Postprocedural pain and pain coping strategies in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation
M Wleklik, A Masko, K LomperAbstract
Background
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established and effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life. Nevertheless, postprocedural pain and discomfort remain common clinical challenges following RFA.
Objective
To evaluate pain intensity and pain coping strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing radiofrequency ablation.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with AF (63 men and 37 women; mean age 60.39 ± 11.20 years) admitted to a cardiology department for RFA. Data were collected using medical record analysis, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment, and the Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ).
Results
The study population consisted predominantly of men (63%), with 40% of participants aged over 65 years. Most patients were in committed relationships (88%), lived in urban areas (98%), had higher education (72%), and reported strong family support (90%). The mean duration of the ablation procedure was 120.29 ± 23.68 minutes. Pain intensity increased significantly over time, with mean VAS scores of 2.08 ± 1.48 immediately after the procedure, 4.01 ± 1.53 at 6 hours, and 4.26 ± 1.46 at 9 hours post-RFA (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Among pain coping strategies, “control and self-discipline” was most frequently used (5.16 ± 0.69), whereas “prayer” was least utilized (1.00 ± 1.58). Significant negative correlations were observed between internal pain control and pain overvaluation, pain ignoring, coping statements, and increased activity (all p < 0.001). Perceived physician influence was negatively associated with pain overvaluation and increased activity, and positively correlated with coping statements (all p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Pain intensity increases during the early hours following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Pain perception and coping strategies are strongly influenced by psychological and behavioral factors, including perceived control and physician involvement. Enhancing patient education, physician–patient communication, and family support may improve postprocedural pain management and patient satisfaction after RFA.