Overweight is associated with improved survival and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation

Waist circumference and body surface area and the risk of developing new-onset atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with significant health consequences. Identifying modifiable risk factors, such as obesity, is crucial. While body mass index (BMI) is linked to increased AF risk, the association between new-onset AF (NOAF) and other anthropometric measures like waist circumference (WC) and body surface area (BSA) warrants further investigation.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare mean WC and BSA between individuals who developed NOAF and those who did not.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search up to February 2024 for studies comparing mean WC and BSA in groups with and without incident NOAF. Participants had no prior AF history. We used a random-effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses explored NOAF occurrence following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, in the absence of any preceding procedure, and after other cardiac procedures.

RESULTS

Our analysis of 34 studies revealed that adults with NOAF had significantly higher WC (SMD = 0.20, 95 % CI 0.01; 0.39) and BSA (SMD = 0.06, 95 % CI 0.01; 0.11) compared to those without NOAF. Subgroup analysis showed a more pronounced association in individuals developing NOAF after CABG (SMD = 0.33, 95 % CI 0.17; 0.48) and in those without any prior procedure before NOAF diagnosis (SMD = 0.23, 95 % CI 0.08; 0.38) versus those without NOAF.

CONCLUSION

Higher WC and BSA appear to be significantly associated with an increased risk of NOAF, with the relations being more pronounced in specific subgroups.

Prognostic Impact of Body Mass Index in Atrial Fibrillation

Background/Objectives: Contradictory results have been reported regarding the influence of obesity on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study aimed to explore the potential association of body mass index (BMI) with the clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with AF. Methods: In this retrospective, post hoc analysis of the MISOAC-AF randomized trial, 1113 AF patients were included and stratified as the following: underweight (BMI < 18 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 18-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality; the secondary composite outcome was any hospitalization related to AF, heart failure (HF), or stroke. Cox regression analysis, survival analysis, and spline curve models were utilized. Results: Of the patients (median age: 76 years (IQR: 13), male: 54.6%), the majority were overweight (41.4%), followed by obese (33%), normal weight (24%), and underweight (1.6%). During a median 31-month follow-up, 436 (39.2%) patients died and 657 (59%) were hospitalized due to AF, HF, or stroke. Underweight, overweight, and obesity groups were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (p-values 0.02, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively), while overweight and obesity were significantly associated with the composite endpoint (p-values 0.01, <0.001, respectively) compared to normal weight. The spline curve analyses yielded that BMIs > 26.3 and > 25 were incrementally associated with all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint, respectively. A J-shaped relationship between BMI and AF prognosis was deduced. Conclusions: In conclusion, in recently hospitalized AF patients, BMI values outside the normal range were independently associated with poorer prognosis; therefore, it is essential that AF patients maintain a normal weight.

Prevalence and factors associated with overweight, obesity and central obesity among adults in Shenmu City, Shaanxi Province, China

Objectives

This research aimed to explore the prevalence and determinants of overweight, obesity, and central obesity in Shenmu City, Shaanxi Province, China and to offer guidance for preventative health measures.

Methods

We conducted a multi-stage, stratified random sampling survey among 4,565 residents of Shenmu City. Data collection included questionnaires and anthropometric assessments to gather socio-demographic data and to identify cases of overweight, obesity, and central obesity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess the association between various factors and these conditions.

Results

The observed prevalence rates for overweight, obesity, central obesity, and the combination of overweight/obesity with central obesity were 39.9%, 18.2%, 48.0%, 32.8%, and 22.8%, respectively. Notably, the incidence of these conditions was significantly higher in men compared to women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity initially increased and then decreased with age, whereas the prevalence of central obesity consistently rose. Furthermore, a higher educational level correlated with lower prevalence rates. Additionally, our analysis indicated that hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia are risk factors for these conditions.

Conclusions

The findings of this study offer crucial insights for formulating effective strategies to prevent and manage obesity in Shenmu City.

Predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing electrical cardioversion

Introduction

Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AF) is routinely implemented in daily practice; however, it can be associated with the development of recurrent AF. In this study we aimed to evaluate the predictors of AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion, and to compare the outcomes of patients with or without AF recurrence during follow-up.

Methods

Patients with persistent AF were enrolled from March 2015 to September 2018. Patients with recurrent AF within 6 months after the index cardioversion were considered as AF recurrence (AFR) group, and those with normal sinus rhythm were defined as normal sinus rhythm (NSR) group. Thereafter, all patients were followed up for the incidence of adverse events, including death, requiring dialysis, coronary artery intervention/surgeries, cerebrovascular events, heart failure, and recurrent AF beyond 6 months.

Results

Of 129 patients, 11 patients had failed cardioversion and 7 patients lost to follow-up. So, 34 and 77 patients were categorized as the NSR and the AFR groups. During a median follow-up time of 54 (46-75) months, there was a trend for a higher incidence of major adverse events in the AFR group compared to the NSR group (P=0.063). Lower body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 0.885, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.794-0.986, P=0.027) and coarse AF before the index cardioversion (OR 3.846, 95% CI 1.189-12.443, P=0.025) were the independent predictors of recurrent AF.

Conclusion

In patients with persistent AF undergoing cardioversion, the presence of coarse AF and the lower values of body mass index were found to be associated with the AF recurrence.

Association of predicted body composition with occurrence of atrial fibrillation

Background

Body mass index (BMI) is insufficient evidence as a risk factor for numerous health disorders. Body composition may be more appropriate for confirming the association with cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to examine the association between body composition and the occurrence of AF.

Methods

A total of 2,673,108 participants (48.6% women) without AF at baseline from the Korean national health insurance data were included. Body composition including appendicular skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and lean body mass were indirectly measured through validated anthropometric prediction equations. The diagnosis of AF and comorbidities were defined.

Results

With a median of 9.5 (interquartile range 9.2-10.1) years' follow-up, 25,841 (0.96%) cases of incident AF were included. In multivariable analysis, higher appendicular skeletal muscle was related to low risk of AF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.829, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.753-0.912 for men (fifth quintile) and HR 0.888, 95% CI 0.792-0.995 for women (fifth quintile)]. In contrast, a higher body fat mass [HR 1.345, 95% CI 1.221-1.483 for men (fifth quintile) and HR 1.420, 95% CI 1.274-1.591 for women (fifth quintile)] and lean body mass [HR 2.241, 95% CI 2.182-2.303 for men (fifth quintile) and HR 1.516, 95% CI 1.368-1.667 for women (fifth quintile)] were associated with the occurrence of AF.

Conclusions

In this study, body composition parameters were associated with the occurrence of AF. It should be noted that when appendicular skeletal muscle mass decreases and body fat mass and lean body mass increase, the risk of AF may be increased in general population except underweighted BMI group.

Influencing of serum inflammatory factors on IVF/ICSI outcomes among PCOS patients with different BMI

Introduction

Overweight and obese are important factors leading to the occurrence of long-term complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There has been controversy over whether dissatisfaction with pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients is influenced by chronic inflammatory status or obesity. This retrospective study analyzed the levels of inflammatory factors in PCOS patients with different body mass index (BMI) groups and effective predictors of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

There were 273 women with PCOS diagnosed who completed serum inflammatory factors test between January 2017 and June 2022 were selected. The data of 7,649 infertility PCOS patients who received their first IVF/ICSI treatment in the Reproductive Center of Peking University Third Hospital during the period of the study were collected. Finally, 92 PCOS patients were included in the high BMI group, while 97 patients were included in the normal BMI group. Baseline characteristics were collected and the pregnancy outcomes were compared among the two groups. Then, serum inflammatory factors' effect on IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes were analyzed with age, anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and BMI adjusted.

Results

PCOS patients in the high BMI group significantly had a lower number of oocytes retrieved and good quality embryos. The high BMI group PCOS patients had higher levels of IL-6 and lower cumulative clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. The level of GM-CSF was higher in the first cycle transfer and cumulative miscarriage group. High TNF-α was negatively correlated with the first transfer cycle and cumulative clinical pregnancy rates after age, AMH and high BMI adjusted. In addition, the cumulative live birth rate was negatively correlated with high IL-6, but the first cycle transfer and cumulative live birth rates were positively correlated with high IL-1β.

Discussion

For PCOS patients, in addition to BMI, attention should also be paid to inflammatory indicators. High levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were negatively correlated with pregnancy outcomes, but high IL-1β was positively correlated with live birth rates among PCOS patients. The level of GM-CSF was higher in miscarriage PCOS patients.

Association between obesity and short- and medium-term mortality in critically ill patients with atrial fibrillation: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

There has been controversy about how obesity affects the clinical prognosis for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and the relationship between obesity and outcomes in critically ill patients with AF remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between obesity and short- and medium-term mortality in critically ill patients with AF.

METHODS

The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database was used to conduct a retrospective cohort analysis on 9282 critically ill patients with AF. Patients were categorized into four groups based on their body mass index (BMI) values: underweight, normal-weight, overweight, and obese. The outcomes of this study were 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year all-cause mortality. Cox proportional-hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to investigate the association between BMI and mortality.

RESULTS

For 30-day mortality, after adjustment for all confounding factors, the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the underweight, overweight, and obese categories were 1.58 (1.21, 2.07), 0.82 (0.72, 0.93), and 0.79 (0.68, 0.91), respectively, compared to the normal-weight category. Using multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline analysis, an "L-shaped" correlation was observed between BMI and 30-day mortality. For each 1 kg/m² increase in BMI when BMI was less than 30 kg/m², the risk of 30-day mortality decreased by 6.4% (HR, 95% CI: 0.936 [0.918, 0.954]; P < 0.001); however, this relationship was not present when BMI was greater than or equal to 30 kg/m². Similar results were observed for 90-day and 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a nonlinear relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality among critically ill patients with AF. All-cause mortality and the BMI were negatively correlated when the BMI was less than 30 kg/m².

Relationship between creatinine clearance and clinical outcomes in Chinese emergency patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Few real‐world data on the relation between creatinine clearance (CrCl) and adverse clinical outcomes in Chinese emergency department (ED) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

In this prospective, observational, multicenter AF study, enrolled AF patients presenting to an ED at 20 hospitals in China from November 2008 to October 2011, with a follow‐up of 12 month. A total of 863 AF patients with CrCl data were analyzed, and patients were categorized as CrCl ≥ 80, 50 ≤ CrCl < 80, 30 ≤ CrCl < 50, and CrCl < 30(ml/min). Outcomes of analyses were all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, thromboembolism (TE), and major bleeding.

Results

Among the whole patients, 126(14.6%) patients died during 12‐month follow‐up, 53(40.2%) among CrCl < 30 ml/min group, and 48(16.2%), 22(6.5%), and 3(3.2%) among 30 ≤ CrCl50, 50 ≤ Crl < 80, and CrCl ≥ 80 ml/min groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Cardiovascular death and TE rates also increased with decreasing CrCl. On multivariate analysis, patients with CrCl < 30 ml/min were associated with higher risks of all‐cause death (HR 5.567; 95%CI1.618–19.876; p = .007) and higher cardiovascular death (HR11.939; 95%CI1.439–99.031; p = .022) as compared with CrCl≥80 ml/min category. Nevertheless, for TE and major bleeding risk, CrCl groups showed no significant difference after adjustment for variables in CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score and status of warfarin prescription in our cohort.

Conclusions

In Chinese ED nonvalvular AF patients, incidence rates of death increased with reducing CrCl across the whole range of renal function. CrCl < 30 ml/min was associated with all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, but not for TE and major bleeding.

Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy in Chinese Emergency Department Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Impacts on Clinical Outcomes

Background and Objects

Few studies focus on multimorbidity and polypharmacy in Chinese atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. We examined the impact of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and treatment strategies on outcomes in Chinese emergency department (ED)AF patients. We also assessed factors associated with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) non-use in AF patients with multimorbidity or polypharmacy.

Methods

2015 AF patients who presented to emergency department (ED) were enrolled from Nov 2008 to Oct 2011, mean follow-up of 12-months. Cox regressions were performed to identify the impact of multimorbidity and polypharmacy on clinical outcomes.

Results

Six hundred and sixty-five patients in low morbidity group (≤1 comorbidity), 608 patients in moderate morbidity group (2 comorbidities), 742 patients in high morbidity group (≥3 comorbidities). Five hundred and seventy patients (28.3%) had polypharmacy (≥5 medications). High and moderate morbidity groups were significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause death (HR 2.083, 95%CI 1.482–2.929; HR 1.713, 95%CI 1.198–2.449), CV death (HR 2.457, 95%CI 1.526–3.954; HR 1.974, 95%CI 1.206–3.232) and major bleeding (HR 4.126, 95%CI 1.022–16.664; HR 6.142, 95%CI 1.6789–22.369) compared with low morbidity group. In VKA subgroup, only high morbidity group was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death (HR 2.521, 95%CI 1.482–2.929), but not significantly in other events. For polypharmacy category, there were no significant statistics among these endpoints. Coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and antiplatelet therapy were independent predictors for VKA non-use in whole cohort, and patients with multimorbidity. CAD and antiplatelet therapy were independent predictors for VKA non-use in patients with polypharmacy.

Conclusion

Multimorbidity was associated with worse outcomes in Chinese ED AF patients. Polypharmacy showed no significant statistics among these outcomes. CAD and antiplatelet therapy were independent risk factors of VKA non-use in Chinese ED AF patients with multimorbidity or polypharmacy.

Effectiveness of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Obese Adults With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Obesity is an independent risk factor for AF. Anticoagulants have been strongly recommended by all international guidelines to prevent stroke. However, altered pathophysiology in obese adults may influence anticoagulant pharmacology. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the context of obesity and AF have been examined in recent systematic reviews. Despite the similarities in included studies, their results and conclusions do not agree.

Methods and Results: The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020181510). Seven key electronic databases were searched using search terms such as “atrial fibrillation,” “obese,^*” “overweight,” “novel oral anticoagulant,” “direct oral anticoagulant,” “DOAC,” “NOAC,” “apixaban,” dabigatran,” “rivaroxaban,” and “edoxaban” to locate published and unpublished studies. Only systematic reviews with meta-analyses that examined the effect of DOACs in overweight or obese adults with AF, published in the English language, were included. A total of 9,547 articles were initially retrieved. After removing the duplicates, title and abstract review and full-text review, five articles were included in the systematic review. From these only RCTs were included in the meta-analyses. There was disagreement within the published systematic reviews on DOACs in obesity. The results from our meta-analysis did not show any significant difference between all body mass index (BMI) groups for all outcomes at both 12 months and for the entire trial duration. Non-significant differences were seen among the different types of DOACs.

Conclusion: There was no difference between the BMI classes in any of the outcomes assessed. This may be due to the limited number of people in the trial that were in the obese class, especially obese class III. There is a need for large prospective trials to confirm which DOACs are safe and efficacious in the obese class III adults and at which dose.

The impact of malnutrition on atrial fibrillation recurrence post ablation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Both malnutrition and atrial fibrillation (AF) are the major health problems in modern society. Only a few studies focused on the relationship between malnutrition and recurrence of atrial arrhythmias post AF ablation (AF recurrence), which used body mass index (BMI) as nutrition assessment tool. However, BMI can't credibly reflect body composition and has limitation in patients with water-sodium retention. In this study, we used controlling nutritional status score (CONUT score) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) to identify the malnutrition patients and explored the effect of malnutrition on AF recurrence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective study included 246 patients who underwent AF ablation. During a median 11-month follow-up, 77 patients (31.3%) experienced AF recurrence. The recurrence group had higher CONUT score (2.3 ± 1.5 vs. 0.9 ± 1.0, P < 0.001) and lower GNRI (99.9 ± 7.6 vs. 103.9 ± 5.6, P < 0.001). After balancing the traditional risk factors, both CONUT score (OR: 2.614, 95%CI: 1.831-3.731, P < 0.001) and GNRI (OR: 0.884, 95%CI: 0.828-0.944, P < 0.001) were the independent predictors for AF recurrence. Pre-ablation CONUT score ≥1 and GNRI≥95.66 are indicative of AF recurrence. Adding CONUT score or GNRI to the base prediction model for AF recurrence significantly improved the discrimination and calibration. However, adding BMI to the base prediction model did not improve the model performance.

CONCLUSIONS

CONUT score and GNRI are ideal tools to evaluate the nutrition status of AF patients. Undernourished patients are more likely to suffer from AF recurrence. Improving nutrition status may be a potential target for reducing the postoperative recurrence rate.

Predictive Value of HATCH Scoring and Waist-to-Height Ratio in Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Operations Performed with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Objectives

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF), an important clinical condition that can occur after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operations, may bring about cerebrovascular risks, prolong hospital stay and increase treatment costs. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of HATCH score and waist/height ratio (WHR) values in revealing the development of PoAF after CABG operations.

Methods

Patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between May 2019 and November 2019 were prospectively included in the study. Preoperative demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and operative parameters of the patients were recorded prospectively.

Results

A total of 255 patients were included in the study. Those who did not develop PoAF were included in Group 1 (N = 196, mean age = 58.9 ± 9.4 years), and those who did were included in Group 2 (n = 59, mean age = 61.1 ± 12 years). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, presence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and previous percutaneous coronary interventions, waist circumference, waist to height ratio and HATCH score values were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 ( p values: 0.019, 0.034, 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, WHR (Odds ratio: 1.068, Confidence interval: 1.032–1.105, p < 0.001) and HATCH score (Odds ratio: 2.590, Confidence interval: 1.850–3.625, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of PoAF.

Conclusions

With this current prospective study, we showed that calculating WHR and HATCH score in the preoperative period can help us predict PoAF.

Atrial fibrillation is associated with cardiovascular events in obese Japanese with one or more cardiovascular risk factors: The Japan Morning Surge Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) Study

The impacts of atrial fibrillation (AF) and home blood pressure (BP) on the cardiovascular prognosis of obese individuals have not been clarified. We analyzed the differences in the prognosis (including the effect of the home BP of AF patients with/without obesity) in a Japanese population with cardiovascular risk factors. We enrolled 3,586 patients from the J‐HOP study who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. We conducted 12‐lead electrocardiography, and the group of AF patients was determined as those whose electrocardiography revealed AF. Obesity was defined as a body mass index >25 kg/m². The primary end points were fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, and aortic dissection). Among the obese patients, those with AF (n = 36) suffered more significantly cardiovascular events (log rank 7.17, p = .007) compared to the patients with sinus rhythm (n = 1,282), but among the non‐obese patients, the rates of cardiovascular events were similar (log rank 0.006, p = .94) in the AF patients (n = 48) and sinus rhythm patients (n = 2220). After adjusting for age, sex, office/home BP, smoking, diabetes, and creatinine level, AF was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in the obese group (hazard ratio [HR] 3.05, 95%CI: 1.17‐7.97, p = .023). Home systolic BP was also a predictor of cardiovascular events in the obese group independent of the risk of AF (per 10 mm Hg: HR 1.36, 95%CI: 1.02‐1.83, p = .039). In conclusion, AF was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in obese patients after adjusting for home BP.

Association between body mass index and mortality in atrial fibrillation patients with and without diabetes mellitus: Insights from a multicenter registry study in China

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 1991 AF patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to whether they have DM at recruitment. Baseline information was collected and a mean follow-up of 1 year was carried out. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality with the secondary outcomes including cardiovascular mortality, stroke and major adverse events (MAEs). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression were performed to estimate the association between BMI and 1-year outcomes in AF patients with and without DM. 309 patients with AF (15.5%) had comorbid DM at baseline. Patients with DM were more likely to have cardiovascular comorbidities, receive relevant medications but carry worse 1-year outcomes. Multivariable Cox regressions indicated that elevated BMI was related with reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and major adverse events. Compared to normal weight, overweight [HR (95% CI): 0.548 (0.405-0.741), p < 0.001] and obesity [HR (95% CI): 0.541 (0.326-0.898), p = 0.018] were significantly related with decreased all-cause mortality for the entire cohort. Remarkably reduced all-cause mortality in the overweight [HR (95% CI): 0.497 (0.347-0.711), p < 0.001] and obesity groups [HR (95% CI): 0.405 (0.205-0.800), p = 0.009] could also be detected in AF patients without DM, but not in those with DM.

CONCLUSION

Elevated BMI was associated with reduced mortality in patients with AF. This association was modified by DM. The obesity paradox confined to AF patients without DM, but could not be generalized to those with DM.

Association between body mass index and stroke severity in acute ischaemic stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and both initial stroke severity at presentation and functional outcomes after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

METHODS

Patients were categorized on the basis of their BMI into underweight (BMI <18.5, n = 111), normal (18.5 ≤ BMI <25, n = 1036) and overweight to obese (BMI ≥25, n = 472) groups. Initial stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale score at discharge. The differences in stroke severity and functional outcomes were compared between groups using robust log-linear regression with a Poisson distribution and binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1619 AIS patients with NVAF from six hospitals were included. Compared with the NIHSS scores [median 5, interquartile range (IQR) 2-14] of normal-weight patients, the NIHSS scores (median 9, IQR 4-19) of underweight patients were more likely to be higher, whereas those of overweight to obese patients were lower (median 4, IQR 1-12) (P < 0.001). In terms of functional outcomes after stroke, underweight patients had a higher risk of poor functional outcomes (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.56, P = 0.01) but overweight to obese patients had no significant difference in functional outcomes compared with normal-weight patients.

CONCLUSION

An inverse association was found between BMI and stroke severity in AIS patients with NVAF. This suggests the presence of an obesity paradox for short-term outcomes in patients with NVAF.

Impact of body mass index on real-world outcomes of rivaroxaban treatment in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

This sub-analysis of the XAPASS, a prospective, single-arm, observational study, aimed to evaluate relationships between body mass index (BMI) and safety (major bleeding and all-cause mortality) and effectiveness [stroke/non-central nervous system (non-CNS) systemic embolism (SE)/myocardial infarction (MI)] outcomes in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) receiving rivaroxaban. Patients were categorized according to BMI (kg/m²) as underweight (< 18.5), normal weight (18.5 to < 25), overweight (25 to < 30), or obese (≥ 30). In total, 9578 patients with NVAF completed the 1-year follow-up and were evaluated; of these, 7618 patients had baseline BMI data. Overall, 542 (5.7%), 4410 (46.0%), 2167 (22.6%), and 499 (5.2%) patients were underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that none of the BMI categories were independent predictors of major bleeding whereas being underweight was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.40–5.26, p < 0.001]. The incidence of stroke/non-CNS SE/MI was higher in patients who were underweight than in those of normal weight (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.20–3.70, p = 0.009). However, in multivariable analyses, being underweight was not identified as an independent predictor of stroke/non-CNS SE/MI (HR 1.64, 95% CI 0.90–2.99, p = 0.104). In conclusion, the high incidence of thromboembolic events and all-cause mortality in patients who were underweight highlights that thorough evaluation of disease status and comorbidities may be required in this population.

Obesity Paradox in Atrial Fibrillation: Implications for Outcomes and Relationship with Oral Anticoagulant Drugs

In the last 40 years, concern about the obesity epidemic has increased. Data from the current literature highlight a strong relationship between obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly in relation to an increased risk for incident and recurrent AF. A phenomenon called the "obesity paradox" has emerged: the apparently counterintuitive evidence from epidemiological data indicating that overweight and obese patients may have a better prognosis than healthy-weight patients. A differential impact of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in terms of effectiveness and safety in the various body mass index categories has been postulated, particularly in the comparison between non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists. This review aims to summarize the evidence on the impact of obesity in patients with AF, focusing on descriptions of the obesity paradox and its relationships with OAC treatment.

The obesity paradox for outcomes in atrial fibrillation: Evidence from an exposure-effect analysis of prospective studies

The impact of obesity on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. We conducted an exposure-effect meta-analysis of prospective studies to clarify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in patients with AF. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched through May 1, 2019. Summary relative risks (RRs) were calculated using random-effects models. Nonlinear associations were explored using restricted cubic spline models. Twenty publications involving 161,922 individuals were included. Categorical variable analysis showed that underweight was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 2.6), cardiovascular death (RR: 2.91), major bleeding (RR: 1.57), stroke or systemic embolism (RR: 1.62), and a composite endpoint (RR: 2.23). In exposure-effect analysis, the risk per 5 BMI increase was reduced for adverse outcomes (RR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.80-0.92 for all-cause death; RR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.95 for cardiovascular death; RR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.95 for stroke or systemic embolism; and RR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.67-0.92 for a composite endpoint). There was a significant "U"-shaped exposure-effect relationship with all-cause death, and the nadir of the curve was observed at a BMI of approximately 28. Our results showed that underweight is associated with a worse prognosis, but that overweight and obesity are associated with improved adverse outcomes in patients with AF.

Association of Body Mass Index With Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From the FANTASIIA Registry

Background

Obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist and independently increase mortality. We sought to assess the association between obesity and adverse events in patients receiving oral anticoagulants for AF.

Methods and Results

Consecutive AF outpatients receiving anticoagulant agents (both vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants) were recruited into the FANTASIIA (Atrial fibrillation: influence of the level and type of anticoagulation on the incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke) registry. This observational, multicenter, and prospective registry of AF patients analyzes the quality of anticoagulation, incidence of events, and differences between oral anticoagulant therapies. We analyzed baseline patient characteristics according to body mass index, normal: <25 kg/m², overweight: 25–30 kg/m², and obese: ≥30 kg/m²), assessing all‐cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding and major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and total mortality) at 3 years’ follow‐up. In this secondary prespecified substudy, the association of weight on prognosis was evaluated. We recruited 1956 patients (56% men, mean age 73.8±9.4 years): 358 (18.3%) had normal body mass index, 871 (44.5%) were overweight, and 727 (37.2%) were obese. Obese patients were younger (P<0.01) and had more comorbidities. Mean time in the therapeutic range was similar across body mass index categories (P=0.42). After a median follow‐up of 1070 days, 255 patients died (13%), 45 had a stroke (2.3%), 146 a major bleeding episode (7.5%) and 168 a major adverse cardiovascular event (8.6%). Event rates were similar between groups for total mortality (P=0.29), stroke (P=0.90), major bleeding (P=0.31), and major adverse cardiovascular events (P=0.24). On multivariate Cox analysis, body mass index was not independently associated with all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, major bleeding, or major adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

In this prospective cohort of patients anticoagulated for AF, obesity was highly prevalent and was associated with more comorbidities, but not with poor prognosis.

Body mass index and all-cause mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the China atrial fibrillation registry study

BACKGROUND

Impact of body mass index (BMI) on all-cause mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients remains controversial.

METHODS

A total of 10,942 AF patients were prospectively enrolled and categorized into four BMI groups: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 24-28 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Different Cox proportional hazards models were performed to evaluate the association between BMI and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 30 months (IQR 18-48 months), 862 deaths events occurred. Compared to normal BMI, higher BMI was associated with a lower mortality risk (overweight: HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.61-0.81, P < 0.0001 and obesity: HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.44-0.67, P < 0.0001) and lower BMI was associated with a higher mortality risk (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.67-2.97, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A reversed relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality in AF patients was found. Higher risk of mortality was observed in underweight patients compared to patients with a normal BMI, while overweight and obese patients had a lower risk of all-cause mortality.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=5831. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-OCH-13003729.

Obesity and Atrial Fibrillation: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Novel Therapeutic Opportunities

Obesity is already a major global public health issue, implicated in a vast array of conditions affecting multiple body systems. It is now also firmly established as an independent risk factor in the incidence and progression of AF. The rapidly rising morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs associated with AF despite implementation of the three pillars of AF management — anticoagulation, rate control and rhythm control — suggest other strategies need to be considered. Compelling data has unveiled novel insights into adipose tissue biology and its effect on arrhythmogenesis while secondary prevention strategies targeting obesity as part of a comprehensive risk factor management programme have been demonstrated to be highly effective. Here, the authors review the epidemiological basis of the obesity—AF relationship, consider its underlying pathophysiology and discuss new therapeutic opportunities on the horizon.

Obesity phenotypes and their paradoxical association with cardiovascular diseases

The pro-inflammatory state of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is supposed to accelerate cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic diseases in obese subjects. Some studies have recently reported an improved CV prognosis in certain obese and overweight patients as compared with leaner ones. This phenomenon, known as the "obesity paradox" (OP), has been described in many chronic diseases. This narrative review is based on the material searched for and obtained via PubMed and Web of Science up to May 2017. The search terms we used were: "obesity, paradox, adipose tissue" in combination with "cardiovascular, coronary heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias". Using the current Body Mass Index (BMI)-based obesity definition, individuals with different clinical and biochemical characteristics are gathered together in the same category. Emerging evidence point to the existence of many "Obesity phenotypes" with different association with CV risk, accordingly to physical and life-style features. In this narrative review, we discussed if obesity phenotypes may be associated with a different CV risk, potentially explaining the OP. As a globally accepted definition of obesity is still lacking, we emphasized the need of a new approach, which should consider the heterogeneity of obesity. Better defining "obesities" and related CV risk is critical to markedly improve the classical BMI-based definition of obesity.

Association of body weight with efficacy and safety outcomes in phase III randomized controlled trials of direct oral anticoagulants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Essentials The association of body weight and patient-important outcomes remains unknown. Phase III randomized controlled trials of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were searched. Risk of outcomes varying among body weight subgroups is not attributable to anticoagulant type. Dose adjustment of DOACs, outside that recommended, is unlikely to improve the outcomes. Click to hear Dr Braunwald's perspective on antithrombotic therapy in cardiovascular disease SUMMARY: Background Concerns have arisen in direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)-treated patients about safety and efficacy in extremes of body weight. The aims of this systematic review were to investigate the association of body weight and patient-important outcomes in patients treated with DOACs or warfarin, and to demonstrate the fixed-dose effect of DOACs. Methods MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched until November 2016. Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using DOACs in atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) were included. Relative risk and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The pooled estimates were performed using a Mantel-Haenszel random effects model. Results A total of 11 phase III RCTs were included. Low body weight was associated with increased risk of thromboembolism compared with non-low body weight (relative risk [RR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-1.85). High body weight was not associated with risk of thromboembolism compared with non-high body weight (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.63-1.23). The subgroup of AF patients with high body weight had a lower risk of thromboembolism compared with non-high body weight (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28-0.67). Bleeding outcomes were comparable for all body weight comparisons. There were no clear interactions between types of anticoagulant in all outcomes. Conclusion The pooled effect of both the DOAC and comparison arms was likely to be attributable to differences in baseline thrombotic risk in each body weight category, rather than an effect of the type or dose of DOAC used for each indication. Dose adjustment of DOACs, outside that recommended in the package insert, is unlikely to improve safety or efficacy.

Is There an Obesity Paradox for Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation?

Background and Purpose—

Obesity is a risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular death but, despite this, an inverse relationship between overweight or obesity and a better cardiovascular prognosis in long-term follow-up studies has been observed; this phenomenon, described as obesity paradox, has also been found evident in atrial fibrillation cohorts.

Methods—

We performed a systematic review on the relationship between body mass index and major adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients. Moreover, we provided a meta-analysis of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) trials.

Results—

An obesity paradox was found for cardiovascular death and all-cause death in the subgroup analyses of randomized trial cohorts; however, observational studies fail to show this relationship. From the meta-analysis of NOAC trials, a significant obesity paradox was found, with both overweight and obese patients reporting a lower risk for stroke/systemic embolic event (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.84 and OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.54–0.70, respectively). For major bleeding, only obese patients were at lower risk compared with normal weight patients (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72–0.98). A significant treatment effect of NOACs was found in normal weight patients, both for stroke/systemic embolic event (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56–0.78) and for major bleeding (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54–0.95). Major bleeding risk was lower in overweight patients treated with NOACs (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71–1.00).

Conclusions—

There may be an obesity paradox in atrial fibrillation patients, particularly for all-cause and cardiovascular death outcomes. An obesity paradox was also evident for stroke/systemic embolic event outcome in NOAC trials, with a treatment effect favoring NOACs over warfarin for both efficacy and safety that was significant only for normal weight patients.

Impact of Age on the Association Between Body Mass Index and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVES

To explore the impact of age on the association between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

A total of 1991 patients with AF (69 ± 13 years, 54.9% female) were divided into three age groups: < 65 years, 65-75 years, and > 75 years, and followed for one year. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality, with secondary outcomes including thromboembolism and major bleeding. Cox regression models were utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Compared to patients aged < 65 years, elder groups had much lower BMI and more comorbidities other than a lower prevalence of valvular heart disease. During one-year follow-up, 277 (13.9%) patients died, 158 (7.9%) underwent thromboembolism events and 26 (1.3%) had major bleeding. Mortality and thromboembolism risk were both notably higher in patients with advanced age (all P values < 0.001). Using normal weight patients as reference, mortality risk was significantly lower in overweight (HR 0.548; 95% CI 0.404-0.744) and obese patients (HR 0.536; 95% CI 0.325-0.883) for the entire cohort, with reduced death risk mainly observed in overweight patients aged 65-75 years (HR 0.285; 95% CI 0.131-0.621) and aged > 75 years (HR 0.686; 95% CI 0.473-0.993), but not in patients aged < 65 years. Continuous analyses of BMI indicated consistent results.

CONCLUSION

High BMI is associated with reduced mortality rate in patients with AF, and this association is affected by age, with the so-called "obesity paradox" confined to those with advanced age rather than young patients.

Relationship between smoking and adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated the impact of smoking on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the results remain controversial. We therefore aimed to estimate the association between smoking and adverse outcomes in patients with AF.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Elsevier databases through May 2016 for studies regarding the association between smoking and adverse outcomes in AF patients. Risk ratios [RRs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs] were abstracted and then pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 8 cohort studies with 87,373 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Among patients with AF, smoking was associated with increased risks of all-cause death (RR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.33-2.49, P=0.0002) and cardiovascular death (RR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.31-1.81, P<0.00001) but not stroke/thromboembolism (RR=1.19, 95% CI 0.97-1.46; P=0.10). In addition, smoking was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (RR=1.93, 95% CI 1.08-3.47, P=0.03), even after adjustment for the antithrombotic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The published literature demonstrates that smoking is not associated with the risk of stroke/thromboembolism but increases the risks of all-cause death and cardiovascular death in AF patients, as well as the risk of major bleeding in AF patients using anticoagulants.

Body mass index and the risk of all-cause mortality among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a multicenter prospective observational study in China

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

High body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased incident atrial fibrillation (AF) and mortality rate. In patients presenting with nonvalvular AF (NVAF), the prognostic relevance of BMI remains unclear.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In this prospective observational study, a total of 1759 patients with NVAF (69.9±12.9 years old, 47.9% male) were divided into three clinical settings according to estimated stroke risks (CHADS₂ score ⩽1 (low), =2 (moderate) and ⩾3 (high)). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes included thromboembolism and major bleeding. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between BMI levels and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 1 year representing 1974 patient-years at risk, 256 patients died, 142 suffered from thromboembolism and 17 developed major bleeding. Multivariate adjusted Cox analysis indicated that a BMI of 24.0-27.9 kg/m² was independently associated with improved survival among all patients (hazard ratio (HR) 0.689, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.512-0.928; P=0.018) and patients at high stroke risk (HR 0.622, 95% CI 0.410-0.943; P=0.024), but not among those at low or moderate stroke risks. No associations were observed between BMI levels and the incidence of thromboembolic events in various clinical settings.

CONCLUSIONS

A paradoxical BMI-all-cause mortality risk association was observed in Chinese patients with NVAF, and this association was pronounced among patients at high stroke risk rather than in those at low stroke risk.

Relation of Body Mass Index With Adverse Outcomes Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation, but the results remain controversial. We sought to estimate the association of BMI with atrial fibrillation-related outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Elsevier databases for all studies reporting associations between BMI and atrial fibrillation-related outcomes. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were extracted and pooled. Nine studies with 49 364 participants were included. Underweight BMI was associated with an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12-2.49), all-cause mortaliity (RR 2.61, 95% CI 2.21-3.09), and cardiovascular death (RR 2.49, 95% CI 1.38-4.50). Nevertheless, the pooled RRs of overweight and obese patients were lower than those of normal-weight patients for stroke or systemic embolism (overweight: RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.80-1.04; obese: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98; grade 1 obesity: RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.71-1.11; grade 2 obesity: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.91; grade 3 obesity: RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.54-1.25), all-cause death (overweight: RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.96; obese: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.64-1.10; grade 1 obesity: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.57-0.73; grade 2 obesity: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.47-1.03; grade 3 obesity: RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.88), and cardiovascular death (overweight: RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.58-1.08; obese: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Underweight BMI is associated with an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation, whereas in all atrial fibrillation patients, overweight and obese BMI was not associated with increased risks of these outcomes.

Clinical significance of nutritional status in patients with atrial fibrillation: An overview of current evidence

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a well-known atherosclerosis risk factor; however, its role and the importance of undernutrition in atrial fibrillation (AF) pathogenesis are still not well understood. The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on this issue in different groups of patients.

METHODS

Systematic review of papers published between 1980 and 2016.

RESULTS

The literature shows contradicting views regarding the impact of nutritional status on the risk, course, and complications of AF. On the one hand, it has been revealed that overweight, obesity, and high birth mass increase the risk of AF, and that their reduction is linked to an improved course of AF and reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. On the other hand, a so-called obesity paradox has been found, which shows lower all-cause mortality in overweight patients with AF compared to those of normal weight or who are underweight. It has also been shown, although based on a small number of studies, that the relationship between nutritional status and risk of AF and its complication may be U-shaped, which means that not only patients with obesity, but also individuals with underweight, cachexia, and low birth weight may have an increased risk and poor outcome of AF.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between patients' nutritional status and the course of AF has become clearer but it requires further studies examining the importance of weight reduction on AF course.

Impact of Body Mass Index on the Prognosis of Japanese Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Obesity is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, obesity is associated with lower mortality in patients with established AF, a phenomenon known as the obesity paradox. Previous studies reported inconsistent results regarding effects of body weight on risk of cardiogenic embolism in patients with AF. To determine relation between body mass index (BMI) and prognosis among Japanese patients with nonvalvular AF (NVAF), a post hoc analysis was conducted using observational data in the J-RHYTHM Registry. Subjects were categorized as underweight (BMI <18.5), normal (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25.0 to 29.9), or obese (≥30 kg/m(2)). End points included thromboembolism, major hemorrhaging, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. Of the 7,406 patients with NVAF, 6,379 patients (70 ± 10 years old; BMI, 23.6 ± 3.9 kg/m(2)) having baseline BMI data constituted the study group. During the 2-year follow-up period, 111 patients had thromboembolism, 124 experienced major hemorrhage, and 159 died. Multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model showed that none of the BMI categories were independent predictors of thromboembolism. However, being underweight was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62 to 3.69; p <0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.52 to 5.91, p = 0.001) when normal weight was used as the reference. Additionally, being overweight was a predictor of lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.95, p = 0.029). In conclusion, being underweight is associated with higher risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with having a normal weight. Being overweight or obese is not associated with increased mortality among Japanese patients with NVAF.

Predictors for Stroke and Death in Non-Anticoagulated Asian Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: The Fushimi AF Registry

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke and death. Data on the predictors for stroke and death in ‘real-world’ AF patients are limited, especially from large prospective Asian cohorts.

Methods

The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey designed to enroll all AF patients who visited the participating medical institutions in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Follow-up data were available for 3,304 patients (median follow-up period 741 days). We explored the predictors for ‘death, stroke, and systemic embolism (SE)’ during follow-up in 1,541 patients not receiving oral anticoagulants (OAC) at baseline.

Results

The mean age was 73.1 ± 12.5 years, and 673 (44%) patients were female. The mean CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores were 1.76 and 3.08, respectively. Cumulative events were as follows: stroke/SE in 61 (4%) and death in 230 (15%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, advanced age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–2.29), underweight (body mass index <18.5 kg/m²) (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.25–2.32), previous stroke/SE/transient ischemic attack (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.25–2.30), heart failure (HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.17–2.15), chronic kidney disease (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.16–2.02), and anemia (HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.78–3.28) were independent predictors for death/stroke/SE. Cumulative numbers of these 6 risk predictors could stratify the incidence of death/stroke/SE in patients without OAC, as well as those with OAC in our registry.

Conclusions

Advanced age, underweight, previous stroke/SE/transient ischemic attack, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and anemia were independently associated with the risk of death/stroke/SE in non-anticoagulated Japanese AF patients.

The prognostic effects of ventricular heart rate among patients with permanent atrial fibrillation with and without coronary artery disease: a multicenter prospective observational study

Heart rate control is important among patients with either atrial fibrillation (AF) or coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the relationship between the ventricular heart rate and adverse outcomes among patients with AF and CAD remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the prognostic effects of ventricular heart rate in patients with permanent AF (permAF) and CAD. We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients with AF in China. Patients≥18 years old with permAF were included and divided into a CAD group and a non-CAD group. All patients underwent 1 year of follow-up. The primary outcome was total mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the relationship between risk factors and the survival rate in the study population.A total of 852 patients (69.1±12.7 years old, 43.3% male, 44.7% with CAD) were included in the analysis. Patients with CAD were older, were more likely to be male and exhibited higher prevalences of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, LV dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stroke compared with patients without CAD. During the follow-up period, a higher total mortality rate was noted in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group (21.5% vs 15.5%, P = 0.023). In the patients without CAD, the lowest quartile (≤76  beats/min) exhibited the best 1-year survival rate; however, in the patients with CAD, the highest quartile (>110  beats/min) exhibited the worst survival rate. Multivariate adjusted Cox analysis indicated that age (HR 1.039, 95% CI 1.025-1.055, P < 0.001) and heart rate (P = 0.004) were each independently associated with total mortality. Patients with CAD have more risk factors, and comorbidities and higher mortality rates than patients without CAD. In the patients with permAF without CAD, a ventricular rate of ≤76  beats/minute was associated with the best survival rate; however, among the patients with CAD, no increased mortality was observed unless the heart rate was >110  beats/min.