Understanding heart rhythm outcomes in patients choosing not to enroll

Plain-English translation of NCT06249269 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This study is looking at people with atrial fibrillation (a common irregular heart rhythm) who meet the requirements for a major research trial but decide not to join it. Researchers want to understand whether people who decline to participate have different health outcomes, quality of life, and symptom control compared to those who do enroll. All participants will receive standard care and have a catheter ablation procedure (a minimally invasive treatment) scheduled within 2–4 months.

Doctors need to understand how skipping a research trial affects real-world patient outcomes. Many eligible patients decline to participate in studies, but we don't know if their health is different from those who do join. This information could help make new treatments more meaningful and effective for everyone with irregular heart rhythm.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with symptomatic atrial fibrillation that is not controlled by medication alone
you have paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation and want to pursue catheter ablation treatment
you meet certain health criteria, such as a BMI of 30 or higher, or two or more conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, age 65 or older, prior stroke, smoking, or heavy alcohol use
you are eligible for the main RASTA-AF research trial but have declined participation or were not approached
you are able to have your ablation procedure performed between November 2019 and December 2025

You likely don't qualify if…

you have permanent atrial fibrillation that has lasted longer than 3 years
you have already had a catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation
you have severe heart failure (New York Heart Association Class IV)
you are currently exercising more than 150 minutes per week at moderate to vigorous intensity, or you are unable to exercise
you have another serious medical condition that is likely to affect your survival in the next year

What participation looks like

You will join a registry where your health information and quality of life are tracked over time. Before your scheduled ablation procedure (which will happen 2–4 months after enrolling), you'll complete surveys about how your heart rhythm symptoms affect your daily life and your physical activity level. After your ablation, you'll continue to receive standard care from your doctor, and researchers will follow your health outcomes to see how well the procedure works for you.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 14, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(7 sites)

Canada

Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta

QEIIHSC, Halifax, Nova Scotia

London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario

University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario

Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Ontario