Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Impact of obesity on clinical outcomes and the treatment effect of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation: insights from CABANA
Authors' conclusion
While obesity is associated with worse baseline status and outcomes, it was not shown to significantly alter the relative effectiveness of AF ablation compared to drug therapy. These findings support a multifaceted approach integrating rhythm control with upstream interventions targeting obesity-related atrial remodelling and comorbidity management.
Study context
- Population
- CABANA participants with atrial fibrillation (AF) with available body mass index (BMI)CABANA participants with available BMI
- Participants
- 2,170 participants
- Comparison
- Catheter ablation vs. drug therapy in AF patients, by baseline obesity
- Primary endpoint
- Primary composite endpoint of:
- Cardiovascular hospitalization
- All-cause mortality
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
- No significant interaction between BMI and treatment effect
- Treatment-by-obesity interaction
Further findings
Baseline characteristics, obese vs non-obese
- Obese patients exhibited higher comorbidity burden, worse baseline functional status, and more persistent AF
Cardiovascular hospitalization and NYHA functional class by BMI
- Higher BMI associated with increased cardiovascular hospitalization and a higher New York Heart Association functional class
AF recurrence, symptom burden and functional capacity
- Catheter ablation significantly reduced the risk of AF recurrence and improved symptom burden and functional capacity, irrespective of obesity status
Outcomes in Class II obesity or higher
- Worse absolute outcomes despite similar relative benefits from ablation
Original publication
Impact of obesity on clinical outcomes and the treatment effect of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation: insights from CABANA. Europace. Published 29 October 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →