Objective To investigate the effect of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation exercise intervention on the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation and cardiac dysfunction undergoing radiofrequency ablation. Methods A total of 72 patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with cardiac insufficiency after radiofofency ablation in the Department of Cardiology of Sanming First Hospital from May 2023 to June 2024 were selected and divided into control group (36 cases with routine health guidance and standard treatment) and observation group (36 cases with cardiopulmonary rehabilitation exercise added) by random number table method. The first second forced expiratory volume (FEV₁), maximum spontaneous ventilation (MVV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 6-min walking test (6MWT) distance and exercise time of the two groups were compared before and after treatment to evaluate the quality of life and observe the occurrence of related adverse events. Results FEV₁, MVV, LVEF, 6MWT, exercise time and quality of life in observation group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events in observation group was lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Cardiac rehabilitation exercise intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation and cardiac dysfunction after radiofrequency ablation can promote the recovery of cardiopulmonary function, improve their exercise endurance and quality of life, and have a certain effect on preventing adverse cardiac events.