In a prospective, observational pilot study of patients scheduled for an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation at the University of Vermont Medical Center the investigators will compare exercise capacity before and four months after AF ablation.
Patients ≥ 18 years of age who are scheduled for an AF ablation at the University of Vermont Medical Center will be screened for the following inclusion criteria: H2FpEF score of ≥ 6 (corresponding to ≥90% probability of HFpEF (19)) AND echocardiogram within the past 2 years that reported a LV ejection fraction ≥ 50% AND at least one symptom of HF (dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea). Exclusion criteria: (1) Life expectancy \<12 months, (2) moderate or more valvular disease, (3) inability to walk on a treadmill. Patients with early recurrent AF (defined as AF after a 12-week post-procedural blanking period accounting for post-ablation inflammation) will be withdrawn from the study and not proceed to the 4 month follow up visit.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
34
University of Vermont Medical Center
Burlington, Vermont, United States
RECRUITINGChange in peak VO2
cardiopulmonary exercise testing will be performed \& peak VO2 measured at baseline \& follow up visit
Time frame: before AF ablation and 4 months after AF ablation
Change in KCCQ score
Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) will be obtained at baseline visit \& again at ablation follow up visit. Scale 0-100 with higher scores signifying better quality of life.
Time frame: before and 4 months after AF ablation
Percent change in NTproBNP
Initial sample taken day of AF ablation as is standard of care; reassessed at 4 month f/u visit
Time frame: before and 4 months after AF ablation
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