Impact of Body Mass Index on the Outcomes of Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent among obese patients, and cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is an effective strategy for the rhythm control of AF. The impact of body mass index (BMI) on the clinical outcomes of CBA for AF is not fully explored. 85 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF were enrolled and were categorized into three groups as per their BMI: normal weight (BMI 18.5-25 kg/m ), overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m ), and obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m ). The primary study endpoint was a late (12 month) recurrence of AF. Early recurrence of AF, symptom improvement, and procedural outcomes were some key secondary outcomes. 20 patients had normal weight, 35 were overweight, and 30 were obese. Obese patients featured a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, heavier exposure to smoking, and worse baseline symptoms (as assessed through EHRA class at admission and 12 months before CBA) compared to overweight and normal weight patients. Both late and early (