Background: It is essential to enhance life quality in patients with premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) with the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The aim of the study was to assess symptom burden and life quality in patients with a low PVC burden following RFA.
Methods: 31 individuals with a low PVC burden in whom RFA was indicated were included in the study. At baseline and after a year following RFA, the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA) scale was used for appraisal. A 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram was used to detect recurrent PVCs 12 months after the RFA intervention.
Results: ASTA scores related to symptom burden, including the near-syncope score, healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) scales pertaining to physical and mental health, and consequently the total HRQOL score, were all diminished a year after RFA (p<0.001). The ASTA score for syncope symptoms was also reduced (p<0.05). A fall in mean PVC burden was seen from 8.0% to 0.8% (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The long-term clinical endpoint in individuals with a low PVC burden following RFA is reported. Symptom load, life quality and ultimate PVC burden were all enhanced. Additional studies incorporating longer follow-up and monitoring periods, respectively, would be beneficial.