Δheart rate and DHF
Δheart rate was an independent predictor of early peri-procedural DHF; therefore, subgroup analysis of Δheart rate was also performed. Persistent AF, past history of symptomatic heart failure, low left ventricular ejection fraction, beta antagonist usage, and LVAs were significantly associated with lower Δheart rate (Figure 3). In contrast, Δheart rate was similar between patients with AF duration < 1 year and those with AF duration ≥ 1 year (2 ± 22 versus −1 ± 19 beats/min, P = 0.17).