Data collection and follow-up
Baseline characteristics were recorded when patients were enrolled in
CARF. The demographic characteristics included age, gender, and body
mass index. The clinical characteristics included type of AF, AF
duration, alanine transaminase, creatinine, hemoglobin, QRS duration,
echocardiography information, concomitant diseases, and medications.
Oral anticoagulants (warfarin or non-vitamin K antagonists) were
prescribed for at least 2 months after ablation. International
normalized ratio (INR) should be maintained between 2.0 to 3.0 in
patients taking warfarin. The patients with high risk of stroke were
encouraged to continue taking anticoagulation drugs. When to stop
anticoagulation therapy was according to the patients’ embolism and
bleeding risk and the patients’
intention. Antiarrhythmic drugs were taken after ablation for 3 months
if there were no contraindications.
The patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after enrollment
and every 6 months thereafter by professionally trained staff affiliated
with CARF. Follow-up was conducted by telephone or outpatient clinic
interview to learn about the patients’ clinical events and current
situation. 24h-Holter was performed monthly in the first 3 months, which
was followed by an ECG and/ or 24h-Holter every 6 months. If patients
had clinical symptoms of heart rhythm disorders, the arrhythmias should
be confirmed by ECG or Holter.