High Prevalence of Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors in Patients Presenting for Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmias

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the prevalence of lifestyle risk factors in patients presenting for ablation of atrial fibrillation. Methods: We prospectively reviewed 325 consecutive patients presenting for ablation of atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) at The Alfred Hospital between February 2010 and November 2016. Data was extracted from compulsory pre-procedure health questionnaires (from Jan 2012), as well as scanned medical records from the remainder. Results: Patients undergoing AF ablation were male (72%), mean age 56.6+/- 11.3 years, left atrial dilatation (left atrial area >20cm2) in 86%, LV systolic dysfunction (LV ejection fraction < 50%) in 19% and LV hypertrophy (LV mass index >100 g/m2) in 36%. There was a high prevalence of potentially modifiable risk factors for atrial fibrillation including body mass index, overweight (25–29.9) in 128(45%) and obese (≥30) in 103(36%), regular alcohol consumption in 137(58%) and hypertension in 133(40%). There was a history of prior smoking in 47%, dyslipidaemia in 27%, obstructive sleep apnoea in 10% and Type II Diabetes in 9%. Coronary artery disease was present in 5%. Conclusion: In patients presenting for ablation of atrial fibrillation, there is a high prevalence of potentially modifiable lifestyle risk factors for AF, particularly obesity and alcohol consumption. Greater attention to these risk factors may improve the outcome or reduce the demand for catheter ablation.