Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Few studies have compared clinical outcomes after catheter ablation between patients with and without DM. Objective To compare AF ablation outcomes in patients with and without DM. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 351 consecutive patients who underwent first-time AF ablation. Clinical outcomes included freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmia, symptom burden (Mayo AF Symptom Inventory [MAFSI]), cardiovascular and all-cause hospitalizations, and periprocedural complications. Results Patients with DM (n = 65) were older, had a higher body mass index, more persistent AF, more hypertension, and larger left atrial diameter (p Conclusion Although safety outcomes associated with AF ablation were similar between patients with and without DM, arrhythmia-free survival was significantly lower among patients with DM. Poor glycemic control appears to an important risk factor for AF recurrence.