Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyMeta-analysis
Role of Lifestyle and Risk Factor Modification Clinics in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
- systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, LRFM clinics reduced AF recurrence after ablation, reduced AF-related hospitalization, and improved quality of life. This study supports a comprehensive multidisciplinary lifestyle risk modification model of care to improve clinical outcomes in patients with AF.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)Eleven randomized controlled trials (5 performed in the context of AF ablation)
- Participants
- 3,364 patients
- Comparison
- Lifestyle and risk factor modification (LRFM) clinics compared with usual care in patients with AF
- Outcome
- Atrial arrhythmia recurrence (after catheter ablation)
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Odds ratio
0.34
95% CI 0.23–0.51
P < 0.001
LRFM clinics vs usual care
odds ratio 0.34 (95% CI 0.23–0.51); P < 0.001
Further pooled results
| Outcome | odds ratio (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF-related hospitalization · I 2 =21% | 0.70 (0.51–0.98) | P = 0.04 | |
| 0.512Odds ratio (log scale) |
| Outcome | mean improvement (95% CI) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Quality-of-life (Short Form 36 Questionnaire) · improved with LRFM clinics | 8.90 (6.91–10.90) | P < 0.001 |
Study characteristics
- Mean age
- 58 to 73 years
- Female
- 30%
- Persistent AF
- 18%
- Duration of follow-up
- 3 to 24 months
Heart failure-related hospitalization, cardiovascular deaths, stroke/transient ischemic attack
- No detected difference for heart failure-related hospitalization
- P = 0.16
- No detected difference for cardiovascular deaths
- P = 0.79
- No detected difference for stroke/transient ischemic attack
- P = 0.83
Original publication
Role of Lifestyle and Risk Factor Modification Clinics in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. Published 7 October 2026. doi:10.1161/circep.126.015055
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it