Sinus heart rate post pulmonary vein ablation and long-term risk of recurrences

Purpose Cather ablation is known to influence the autonomic nervous system. This study sought to investigate the association of sinus heart rate pre-/post-ablation and recurrences in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods Between January 2012 and December 2017, data of 482 patients undergoing their first PVI were included. Sinus heart rate was recorded before (PRE), directly post-ablation (POST) and 3 months post-ablation (3 M). All patients were screened for atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences during the one-year follow-up. Results In the total study cohort, the mean resting sinus heart rate at PRE [mean 57.9 bpm (95% CI 57.1–58.7 bpm)] increased by over 10 bpm to POST [mean 69.4 bpm (95% CI 68.5–70.3 bpm); p