Evaluating heart function during exercise after ablation for atrial fibrillation

EXCLAMATORY: EXercise Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanics Following Ablation TO Reduce Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Correlation With Exercise CapacitY Longitudinal Study

Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT06212791

This study is testing how well the heart works during exercise in people who have had a procedure to treat their irregular heartbeat, to see if their ability to exercise improves over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University (other)
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06212791 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to assess changes in left atrial reservoir function and overall exercise capacity in patients who have undergone catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Participants will undergo various evaluations, including self-reported questionnaires and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, to measure their heart performance during physical activity. The study will track these changes over time to better understand the impact of the ablation procedure on exercise capacity and heart function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who are scheduled for catheter ablation.

Not a fit: Patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation, significant heart conditions, or those unable to complete required assessments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into improving post-ablation care and exercise recommendations for patients with atrial fibrillation.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored heart function post-ablation, this specific focus on left atrial mechanics during exercise is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Diagnosis of paroxysmal AF
* Left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%
* Scheduled for catheter ablation
* Able to speak, hear, and read English
* Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Persistent or permanent AF
* Prior ablation (catheter based or surgical) for AF
* Significant sinus node dysfunction
* Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator
* Contraindication to or inability to complete cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
* Contraindication to or inability to complete exercise testing
* Chronic kidney disease with estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 mL/min/1.73m2
* Severe left ventricular hypertrophy
* Unrelated cardiomyopathy that is expected to limit exercise capacity, including but not limited to:

  * Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  * Cardiac amyloidosis
  * Constrictive pericarditis
* Pulmonary arterial hypertension
* Prior cardiac surgery
* Active pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, Catheter ablation, Exercise capacity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.