Patient perception of symptoms and quality of life following ablation in patients with supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract

Background It remains unclear which symptom experiences and aspects of quality of life (QoL) change after ablation in patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Objectives To determine how patient perceptions of symptoms and QoL change following ablation, we used a single group pre-postest design. Methods Patients with SVT (n=52; mean age=41 ± 17 yrs, 65% female) completed generic and disease specific measures, at baseline and one month after ablation. Results Significant improvement after ablation was noted in virtually all measures (p < 0.05). Patients reported reductions from baseline in frequency and duration of episodes, number of symptoms, and impact of SVT on routine activities. All symptoms decreased in prevalence; however, no symptoms were completely eliminated at one month follow-up. Women reported larger symptom and QoL change scores than men after ablation. Conclusions Despite the small sample, statistically significant improvement was found following ablation in a variety of symptoms and QoL indices.

2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia

“…These drugs are effective in approximately 85% to 90% of patients, with 30% reporting an absence of tachycardia. 45,108,109,112,288 Both drugs have a risk of proarrhythmia resulting in VT that is increased in patients with structural heart disease or ischemic heart disease; in such patients, these drugs are generally avoided. Side effects occur in up to 60% of patients, and approximately 20% discontinue the medications because of adverse effects.…”

“…Side effects occur in up to 60% of patients, and approximately 20% discontinue the medications because of adverse effects. 45,108,109,112,288 IIb B-R 1. Oral dofetilide or sotalol may be reasonable for ongoing management in patients with AVRT and/or pre-excited AF who are not candidates for, or prefer not to undergo, catheter ablation.…”

Impact of radiofrequency ablation on health-related quality of life in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia compared with a norm population one year after treatment

“…[11][12][13][14] Assessment of HRQOL can provide feedback from patients to clinicians concerning the outcome of the RFA intervention, which is of particular importance when it is not relevant to measure morbidity and mortality. 12,13,15 Most conceptualizations of HRQOL emphasize the effects of health, disease, and treatment on physical, social, and role functioning; mental and general health; vitality; and cognitive functioning. This can be distinguished from quality of life (QOL) in that it primarily involves factors of interest to health care providers and health care systems.…”

“…16,17 There are retrospective studies in which patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) were asked to grade their HRQOL after RFA and compare it with how they recall feeling before treatment. 18,19 However, with that methodology there is an obvious risk for bias recall, because patients' rating of HRQOL would be influenced by the ablation procedure, the outcome of the RFA, and the time the assessment is made. HRQOL preferably should be evaluated prospectively.…”

Understanding the ECG. Part 5: Pre-excitation

“…Although some people report no symptoms, and others only mild or infrequent episodes, some individuals suffer frequent visits to the Emergency Department, and describe severe impairment of their quality of life (Walfridsson et al, 2009). A loss of confidence is common, and a fear that an episode will occur in a situation where medical attention is not readily available -for example on an aeroplane flight, or foreign holiday (Wood et al, 2010). The individual's usual lifestyle can be severely curtailed as a result, with patients declining to travel or even giving up work and social activities.…”