Exercise Rehabilitation Therapy for Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report

Guanghe Li, Jingjing Cheng, Lin Luo, Yuqin Shen* and Lemin Wang*

Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, China

^*Correspondance to: Lemin Wang 

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Abstract:

Background: The symptoms of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) significantly impact Health- Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). In this case report, we detail a patient who, despite experiencing recurrent PAF post-radiofrequency ablation, observed a reduction in the frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes after participating in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. Case Report: A 68-year-old male with a history of PAF, who underwent radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation a decade ago, has been receiving continuous oral warfarin anticoagulation and sotalol for rhythm control. The results of a 24-h dynamic electrocardiogram revealed a combination of "sinus rhythm" and “paroxysmal atrial fibrillation", with PAF occupying 11.64% of the total time. The initial cardiopulmonary exercise test highlighted various indicators such as peak heart rate and anaerobic threshold heart rate. The exercise electrocardiogram exhibited no significant abnormalities in the ST-T segments across all leads during exercise and recovery compared to pre-exercise. A multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nutritionists, and rehabilitation specialists was employed. Following seven months of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, subsequent Holter monitoring confirmed the absence of atrial fibrillation episodes. Follow-up electrocardiograms over the next five years showed normal results. Conclusion: The benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation include reducing the recurrence of atrial fibrillation and improving cardiovascular health.

Keywords:

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation; Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; Cardiopulmonary exercise test

Cite the Article:

Li G, Cheng J, Luo L, Shen Y, Wang L. Exercise Rehabilitation Therapy for Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2024; 9: 2611..