GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Significantly Reduce Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence and Mortality Following Catheter Ablation in Obese Patients

Executive Summary

The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with obesity presents a significant clinical challenge, as obesity serves as both a driver for atrial remodeling and a predictor of catheter ablation failure. Recent evidence suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), while primarily used for glycemic control and weight loss, may offer distinct cardiovascular benefits. This real-world multicenter analysis demonstrates that GLP-1RA therapy is associated with a significantly lower risk of AF recurrence (HR, 0.82), reduced progression to permanent AF (HR, 0.77), and improved survival (HR, 0.73) in obese patients following catheter ablation. These findings suggest that GLP-1RAs may serve as a critical adjunctive therapy in the comprehensive management of AF in the obese population.

Introduction: The Obesity-Atrial Fibrillation Nexus