Autonomic nervous modulation after cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Aim. Aim of our study was the assessment of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation by assessment of heart rhythm variation (HRV) using Holter monitoring after single second generation cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods. Patients who underwent the CBA for paroxysmal AF were include in this study. At the baseline the Holter monitoring after withdrawal of antiarrhythmic therapy (AAT) with assessment of HRV: SDNN, RMSSD, ln LF, ln LH, LH/HF, mean, minimal and maximal beats per minute (BPM) was perform. Follow-up was based on outpatient clinic visits at 3, 6, and 12 months including Holter monitoring.Results. Among 80 patients underwent CBA, HRV was assessed in 55 patients (65.5% male, age median 61 years, 97.7% of pulmonary vein have been successful isolated). One year after CBA all HRV parameters and the mean, minimal and maximal BPM was significantly different from baseline parameters (p<0.05). In the AF recurrence group ln LF was lower at 3-, 6and 12-month visits (p<0.05) and minimal HR was higher at 3 months (median 58 vs 55.5, p=0.033). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that early recurrence of AF was independent predictor of AF recurrence after CBA (HR 7,44, 95% CI 2,19-25,25, р=0,001).Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that CBA leads to modulation of ANS which persists for at least 12 months. The early recurrence of AF was only predictor of AF recurrence after CBA.