Exercise Capacity Before and After AF Ablation in Patients With HFpEF

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In a prospective, observational pilot study of patients scheduled for an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation at the University of Vermont Medical Center the investigators will compare exercise capacity before and four months after AF ablation.

Detailed Description
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Patients ≥ 18 years of age who are scheduled for an AF ablation at the University of Vermont Medical Center will be screened for the following inclusion criteria: H2FpEF score of ≥ 6 (corresponding to ≥90% probability of HFpEF (19)) AND echocardiogram within the past 2 years that reported a LV ejection fraction ≥ 50% AND at least one symptom of HF (dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea). Exclusion criteria: (1) Life expectancy <12 months, (2) moderate or more valvular disease, (3) inability to walk on a treadmill. Patients with early recurrent AF (defined as AF after a 12-week post-procedural blanking period accounting for post-ablation inflammation) will be withdrawn from the study and not proceed to the 4 month follow up visit.

Official Title
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Exercise Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Before and After Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Conditions
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Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction, Atrial Fibrillation

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: H2FpEF score of ≥ 6 (corresponding to >90% probability of HFpEF (19)) echocardiogram within the past 2 years that reported a LV ejection fraction ≥ 50% at least one symptom of HF (dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea). AF ablation scheduled at UVMMC Exclusion Criteria: Life expectancy <12 months moderate or more valvular disease inability to walk on a treadmill

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 110 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in peak VO2 | cardiopulmonary exercise testing will be performed & peak VO2 measured at baseline & follow up visit | before AF ablation and 4 months after AF ablation | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in KCCQ score | Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) will be obtained at baseline visit & again at ablation follow up visit. Scale 0-100 with higher scores signifying better quality of life. | before and 4 months after AF ablation | 
| Percent change in NTproBNP | Initial sample taken day of AF ablation as is standard of care; reassessed at 4 month f/u visit | before and 4 months after AF ablation | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Ablation, HFpEF, atrial fibrillation, exercise capacity, peak oxygen consumption