Abstract: Objective · To evaluate the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation (Af) and its related risk factors in aged patients with chronic diseases after cryoballoon ablation. Methods · With the method of convenient sampling, a total of 159 patients with Af after cryoballoon ablation were enrolled in the Department of Cardiology, Ruijin Hospital Oct. 2016 to Jan. 2018. Self-rating depression scale (SDS) and CHA2DS2-VASc scores [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 y (doubled), diabetes mellitus, stroke(doubled)-vascular disease, age 65-74 and sex category(female)] were used to assess the patients. Follow-up checks consisted of chief complaint, postoperative electrocardiogram (ECG), and 24 h Holter monitoring. Logistic regression models were performed to explore the independent risk factors of Af recurrence after cryoballoon ablation. Results · 152 patients (95.6%) completed the follow-up checks, with an average age of (61.9±8.9) years. The average time of follow-up period was (8.35±2.41) months. A total of 41 patients (27.0%) developed Af after cryoballoon ablation. Logistic regression analysis showed the number of chronic disease ≥2(OR2.466, 95% CI: 1.375-4.452), CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥ 2(OR2.088, 95% CI: 1.142-5.557), irregular of anti-arrhythmic drugs (OR1.581, 95% CI: 1.351-2.125), hypertension (OR1.317, 95% CI: 1.076-2.809), and body mass index (BMI) (OR1.147, 95% CI: 1.009-1.174) were the independent risk factors of Af recurrence. Conclusion · There is still a certain percentage of recurrence in aged patients with chronic diseases after cryoballoon ablation. 2 and more chronic diseases, irregular of anti-arrhythmic drugs, hypertension, CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥ 2, and overweight may be potential risk factors of Af recurrence after cryoballoon ablation.

Key words: atrial fibrillation (Af), elderly, cryoballoon ablation, chronic diseases, recurrence