Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyCohort study
Preprocedural high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level predicts long-term outcomes after first radiofrequency ablation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Insights from the China-AF cohort
- prospective Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry
- Cox models adjusted for demographic factors, comorbidities, atrial fibrillation (AF) type, and medications
Authors' conclusion
Preprocedural hs-CRP independently predicts long-term cardiovascular death and ischemic stroke after AF ablation, even in patients without recurrence. These findings support inflammation-based risk stratification beyond rhythm outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with nonvalvular AF undergoing first-time radiofrequency ablation (2011–2023)median follow-up of 5.0 years
- Participants
- 4,612 patients
- Exposure
- Higher vs lower preprocedural hs-CRP levels
- Outcome
- Composite of:
- Cardiovascular death
- Ischemic stroke
- Follow-up
- Median 5.0 years
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Adjusted hazard ratio
1.21
95% CI 1.10–1.33
P < 0.001
Higher vs lower preprocedural hs-CRP levels
adjusted hazard ratio 1.21 (95% CI 1.10–1.33); P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | hazard ratio | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Primary endpoint in patients without AF recurrence (subgroup) | 1.26 | P = 0.006 |
Primary endpoint, by age (subgroup)
- Association stronger in patients aged <65 years
- interaction P = .006
Cardiovascular readmission
- Elevated hs-CRP associated with higher risk of cardiovascular readmission
Life-threatening bleeding and AF recurrence
- Associations weaker
Original publication
Preprocedural hs-CRP level predicts long-term outcomes after first radiofrequency ablation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Insights from the China-AF cohort. Heart Rhythm. Published 16 June 2026. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.06.010
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it