Relationship between sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with type 2 diabetes and persistent atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background The impact of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the postoperative recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with persistent AF undergoing an initial radiofrequency ablation is not yet established. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on the recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated persistent AF. Methods A total of 182 patients with type 2 diabetes and persistent AF, who underwent their first radiofrequency ablation for AF at our center, were enrolled and divided into two groups: the SGLT2 inhibitor group and the non‐SGLT2 inhibitor group. The main outcome of the follow‐up was the postoperative recurrence of AF. Results A total of 49 participants experienced AF recurrence. The use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent AF ablation was associated with a significantly lower risk of AF recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.28–0.83; p < .01). Conclusions The use of SGLT2 inhibitors is associated with a decreased risk of arrhythmia recurrence after AF ablation in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with persistent AF.