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).