Zaporožskij Medicinskij Žurnal (Feb 2024)
Patho-specific assessment of the quality of life using the ASTA protocol after radiofrequency ablation for atrial tachyarrhythmias
Abstract
Atrial tachyarrhythmias cause highly symptomatic conditions and have a negative impact on the patients’ quality of life (QoL). In the management of such patients, it is particularly important to consider not only objective indicators, but also the subjective well-being of patients and their everyday life. The patho-specific questionnaire for assessing the QoL is the ASTA symptom scale. The aim of the work was to conduct a patho-specific assessment of the QoL using the ASTA protocol after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial tachyarrhythmias on the example of performed cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) RFA among patients with typical atrial flutter. Materials and methods. In total, 135 patients from the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery were asked to complete the ASTA questionnaire before CTI RFA and during two follow-up visits in the period from 2014 to 2021. To assess the patients’ QoL, a statistical analysis was performed in accordance with the 6th part of chapters 2 and 3. Results. When analyzing complaints, statistically significant changes were found in all aspects compared to the initial state (p < 0.05). The most noticeable changes were related to the anxiety level and heart failure manifestations, in particular, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, weakness and exhaustion (p < 0.0001). The least but also statistically significant changes were associated with comorbid pathologies. Analyzing the third chapter, positive statistically significant dynamics were observed in all characteristics during the control period. After RFA, the patients reported improvements in their QoL, decreased level of depression and restored physical activity (p < 0.0001). There was also a significant improvement in social life, as there were no more restrictions in spending time with relatives and friends (p < 0.0001). In addition, there was an improvement in the ability to concentrate and in the working capacity (p < 0.0001). Conclusions. Atrial tachyarrhythmias significantly affect the QoL of patients, including their emotional, physical state and social integration, worsening the daily lives of the study participants.
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