[Reasons of recurrence and subjective arrhythmia feelings after successful RF AVNRT ablation]

Aim of the study was analysis of electrophysiological and clinical parameters related to increasement of recurrence risk of AVNRT and subjective heart feelings after successful RF ablation.

Retrospective analysis was made among patients after successful RF AVNRT ablation. Study group was 93 patients (F=63), mean age 46.7+15.9 (from 18 to 80y). Electrophysiological and physical parameters achieved during electrophysiological study was analysed. Using telephone monitoring and question survey patients were divided into 3 subgroups A – without symptoms, B – with subjective arrhythmia feelings and C with documented arrhythmia recurrence.

6.4% patients (n=6) had documented arrhythmia recurrence AVNRT (subgroup C); women 100% (n=6), mean age 43.5±14 years. 43% of patients (n=40) after successful RF ablation had subjective feelings of heart palpitations of a different kind (subgroup B); women 68% (n=32), mean age 42.8±14 years. 51% (n=47) of patients didn’t feel any arrhythmia (subgroup A); women 64% (n=36), mean age 50.7±17 years.

Factors related to increased risk of arrhythmia recurrence was: atypical forms of tachycardia, shorter tachycardia cycle, slow pathway modification, low mean power during RF ablation. Among patients without documented arrhythmia recurrence: lower age, higher time from the beginning arrhythmia until ablation procedure and Wenckebach Point cycle length shorter predispose to inadequate subjective arrhythmia feelings after successful RF ablation.