Ablation reduces atrial fibrillation but not AF-related quality of life
The PVI-SHAM-AF double-blind trial randomized 262 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation at nine sites in Germany and Poland to catheter ablation or a sham procedure in a 2:1 ratio. Patients completed the AFEQT questionnaire at baseline and six months; AFEQT scores improved in both groups with no significant difference (ablation 61.3 to 81.1, sham 59.2 to 74.9; p=0.36). Freedom from AF at six months was higher after ablation (73% versus 52%). Vascular access complications and serious adverse events occurred in both groups, and high refusal rates raised concerns about selection bias.
Ablation cut AF recurrence but did not improve AF-related quality of life
Context
Atrial fibrillation is rising with aging populations and more cardiovascular risk factors. This trial tested whether ablation improves patient-reported AF quality of life beyond rhythm effects. Next, clinicians may use these data when…
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