A high BNP level predicts an improvement in exercise tolerance after a successful catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation

Introduction Restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) by catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) improves exercise tolerance. However, it is still unclear what characteristics of patients are contributing to an improvement in exercise tolerance after CA of AF without heart failure. Methods and results This study consisted of 51 consecutive patients with persistent or long‐standing persistent AF without heart failure who were restored to SR for over 6 months by a successful CA. Exercise tolerance was evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and 3 and 6 months after CA. The clinical characteristics contributing to an improvement in exercise tolerance was elucidated. The peak oxygen uptake (VO2)% significantly increased from 101.4 ± 20.3% to 110.9 ± 19.9% 3 months after the CA (P