication. His recent heart procedure represents a crucial step towards returning to optimal form. Now, with his health addressed, Vellner looks forward to resuming his journey in the sport he loves.

Conclusion

Patrick Vellner’s story is a reminder that health must come first, even for those at the pinnacle of athletic performance. If you’re facing challenges in your fitness journey, remember to consult healthcare professionals and prioritize self-care. As we strive for our fitness goals, let us learn to listen to our bodies and invest in our health for long-term success.