The recurrence rate of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after successful radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways shows an age-related increase, being low in patients younger than 50 years of age (12%) and high in the older patients: 35% in patients older than 50 years and 55% in patients older than 60. These results have significant therapeutic implications concerning the decisions on pharmacological therapy after successful ablation in patients older than 50 years. Furthermore, these data will help physicians advise older patients properly about their risk of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after ablation.