The effect of weight loss on recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Khawaja Hassan Akhtar, Ali Haider Jafry, Christopher Beard, Yusra Minahil Nasir, Siddharth Agarwal, Jehanzeb Khan, Shari Clifton, Jessica Reece, Muhammad Bilal Munir, Abhishek Deshmukh, Christopher V. DeSimone, Warren M. Jackman, Stavros Stavrakis, Sunny Po, Prashanthan Sanders, Zain Ul Abideen Asad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation (CA). However, the current data on weight loss interventions show inconsistent results in preventing the recurrence of AF after CA. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies that reported the outcome of recurrence of AF after CA in obese patients undergoing weight interventions. The subgroup analysis included: (1) Weight loss versus no weight loss, (2) >10% weight loss versus <10% weight loss, (3) <10% weight loss versus no weight loss, (4) Follow-up <12 months, and (5) Follow-up >12 months after CA. Mantel–Haenszel risk ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model and for heterogeneity, I2 statistics were reported. Results: A total of 10 studies (one randomized controlled trial and nine observational studies) comprising 1851 patients were included. The recurrence of AF was numerically reduced in the weight loss group (34.5%) versus no weight loss group (58.2%), but no statistically significant difference was observed (risk ratio [RR] = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.49–1.18, p =.22). However, there was a statistically significant reduction in recurrence of AF with weight loss versus no weight loss at follow-up >12 months after CA (RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.32–0.68, p <.0001). At follow-up >12 months after CA, both >10% weight loss versus <10% weight loss (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31–0.80, p =.004) and <10% weight loss versus no weight loss (RR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.31–0.49, p <.00001) were associated with a statistically significant reduction in recurrent AF. Conclusion: In patients with AF undergoing CA, weight loss is associated with reducing recurrent AF at > 12 months after ablation and these benefits are consistently seen with both >10% and <10% weight loss. The benefits of weight loss in preventing recurrent AF after CA should be examined in larger studies with extended follow-up duration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2514-2526
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
Volume34
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 3 Oct 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • atrial fibrillation
  • catheter ablation
  • meta-analysis
  • systematic review
  • weight loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Physiology (medical)

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