AlEX-DHF: Ablation and Exercise in Diastolic Heart Failure
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The investigators analyze the impact of exercise and ablation in patients with symptomatic short-persistent atrial fibrillation (Afib) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It is hypothesized that the combination of ablation and exercise better improves peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) through improvement of peripheral (exercise training) and central (ablation) adaptations. Exercise intervention will contain a 12-week combined, video-based, supervised, endurance, resistance and respiratory training.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction * Symptomatic short-persistent atrial fibrillation (diagnosis within 1 year of study inclusion) Exclusion Criteria: * Paroxysmal, long-persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation * Clinically unstable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome * Physical and/or mental inability to perform exercise testing * Prior ablation therapy * Precapillary pulmonary hypertension at rest * Intracardiac shunts * Left ventricular ejection fraction \<50% * High-degree valve insufficiency or stenosis (greater than grade 1 at rest)