Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is suggested to improve survival in patients with HFrEF compared to pharmacological therapy, though appropriate patient selection is needed.
Does catheter ablation improve survival in patients with atrial fibrillation and HFrEF?
This review highlights evidence supporting catheter ablation as a beneficial treatment modality for improving survival in patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation and HFrEF.
INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure share several pathophysiological mechanisms. As a result of their association, patients have worse outcomes than if either condition were present alone. AREAS COVERED: While multiple trials report no significant difference between the use of pharmacological rhythm control and the use of rate control in terms of mortality and morbidity in patients with HFrEF, there is evidence to suggest that catheter ablation is beneficial in this patient population. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of catheter ablation as a treatment modality for atrial fibrillation in patients with HFrEF as well as evaluate its outcome on survival. EXPERT OPINION: An appropriate patient selection strategy for patients with HFrEF could be the next step in determining which patients might benefit most from catheter ablation. Future atrial fibrillation management may incorporate digital health and pulsed-field ablation.
Younes et al. (Sat,) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Catheter ablation vs. Pharmacological rhythm or rate control was evaluated on Survival. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is suggested to improve survival in patients with HFrEF compared to pharmacological therapy, though appropriate patient selection is needed.