Quality of life among patients with supraventricular tachycardia post radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Jordan

Abstract

Background: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common arrhythmia with associated symptoms such as palpitation, dizziness, and fatigue. It significantly affects patients’ quality of life (QoL). Radiofrequency cardiac ablation (RFCA) is a highly effective treatment to eliminate arrhythmia and improve patients’ QoL. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of QoL among patients with SVT and examine the difference in QoL before and after RFCA. Methods: One group pre-posttest design with a convenience sample of 112 patients was used. QoL was assessed by 36-Item Short Form (SF-36). Data were collected at admission through face-to-face interviews and 1-month post-discharge through phone interviews. Results: There was a significant difference between QoL before (33.7±17.0) and one month after (62.5±18.5) the RFCA. Post-RFCA patients diagnosed with atrioventricular re-entry tachycardia had higher QoL than other types of SVT. Moreover, there were significant negative relationships between QoL and the number and duration of episodes pre- and post-RFCA. There were no significant differences in QoL based on: age, sex, working status, marital status, smoking, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Conclusions: After RFCA, the QoL of patients with ST improved for both physical and mental component subscales.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation reduces the severity of anxiety in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia, regardless of age, sex, tachycardia type, and laboratory findings

“…Diagnostic EPS was performed using a standard protocol. Patients who were candidates for EPS and accepted the procedure were started with local anaesthesia and systemic anticoagulation in the minimum fasting state of 6 hours [1,10,11]. Standard 7 French 110 cm quadripolar diagnostic catheter (Marinr ® SC Series; Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) were placed in the high right atrium, His bundle region, and the apex of the right ventricle, and 7 French 90 cm decapolar coronary sinus catheter (Marinr ® CS Series; Medtronic) was placed in the coronary sinus through the femoral vein [11].…”

“…Dual AV node physiology was demonstrated by a 50 ms increase in the atrial to His (AH) interval with a 10-ms decrease in atrial extrastimuli [6]. After detailed mapping of the ablation target, RFCA manoeuvres were performed according to the standard protocol using a 7 French 110 cm ablation catheter (RF Marinr ® MC; Medtronic) and a 60 watt RF generator (Atakr ® II RF Ablation System; Medtronic) [1,11]. Ablation of the "slow paths" of the AV connection was performed [16].…”

“…Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the collective name for a diverse group of cardiac arrhythmic disorders that affect both adults and children [1]. As the name suggests, SVT refers to arrhythmias that begin or exceed the bundle of His, characterised by heart rates exceeding 150 beats per minute and a narrow QRS complex [2,3].…”

“…Medication and catheter ablation are the only treatment modalities in the treatment of AVNRT [1,12]. However, catheter ablation is often required due to disadvantages of medical treatment such as side effects, intolerance and resistance to treatment, and high recurrence rate [1,13]. Catheter ablation is recognised as a highly effective and safe treatment method for various heart rhythm disorders.…”

“…Catheter ablation is recognised as a highly effective and safe treatment method for various heart rhythm disorders. The success rate with ablation is quite high (85-95%) and complications rarely occur (5%) [1,11,14,15]. Several studies have reported significant improvements in anxiety and anxiety disorders among patients with AVNRT who received ablation therapy [16,17].…”