Introduction | Objectives:
We assessed the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF)
characteristics and health-related quality of life (QoL), and which AF
characteristic had the greatest impact.
Methods: The AF characteristics burden (percentage of time in AF), duration, and
number of AF episodes/month were obtained from implantable cardiac
monitors during the 2-month run-in period in 150 patients included in
the randomized CAPTAF (Catheter Ablation compared with
Pharmacological Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation) trial comparing early
ablation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy. QoL was measured by the
General Health and Vitality dimensions of the 36-Item Short-Form Health
Survey. AF characteristics were analyzed continuously and in quartiles
(Q1-Q4).