Cardiac rehabilitation for patients treated for atrial fibrillation with ablation has long-term effects: 12 and 24 month follow-up results from the randomized CopenHeartRFA trial.

Abstract: Objective To assess outcomes at 12 and 24 months following participation in a multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program plus usual care compared with usual care alone for patients treated for atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation. Design Long-term follow-up on the randomized CopenHeartRFA trial. Stetting Patients were enrolled and outcome assessed at the hospital and the intervention were carried out at the hospital or at local rehabilitation centers. Participants Patients treated for atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation included in the CopenHeartRFA trial. Interventions A six months cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of physical exercise and psycho-educational consultations plus usual care or usual care alone. Main outcome Measures Physical capacity was measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) at 12 months and patient-reported outcomes on perceived health, anxiety and depression were collected at by validated questionnaires at 12 and 24 months. Information on hospital admissions and mortality was collected through national registers up to 24 months. Results Mean VO2 peak was higher at 12 months in the cardiac rehabilitation group (cardiac rehabilitation group: 25.82 ml/kg/min vs. usual care group, 22.43 ml/kg/min, p=0.003). A lower; proportion of patients had high levels of anxiety at 24 months in the cardiac rehabilitation group; compared to usual care (12% vs 24%, p=0.004). There was no difference in mortality or hospital; admissions at 24 months between groups. Conclusions This long-term follow-up of a comprehensive multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program for patients treated for atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation found sustained improvements with respect to physical capacity and anxiety compared to usual care but no difference on mortality or hospital admission.