Effect of Pulmonary Vein Isolation on Quality of Life in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that delivering radiofrequency energy to isolate the pulmonary veins (PVs) can cure patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Objective: To quantify the effects of radiofrequency catheter isolation of PVs on quality of life (QoL), symptom burden and non-scheduled visiting to physicians in patients with PAF. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients referred for radiofrequency ablation of PAF were included. Questionnaires were administered retrospectively, 6.3 months after the ablation procedure. QoL was measured by the SF-36 (a measure of general health status) and symptoms and health care utilization by a locally constructed questionnaire. Results: Before ablation, patients with PAF had significantly lower scores on all SF-36 subscales with the exception of the pain subscale, compared with a healthy control group. Apart from bodily pain all subscales significantly improved after PV isolation. Twenty patients had an improvement in their total health perception. PV isolation significantly reduced the frequency of episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the proportion of nonscheduled contacts to physicians for AF. Conclusion: QoL in patients with PAF is significantly impaired. PV isolation improves the QoL and reduces the frequency and severity of symptoms and non-scheduled contacts to physicians.

Early and long-term outcomes and quality of life after concomitant mitral valve surgery, left atrial size reduction, and radiofrequency surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

“…In addition, there was no significant increase in QOL in patients from 3–12 months after operation (p>0.05). Lonnerholm et al ( 26 ) revealed the same results as improving QOL in Swedish population at 6–12 months, but also except “bodily pain.” Nielsson et al ( 27 ) described results after pulmonary vein isolation in comparison with a healthy population of Denmark, where they revealed a statistically significant decrease in 5 of the 8 points before operation and increase after operation in 7\8 subscales. In 2003, Jessurun et al ( 28 ) continued a prospective randomized study, where they revealed significant increase in QOL in patients after MV surgery, but there was no improvement after maze operation post-MV surgery.…”

A review on role of yoga in the management of patients with cardiac arrhythmias

“…Three studies have evaluated the effect of yoga on hemodynamic parameters such as HR, systolic blood pressures (SBP), and diastolic blood pressures (DBP). [ 4 6 7 ] In the first study, a significant decline in HR, SBP, and DBP was reported both in the control phase (66.9 beats/min to 64.7 beats/min, 135 mmHg to 133 mmHg, and 80.9 mmHg to 78.2 mmHg respectively; P < 0.05 for all) and in the yoga phase. However, a better reduction was reported after the yoga phase (64.7 beats/min to 61.5 beats/min, 133 mmHg to 127.7 mmHg and 78.2 mmHg to 74 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.001 for all).…”

“…Moreover, there was a significant decline in HR ( P = 0.02), SBP ( P = 0.03) and DBP ( P = 0.007) in the yoga group (YG) compared to the CG. [ 6 ] In third study, 12 weeks of yoga practice has been shown to produce a significant reduction in HR (YG = 64 beats/min to 61 beats/min, CG = 65 beats/min to 70 beats/min; P = 0.024), SBP (YG = 137 mmHg to 132 mmHg, CG = 138 mmHg to 141 mmHg; P = 0.033) and DBP (YG = 84 mmHg to 77 mmHg, CG = 84 mmHg to 86 mmHg; P < 0.001) in the YG compared to the CG. [ 7 ]…”

“…Yoga, a mind-body medicine originated in ancient Indian philosophy[ 5 ] approximately 5000 years ago[ 6 ] and is currently becoming popular as a safe and effective treatment modality in the Western countries. [ 5 ] It consists of specific posture (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation.…”

“…[ 4 ] Patients with arrhythmia also frequently complain of depression and anxiety,[ 4 7 ] and impaired QoL. [ 6 7 ] Whereas, the yoga practice is not only effective in reducing the psychological burden (depression and anxiety) and in improving the QoL that are associated with arrhythmia,[ 4 ] but is also safe and effective in managing various arrhythmia risk factors including autonomic dysfunction,[ 8 ] oxidative stress,[ 9 ] obesity,[ 10 ] hypertension,[ 11 ] coronary artery disease,[ 12 ] and heart failure. [ 13 ] Thus, the practice of yoga is believed to be an important modality in patients with arrhythmia, as corroborated by multiple studies in the past few years.…”