I am a 58-year-old male patient experiencing heart...

I am a 58-year-old male patient experiencing heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat for the past 3 months. My cardiologist diagnosed me with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) on 2026-05-20 via a 24-hour Holter monitor that recorded 12 distinct episodes of atrial fibrillation. My CHA2DS2-VASc score is 2, based on my age (58 years) and history of hypertension. My cardiologist has prescribed Flecainide 100 mg twice daily (as rhythm control) and Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (as anticoagulation therapy). I have three important questions regarding my treatment plan: 1. CATHETER ABLATION VS LONG-TERM MEDICATION: Given my diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with 12 documented episodes on Holter monitoring, my age of 58, and my CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2, should catheter ablation (specifically pulmonary vein isolation) be considered as a preferred treatment option over long-term antiarrhythmic medication (Flecainide)? What are the criteria that would make me a good candidate for ablation versus continuing with medical therapy? 2. SUCCESS RATE OF PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATION (PVI): What is the current success rate of catheter ablation/pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with my profile? What are the risks and potential complications, and what is the recurrence rate after a single procedure versus multiple procedures? 3. SECOND OPINION BEFORE ANTICOAGULATION: Given that my CHA2DS2-VASc score is 2 (borderline for anticoagulation therapy), should I seek a second opinion from another cardiologist or electrophysiologist before starting Rivaroxaban 20 mg? What are the bleeding risks vs. stroke prevention benefits in my specific case, and are there any additional tests (such as echocardiogram, renal function, or genetic testing for drug metabolism) that should be done before initiating anticoagulation? All test results: Holter Monitor (2026-05-20) - 24 hours, 12 AF episodes detected; Blood Pressure - Hypertension (controlled); Age - 58 years; CHA2DS2-VASc Score - 2; Current Medications - Flecainide 100mg BD, Rivaroxaban 20mg OD.