Aggressive risk factor reduction study for atrial fibrillation and implications for the outcome of ablation: The ARREST-AF cohort study

Abstract

Background The long-term outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation demonstrates attrition. This outcome may be due to failure to attenuate the progressive substrate promoted by cardiovascular risk factors. Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of risk factor and weight management on AF ablation outcomes. Methods Of 281 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation, 149 with a body mass index ≤27 kg/m2 and ≤1 cardiac risk factor were offered risk factor management (RFM) according to American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. After AF ablation, all 61 patients who opted for RFM and 88 control subjects were assessed every 3 to 6 months by clini..