Semaglutide as adjunctive therapy to catheter ablation in obesity-related paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Obesity adversely affects atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes and is associated with higher recurrence after catheter ablation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) promote weight loss and improve metabolic inflammation, but their role as adjuncts to ablation has not been completely defined. This study investigated the impact of semaglutide on post-ablation rhythm outcomes in obese patients with AF.

This single-centre, propensity-matched study included obese patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²] undergoing first-time catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF (2019-2024). Patients who initiated semaglutide within 3 months before or 1 month after ablation were compared with matched controls who did not receive GLP-1RA therapy. All patients underwent continuous rhythm monitoring using implantable cardiac monitors. The primary endpoint was any atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence beyond a 2-month blanking period. The final cohort included 181 semaglutide-treated patients and 181 controls with matched clinical and procedural characteristics. At 18-month follow-up, freedom from recurrence was 80.2% vs. 65.2%; semaglutide was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.78; P = 0.002). Weight and BMI decreased significantly in the semaglutide group (-11.8 ± 3.8 kg; -4.0 ± 1.4 kg/m²) compared with controls (-1.9 ± 1.2 kg; -0.3 ± 0.8 kg/m²; both P < 0.001). A substantial proportion of treated patients achieved ≥10% weight reduction.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy using semaglutide is associated with a reduced risk of AF recurrence in obese patients undergoing AF catheter ablation, indicating its potential as an adjunctive treatment. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the effects of GLP-1RA on AF recurrence.