Effects of socioeconomic condition on radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation

Objective To investigate the effects of socioeconomic condition on radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Methods Patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2014 to December 2016 were enrolled. Their clinical data and follow-up data were collected, and the effects of socioeconomic condition on radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation were analyzed. Results A total of 954 patients were enrolled, including 494 cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 460 cases of persistent atrial fibrillation. The average follow-up period was (21.4±10.9) months. A total of 202 (21.2%) patients suffered from atrial fibrillation recurrence. Significant differences were found in the type of atrial fibrillation, left atrial diameter, CHA₂S₂-VASc score for atrial fibrillation stroke risk, and monthly income between the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that the type of atrial fibrillation, left atrial diameter, and monthly income were the independent predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence. Conclusions The socioeconomic condition of patients may influence the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation.