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Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Risk factor management of atrial fibrillation using mHealth: The Atrial Fibrillation - Helping Address Care with
Lindsey R Mitrani1, Isaac Goldenthal1, Jamie Leskowitz1
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
Background:
Personalized treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors using mHealth and telehealth may improve patient outcomes.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the Atrial Fibrillation Helping Address Care with Remote Technology (AF-HEART) intervention on the following patient outcomes: (1) heart rhythm tracking; (2) weight, alcohol, blood pressure (BP), and sleep apnea reduction; (3) AF symptom reduction; and (4) quality-of-life (QOL) improvement.
Methods:
A total of 20 patients with AF undergoing antiarrhythmic therapy, cardioversion, and/or catheter ablation were enrolled and followed for 6 months. The AF-HEART intervention included remote heart rhythm, weight, and BP tracking; televisits with a dietician focusing on AF risk factors; and referrals for sleep apnea and hypertension treatment.
Results:
Patients transmitted a median of 181 rhythm recordings during the 6-month follow-up period. Patients lost an average of 3.5 kilograms at 6 months (P = .005). Patients had improved SF-12 scores (P = .01), AFSS score (P = .01), EQ-5D score (P = .006), and AFEQT Global Score (P = .03). There was significant correlation between weight loss and decrease in symptom severity (r = -0.45, P = .05), and between % weight loss and decrease in symptom severity (r = -0.49, P = .03).
Conclusion:
This study described the feasibility of the AF-HEART intervention for (1) consistent remote tracking of heart rhythm, weight, and BP; (2) achievement of weight loss; (3) reduction of symptoms; and (4) improvement in QOL. Expansion to a larger randomized study is planned.
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