Different effects of catheter ablation on exercise tolerance, leg strength, and quality of life in paroxysmal versus persistent atrial fibrillation.

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) can improve exercise tolerance and quality of life (QOL) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, its differential effects on muscle strength between paroxysmal AF (PAF) and nonparoxysmal AF (Non-PAF) remain unclear.

Methods: We evaluated 94 patients (67.8 ± 10.3 years old, 71% male) who underwent CA (PAF/Non-PAF 46/48) without AF recurrence. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD), leg strength, and an AF-specific QOL questionnaire (AFQLQ) were evaluated at baseline, 3, and 6 months after CA.

Results: At baseline, the 6MWD and AFQLQ subset 3 score were significantly lower in patients with PAF than in those with Non-PAF, but the parameters of muscle strength were comparable between the two groups. Both 6MWD and AFQLQ significantly improved at 6 months after CA in both groups. However, leg strength at 6 months after CA significantly improved in the Non-PAF group (54.9 ± 16.5 to 58.4 ± 15.2,  < .05) but not in the PAF group.

Conclusion: Successful CA for both PAF and Non-PAF improved QOL and exercise tolerance. Additionally, CA improved leg strength in Non-PAF patients.