Quality of life, symptoms and experiences of patients with an elevated body mass index undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
type: CreativeWork
description: Quality of life, symptoms, and experiences of patients with an elevated body mass index undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Previous studies have demonstrated that AF may result in high symptom burden and a reduced quality of life (QoL). Rhythm control in the form of catheter ablation has become an established treatment option for AF. Certain risk factors are associated with the development and progression of AF, notably, an elevated body mass index (BMI). Emerging evidence suggests that risk factor modification in the management of AF is an important component of the patient pathway. The relationship between AF ablation, QoL, symptoms and BMI is poorly understood. We need to understand this further to provide more effective and targeted care. Previous studies concerning the influence of a raised BMI on QoL and symptoms after ablation have been contradictory. Qualitative research in this area has been limited. Aim This thesis aims to explore quality of life, symptoms, and experiences in patients with an elevated BMI undergoing catheter ablation for AF. Methods This was a single centre, mixed methods, observational cohort study of patients with a BMI >=25 who were eligible for first-time AF ablation. All eligible patients over a nine-month period were invited to take part. Quality of life and symptoms were assessed before ablation and at three and six months afterwards, using the SF-36 and Patient Perception Questionnaire, which are both validated tools previously used in this patient population. Multiple regression models were used to identify predictors for improvements in two of the QoL domains (Vitality and General Health) after ablation. Independent variables which included age, gender, BMI at baseline, classification of AF, left atrial volume index and rhythm control at 6 months were added to the regression model. At six months post ablation semi-struct…
abstract: Quality of life, symptoms, and experiences of patients with an elevated body mass index undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Previous studies have demonstrated that AF may result in high symptom burden and a reduced quality of life (QoL). Rhythm control in the form of catheter ablation has become an established treatment option for AF. Certain risk factors are associated with the development and progression of AF, notably, an elevated body mass index (BMI). Emerging evidence suggests that risk factor modification in the management of AF is an important component of the patient pathway. The relationship between AF ablation, QoL, symptoms and BMI is poorly understood. We need to understand this further to provide more effective and targeted care. Previous studies concerning the influence of a raised BMI on QoL and symptoms after ablation have been contradictory. Qualitative research in this area has been limited. Aim This thesis aims to explore quality of life, symptoms, and experiences in patients with an elevated BMI undergoing catheter ablation for AF. Methods This was a single centre, mixed methods, observational cohort study of patients with a BMI >=25 who were eligible for first-time AF ablation. All eligible patients over a nine-month period were invited to take part. Quality of life and symptoms were assessed before ablation and at three and six months afterwards, using the SF-36 and Patient Perception Questionnaire, which are both validated tools previously used in this patient population. Multiple regression models were used to identify predictors for improvements in two of the QoL domains (Vitality and General Health) after ablation. Independent variables which included age, gender, BMI at baseline, classification of AF, left atrial volume index and rhythm control at 6 months were added to the regression model. At six months post ablation semi-struct…
author: Griffiths, Angela Joy Bygrave
language: en
date modified: 2026-07-24T03:42:34Z
provider: Oxford Brookes University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Oxford Brookes University

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.24384/56m9-f045