Age impacts outcomes after ablation for atrial fibrillation

(HealthDay)—Age significantly impacts long-term outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published online Oct. 7 in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.

T. Jared Bunch, M.D., from Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, and colleagues followed 923 patients (59 percent male; average age 66 years) who underwent index AF ablation. The patients were followed for five years.

The researchers found that AF was paroxysmal in 55 percent of patients, persistent in 27 percent, and long-standing persistent in 18 percent. Older patients were more likely to be female and had higher rates of cardiovascular diseases. There was a higher multivariate-adjusted risk of atrial flutter/AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; P = 0.01), death (HR, 1.91; P < 0.0001), and major adverse cardiac events (HR, 1.09; P = 0.07) for every 10-year increase in age.

"These data highlight the progressive nature of AF and the need to consider interventions early," the authors write.

Two authors disclosed financial ties to the medical device industry.