Heart rhythm fix may also repair leaky valve: scientists build prediction model

This study looks at people with persistent atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and moderate-to-severe functional mitral regurgitation (a leaky heart valve). Researchers want to see if a procedure called catheter ablation—which zaps abnormal heart tissue to restore normal rhythm—can improve the valve leakage. They will also build and test a model to predict which patients are most likely to benefit. The goal is to help doctors make better treatment decisions for this common heart condition.