The effects of different preventive counseling programs on anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation

Abstract

Abstract Background Depression and anxiety are common in patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (AF). These psychosocial risk factors add to the symptoms burden and further deteriorate the quality of life. Purpose To assess the effects of different preventive counseling programs on anxiety and depression symptoms in pts after catheter ablation (CA) performed for paroxysmal AF. Methods This is a prospective randomized controlled study with 3 parallel groups of pts with paroxysmal AF after CA (radiofrequency or cryoablation). Pts were randomized into 3 groups in 1:1:1 ratio. During hospitalization for CA pts from all groups received single-session preventive counseling with focus on their individual cardiovascular risk factors profile. After discharge pts from Group 1 received remote preventive counseling by phone and pts from Group 2 – by email every two weeks for the first 3 months after enrollment (a total of 6 sessions). Group 3 received usual care. All pts underwent anxiety and depression assessment using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline and at 12 months. Results A total of 135 pts aged 35 to 80 years were enrolled (mean age 57.3±9.1 years, 51.8% men). The groups were well balanced according to demographic and clinical features. At 1 year of follow-up there was a significant decrease in anxiety and depression scores as measured by HADS in both intervention groups vs. control (Table). Conclusions Preventive counseling followed by 3 months of remote support via phone and email reduced anxiety and depression level in AF pts after CA. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None