EXercise Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanics Following Ablation

EXCLAMATORY: EXercise Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanics Following Ablation TO Reduce Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Correlation With Exercise CapacitY Longitudinal Study

Longitudinal, observational cohort study to evaluate changes in left atrial (LA) reservoir function during exercise and overall exertional capacity in patients following catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).

EXCLAMATORY is a longitudinal observational cohort clinical research study to evaluate the effects of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on left atrial and left ventricular performance during exercise, as well as effects on overall exercise capacity

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Diagnosis of paroxysmal AF
• Left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%
• Scheduled for catheter ablation
• Able to speak, hear, and read English
• Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Persistent or permanent AF

• Prior ablation (catheter based or surgical) for AF

• Significant sinus node dysfunction

• Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator

• Contraindication to or inability to complete cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

• Contraindication to or inability to complete exercise testing

• Chronic kidney disease with estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73m2

• Severe left ventricular hypertrophy

• Unrelated cardiomyopathy that is expected to limit exercise capacity, including but not limited to:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Cardiac amyloidosis
  • Constrictive pericarditis

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension

• Prior cardiac surgery

• Active pregnancy