Atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with heart failure: One size does not fit all

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with heart failure and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes compared with patients with heart failure alone. Recent evidence has challenged previous treatment paradigms in which rate control was considered equivalent to rhythm control in this population. Catheter ablation has emerged as a safe and effective treatment strategy in selected patients and overcomes the issues of limited efficacy and drug toxicities associated with pharmacological rhythm control. Numerous studies have explored the benefits of catheter ablation in patients with heart failure, but these have included heterogeneous patient cohorts and variable ablation strategies. This state-of-the-art review explores the evidence from these trials and examines the need for tailored, patient-specific strategies for AF ablation in patients with heart failure.