Catheter ablation is a non-surgical technique used to eliminate alternate pathways in the heart that can cause abnormal heartbeats. Researchers
Catheter ablation is a non-surgical technique used to eliminate alternate pathways in the heart that can cause abnormal heartbeats. Researchers now say that congestive heart failure patients who also have atrial fibrillation a type of irregular heart rhythm experience significant improvement in cardiac function and quality of life following catheter ablation.
58 patients with congestive heart failure who were undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation were evaluated . Researchers also examined 58 controls ( patients without congestive heart failure ) who were undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation.Results showed after about one year, 78 percent of the patients with congestive heart failure and 84 percent of the controls maintained a normal heart rhythm. The study also showed improved symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life in congestive heart failure patients.
Thus researchers conclude that restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm by catheter ablation without the use of drugs in patients with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation significantly improves cardiac function, symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
