Impact of Life-Style Modification On Ablation Outcome in Atrial Fibrillation

Objective: To examine the impact of a planned life-style modification program including calorie-controlled diet and supervised exercise before and after the AF ablation on quality of life (QoL) and long-term arrhythmia recurrence in overweight and obese patients with atrial fibrillation. Endpoints: Primary: AF recurrence following index ablation procedure It will be assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure by event recorders, 12-lead ECG and Holter monitoring Any episode of AF/AFL/AT \> 30 sec will be considered as a recurrence. Episodes that occur during the first 3 months after the procedure (blanking period) will not be considered as recurrence. Secondary: 1. Change in QoL It will be evaluated by a validated AF specific questionnaire (AFEQT) at baseline and 6 and 12 months post-procedure 2. Change in AF symptom severity. This will be measured by AF symptom severity and burden questionnaire at baseline and 6 and 12 months post-procedure DIET: Participants in the intervention group will receive individual counseling sessions with an experienced dietitian, who will prepare personalized diet plan based on their comorbidities and preferences. To accomplish weight loss, the diet menu will be planned to reduce daily food intake by ≥ 500 calories depending on their baseline body weight. Patients enrolled in the control group will be provided advice on heart-healthy diet and active life style. EXERCISE: Supervised and monitored exercise will be conducted in St. David's Cardiac Rehabilitation for 3 months starting before or 7-10 days after the ablation. After ablation, patients will continue individualized home-exercise program for 1 year. QoL Survey: The AF Effect on Quality of Life survey (AFEQT) questionnaire will be used at baseline and 6 and 12 months post procedure. Symptom Severity Survey: This will be measured by AF symptom severity and burden questionnaire at baseline and 6 and 12 months post-procedure