Role of gender and personality on quality-of-life impairment in intermittent atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation: comorbidities, lifestyle, and patient factors

Modern anticoagulation therapy has dramatically reduced the risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism in people with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, AF still impairs quality of life, increases the risk of stroke and heart failure, and is linked to cognitive impairment. There is also a recognition of the residual risk of thromboembolic complications despite anticoagulation. Hence, AF management is evolving towards a more comprehensive understanding of risk factors predisposing to the development of this arrhythmia, its' complications and interventions to mitigate the risk. This review summarises the recent advances in understanding of risk factors for incident AF and managing these risk factors. It includes a discussion of lifestyle, somatic, psychological, and socioeconomic risk factors. The available data call for a practice shift towards a more individualised approach considering an increasingly broader range of health and patient factors contributing to AF-related health burden. The review highlights the needs of people living with co-morbidities (especially with multimorbidity), polypharmacy and the role of the changing population demographics affecting the European region and globally.

Baseline Health Status and its Association With Subsequent Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Clinical practice guidelines recommend optimizing the health status of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) as a primary treatment goal. Whether disease-specific health status is associated with subsequent clinical events is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between health status and subsequent clinical events among patients with AF.

METHODS

Using a prospective cohort study of patients with new-onset AF referred to 11 hospitals (n = 3,313, 68.4% men, mean age 67.8 ± 11.6 years), data were extracted from 3,296 patients (99.4%) who completed the disease-specific Atrial Fibrillation Effects on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire between 2012 and 2018. Factors associated with baseline AFEQT overall summary (OS) score and associations between major adverse cardiovascular or neurologic events (MACNE; a composite of all-cause death, stroke, or new-onset heart failure hospitalization) over 2 years were investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 517 participants (15.6%) had poor to fair health status (AFEQT OS <60), and 1,035 (31.2%) had fair to good health status (AFEQT OS 60 to <80) at baseline. Female sex, younger age, family history of AF, higher baseline heart rate, paroxysmal AF, initial visit to the emergency department, and history of heart failure were associated with lower AFEQT OS scores. Of those, 226 participants (6.8%) experienced MACNE; restricted cubic spline analysis with adjustment for factors associated with baseline AFEQT score showed a nonlinear increase in the risk for MACNE with AFEQT OS score <80. The strongest associations were observed for baseline AFEQT daily activity scores (for AFEQT daily activity score of <80 vs ≥80, HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.21-2.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Diminished health status in patients with AF is common and is independently associated with subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.

Review: Sex-related differences in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmias are a common and potentially serious cardiovascular disorders that affect both men and women. However, there is evidence to suggest that there may be sex-related differences in the prevalence, clinical presentation, and management of cardiac arrhythmias. Hormonal and cellular factors may play a role in these sex-specific differences. In addition, there are differences in the types of arrhythmias that men and women experience, with men more likely to experience ventricular arrhythmias and women more likely to experience supraventricular arrhythmias. The management of cardiac arrhythmias also differs between men and women. For example, some studies have found that women are less likely to receive appropriate treatment for arrhythmias and are more likely to have adverse outcomes following treatment. Despite these sex-related differences, the majority of research on cardiac arrhythmias has been conducted in men, and there is a need for more research to specifically examine the differences between men and women. This is especially important given that the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia is increasing, and it is essential to understand how to effectively diagnose and treat these conditions in both men and women. In this review, we examine the current understanding of sex-related differences in cardiac arrhythmias. We also review the available data on sex-specific management strategies for cardiac arrhythmias and highlight areas of future research.

Racial, ethnic, and sex disparities in atrial fibrillation management: rate and rhythm control

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects around 6 million Americans. AF management involves pharmacologic therapy and/or interventional procedures to control rate and rhythm, as well as anticoagulation for stroke prevention. Different populations may respond differently to distinct management strategies. This review will describe disparities in rate and rhythm control and their impact on outcomes among women and historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups.

METHODS

This is a narrative review exploring the topic of sex and racial and/or ethnic disparities in rate and rhythm management of AF. We describe basic terminology, summarize AF epidemiology, discuss diversity in clinical research, and review landmark clinical trials.

RESULTS

Despite having higher rates of traditional AF risk factors, Black and Hispanic adults have lower risk of AF than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients, although those with AF experience more severe symptoms and report lower quality-of-life scores than NHW patients with AF. NHW patients receive antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversions, and invasive therapies more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Women have lower rates of AF than men, but experience more severe symptoms, heart failure, stroke, and death after AF diagnosis. Women and people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are inadequately represented in AF trials; prevalence findings may be a result of underdetection.

CONCLUSION

Race, ethnicity, and gender are social determinants of health that may impact the prevalence, evolution, and management of AF. This impact reflects differences in biology as well as disparities in treatment and representation in clinical trials.

Symptom Severity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Findings from the Observational ARENA Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), high symptom severity, and poor cardiovascular outcomes. Both clinical and psychological factors may contribute to symptom severity and HRQoL in AF. Methods: Using data from the observational Atrial Fibrillation Rhine-Neckar Region (ARENA) trial, we identified medical and psychosocial factors associated with AF-related symptom severity using European Heart Rhythm Association symptom classification and HRQoL using 5-level EuroQoL- 5D. Results: In 1218 AF patients (mean age 71.1 ± 10.5 years, 34.5% female), female sex (OR 3.7, p < 0.001), preexisting coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR 1.7, p = 0.020), a history of cardioversion (OR 1.4, p = 0.041), cardiac anxiety (OR 1.2; p < 0.001), stress from noise (OR 1.4, p = 0.005), work-related stress (OR 1.3, p = 0.026), and sleep disturbance (OR 1.2, p = 0.016) were associated with higher AF-related symptom severity. CAD (β = −0.23, p = 0.001), diabetes mellitus (β = −0.25, p < 0.001), generalized anxiety (β = −0.30, p < 0.001), cardiac anxiety (β = −0.16, p < 0.001), financial stress (β = −0.11, p < 0.001), and sleep disturbance (β = 0.11, p < 0.001) were associated with impaired HRQoL. Conclusions: Psychological characteristics, preexisting CAD, and diabetes may play an important role in the identification of individuals at highest risk for impaired HRQoL and high symptom severity in patients with AF.

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and atrial fibrillation hospitalization: A time-series study in Yancheng, China

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cardiovascular disease that causes a great burden of disease. However, there is limited evidence of a link between air pollution exposure and AF. This study aimed to explore the short-term association between air pollution and AF. We obtained daily hospitalization of AF in two major hospitals of Yancheng, China from May, 2015 to May, 2020. Generalized additive models with quasi-Poisson regression were used to assess the associations between six criteria air pollutants and AF hospitalization. We explored the lag patterns, and visualized the concentration-response relationships. The robustness of the association was tested by two-pollutant model, and we explored potential effect modification by age, sex and season. A total of 15,171 inpatients from two hospitals were collected in this study with an average daily count of eight patients. We observed consistent and significant associations between six air pollutants and AF on lag 0-4 days. A 10 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with 2.81% (95%CI: 1.44%, 4.20%) changes in AF, and the effect estimate was 1.67% (95%CI: 0.77%, 2.59%) for PM10, 4.90% (95%CI: 1.69%, 8.22%) for NO2, 6.81% (95%CI: 0.46%, 13.57%) for SO2, 1.82% (95%CI: 0.60%, 3.06%) for O3; a 0.1 mg/m3 increase in CO was associated with 2.55% (95%CI: 0.91%, 4.21%) increments in AF. Associations of PM2.5 and PM10 were robust after adjusting for SO2, NO2, CO, and O3, but not vice versa. Female patients and those aged less 70 years had larger risk of AF associated with air pollution exposure. The concentration-response curves of the six pollutants were almost linear and increasing with no obvious thresholds. This time-series study in Yancheng demonstrated increased risk of AF and a delayed effect over lag 0-4 days. Our findings suggested need of prevention and protection against these environmental risk factors for AF in health departments.

Baseline and Postprocedural Health Status Outcomes in Contemporary Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Underwent Catheter Ablation: A Report from the Japanese Outpatient Registry

Background

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation improves health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). In daily practice, however, CA is performed on a wide range of patients, and outcomes may vary. We aimed to examine baseline and 1‐year HRQoL outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation after CA in daily practice.

Methods and Results

Using a registry‐based cohort study designed to recruit patients with atrial fibrillation newly referred to 11 hospitals, we extracted data from 1097 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent CA between 2012 and 2019. The Atrial Fibrillation Effects on Quality of Life Overall Summary (AFEQT‐OS) was assessed at registration and 1 year after, and a 5‐point increase in AFEQT‐OS score was considered a meaningful improvement. Overall, the median age was 64 (interquartile range, 56–70) years, 836 (76.2%) were men, and 93.0% (n=1021) of the patients answered the AFEQT questionnaire. The mean AFEQT‐OS score was 74.9 (SD, 18.0) at registration and 88.8 (SD, 12.6) at 1 year after. Notably, the incidence of meaningful improvement in HRQoL after CA was 88.6% for the patients with impaired HRQoL (AFEQT‐OS score <80), which was only 40.1% in those with preserved HRQoL (AFEQT‐OS score ≥80). Female sex, left atrium diameter, and high baseline HRQoL were independently associated with nonimprovement after CA.

Conclusions

The improvement in HRQoL after CA was similar to that seen in clinical trials; however, one‐third of patients did not show improvement. These results underscore the importance of quantitative evaluation of patients’ HRQoL to maximize the effect of CA before its performance.

Clinically Meaningful Change in Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Older Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Among older patients with atrial fibrillation, there are limited data examining clinically meaningful changes in quality of life (QoL). We examined the extent of, and factors associated with, clinically meaningful change in QoL over 1‐year among older adults with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

Patients from cardiology, electrophysiology, and primary care clinics in Massachusetts and Georgia were enrolled in a cohort study (2015–2018). The Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire was used to assess overall QoL and across 3 subscales: symptoms, daily activities, and treatment concern. Clinically meaningful change in QoL (ie, difference between 1‐year and baseline QoL score) was categorized as either a decline (≤−5.0 points), no clinically meaningful change (−5.0 to +5.0 points), or an increase (≥+5.0 points). Ordinal logistic models were used to examine factors associated with QoL changes. Participants (n=1097) were on average 75 years old, 48% were women, and 87% White. Approximately 40% experienced a clinically meaningful increase in QoL and 1 in every 5 patients experienced a decline in QoL. After multivariable adjustment, women, non‐Whites, those who reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, fair/poor self‐rated health, low social support, heart failure, or diabetes mellitus experienced clinically meaningful declines in QoL.

Conclusions

These findings provide insights to the magnitude of, and factors associated with, clinically meaningful change in QoL among older patients with atrial fibrillation. Assessment of comorbidities and psychosocial factors may help identify patients at high risk for declining QoL and those who require additional surveillance to maximize important clinical and patient‐centered outcomes.

Short-term associations between ambient air pollution and acute atrial fibrillation episodes

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF), prevalent in approximately 1-3% of the population, is associated with a higher risk of stroke, dementia, mortality, and a reduced quality of life. Air pollution may be associated with heart rhythm disturbances, but there is limited evidence regarding whether short-term changes in air pollution levels are associated with acute onset of AF episodes.

METHODS

We screened 8,899 randomly selected 75-yearolds living in Stockholm without previously known AF for AF using home-based short-term ambulatory 1-lead ECG-measurements 2-4 times a day for 14 days. Screenings were carried out in 2012-2013 and 2016-2018. We used generalized estimating equations to quantify the association between PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂ and O₃ obtained from a fixed monitoring station and risk of AF onset among participants with AF observed during the screening period, adjusting for temperature, relative humidity and temporal factors. We explored potential susceptible subgroups.

RESULTS

Among 218 participants with 469 AF episodes we observed higher odds of AF following higher 24-hour mean levels of PM₁₀ and O₃, reaching statistical significance for PM₁₀ levels averaged over the previous 12-24-hours [OR 1.10 (95%CI 1.01-1.19) per IQR of PM₁₀ (7.8 µg/m³)]. In subgroup analyses, PM_2.5 was more strongly associated with AF among participants with hypertension and PM₁₀ and O₃ were more strongly associated with AF among participants with diabetes and overweight.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that in an urban setting with relatively low levels of ambient air pollution, hourly changes in pollutant levels may increase the risk of acute episodes of both asymptomatic and symptomatic AF, especially among people with diabetes, hypertension or overweight.

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly: a risk factor beyond stroke

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common arrhythmia worldwide and its prevalence exponentially increases with age. It is related to increased risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, which determines a significant burden of morbidity and mortality, as widely documented in the literature. AF also constitutes a risk factor for other less investigated conditions, such as heart failure, pulmonary embolism, impairment in physical performance, reduced quality of life, development of disability, mood disorders and cognitive impairment up to dementia. In the elderly population, the management of AF and its complications is particularly complex due to the heterogeneity of the ageing process, the lack of specific evidence-based recommendations, as well as the high grade of comorbidity and disability characterizing the over 65 years aged people. In the present review, we aim to summarize the pieces of the most updated evidence on AF complications beyond stoke, mainly focusing on the elderly population.

Sex Differences in Quality of Life in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review

Background The goal of this literature review was to assess sex differences in the quality of life (QoL) in patients with atrial fibrillation ( AF ) and, if possible, to determine if these are due to AF . Methods and Results The electronic database PubMed was searched on January 23, 2018, using the search terms "QoL", gender differences, " AF " female, and gender to find potential articles that assessed sex differences in QoL in AF patients. In all, 851 articles were identified, from which 25 original studies were eligible for this systematic review. Female AF patients were found to have poorer QoL and more symptoms than male AF patients. They scored lower, predominantly on the physical component score of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Conclusions The available literature consistently describes poorer QoL in female AF patients but does not clearly address whether this is a reflection of sex differences seen in the general population or is related to AF per se. It is also questionable whether the relatively poorer QoL in women is large enough to be of clinical importance.

Sex Differences in Presentation, Quality of Life, and Treatment in Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Insights from the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study

<strong>BACKGROUND</strong> There is a growing recognition of sex-related disparities in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, limited data is available in Chinese AF patients. <strong>MATERIAL AND METHODS</strong> We compared symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and treatment of AF according to sex from the China AF Registry study. <strong>RESULTS</strong> We studied 14 723 patients with non-valvular AF, of whom 5645 patients (38.3%) were female. Women were older than men (67.5±10.6 vs. 62.2±12.2). Compared to men, women had more comorbidities and a higher proportion of CHA₂DS₂-VASC score ≥2. Women with AF experienced more severe or disabling symptoms than men (33.7% vs. 22.9% in age <75 group; 40.3% vs. 28.7% in age ≥75 group; both P<0.0001). After multivariate analysis, women with AF still had lower QoL (OR 0.69; 95%CI, 0.63-0.76; P<0.0001). Women tended to have lower rates of ablation and rhythm-control drug use in those aged <75 years. Oral anticoagulant use was low and had no sex difference in AF patients with a CHA₂DS₂-VASC score ≥2. <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong> In Chinese AF patients, women were older and more symptomatic, and had worse QoL. Despite all these differences, women tended to receive less rhythm-control treatment in those aged <75 years. Oral anticoagulant was substantially underused in high stroke risk patients, regardless of sex.

Gender and age differences in symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation referred for catheter ablation

BACKGROUND

Primary indication for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is to reduce symptoms and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There are data showing differences between the genders and between younger and older patients. To evaluate this, we studied a large Scandinavian cohort of patients referred for catheter ablation of AF.

METHODS

Consecutive patients filled out the ASTA questionnaire, assessing symptoms, HRQoL, and perception of arrhythmia, prior to ablation. Patients were recruited from four Swedish and one Danish tertiary center.

RESULTS

A total of 2493 patients (72% men) filled out the ASTA questionnaire. Women experienced eight of the nine ASTA scale symptoms more often than men. Patients <65 years reported four symptoms more often, only tiredness was more frequent in those ≥65 years (P = .007). Women and patients <65 years experienced more often palpitations and regarding close to fainting and this was more common among women, no age differences were seen. Women and men scored differently in 10 of the 13 HRQoL items. Only negative impact on sexual life was more common in men (P < .001). Older patients reported more negative influence in four of the HRQoL items and the younger in one; ability to concentrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Women experienced a more pronounced symptom burden and were more negatively affected in all HRQoL concerns, except for the negative impact on sexual life, where men reported more influence of AF. Differences between age groups were less pronounced. Disease-specific patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) add important information where gender differences should be considered in the care.

Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The scope and impact of atrial fibrillation are wide; it can affect cardiac function, functional status, and quality of life, and it confers a stroke risk. There are sex differences in atrial fibrillation across the scope of the disease process, from epidemiology and causative mechanisms to management and outcomes. The approach to management of atrial fibrillation differs between women and men, and there are sex differences in response to medical therapy and catheter ablation. There are many gaps in our knowledge of the gender differences in atrial fibrillation, and many opportunities for future research.

Management of asymptomatic arrhythmias: a European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document, endorsed by the Heart Failure Association (HFA), Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of Southern Africa (CASSA), and Latin America Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)

Asymptomatic arrhythmias are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although studies specifically dedicated to these asymptomatic arrhythmias are lacking, many arrhythmias still require proper diagnostic and prognostic evaluation and treatment to avoid severe consequences, such as stroke or systemic emboli, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. The present document reviews the evidence, where available, and attempts to reach a consensus, where evidence is insufficient or conflicting.

Assessment of Sex Differences in the Initial Symptom Burden, Applied Treatment Strategy, and Quality of Life in Japanese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

IMPORTANCE

The clinical characteristics and outcomes of women and men with atrial fibrillation (AF) are reported to be different. However, whether sex-related differences extend to patients' symptom burden and perceived quality of life (QOL) or the management pattern of AF has been rarely studied, particularly in Asian countries.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the differences in symptoms, treatment, and QOL between Japanese female and male patients with AF.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study using data from the multicenter outpatient registry Keio Interhospital Cardiovascular Studies-Atrial Fibrillation (KiCS-AF), which collects information regarding health status and the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed or referred AF. One-year follow-up data were available for 1534 patients at 11 referral centers in the Tokyo, Japan, area who were enrolled between September 2012 and December 2015. All data available up to the 1-year follow-up examination through July 31, 2017, were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Sex, symptoms, AF treatment, and QOL as determined by Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) questionnaires at their initial visit and 1 year later.

RESULTS

Of 1534 patients, 1076 (70.1%) were men. Compared with men, women were more likely to be older (median age, 73 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 65-78 years] vs 65 years [IQR, 57-73 years], P < .001) and have higher median brain-type natriuretic peptide levels (102.8 pg/mL [IQR, 47.3-235.5 pg/mL] vs 74.1 pg/mL [IQR, 28.5-150.5 pg/mL], P < .001). Women also had lower median AFEQT overall summary scores than men (75 [IQR, 61-85] vs 80 [IQR, 69-90]; P < .001) but similar treatment satisfaction at baseline. During follow-up, women were less likely to be treated with a rhythm control strategy (48.1% [n = 214] vs 58.0% [n = 621], P < .001), including catheter ablation of AF (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.62-0.95]; P = .02). At 1-year follow-up, women and men had improved QOL scores, regardless of their baseline characteristics (eg, age or brain-type natriuretic peptide levels) or treatment strategies, yet the sex gap persisted and grew (adjusted change in AFEQT overall summary score during 12 months, 5.89 [95% CI, 2.24-9.54] in women vs 8.94 [95% CI, 5.59-12.30] in men; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In contemporary Japanese clinical practice among unselected patients with AF, women were initially seen with greater QOL impairment, and the sex gap grew 1 year after presentation. The present study underscores the need for focused efforts to better understand and close this observed sex gap over the initial year of treatment for patients with AF.

Atrial fibrillation symptom clusters and associated clinical characteristics and outcomes: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis

BACKGROUND

Symptom clusters among adults with atrial fibrillation have previously been identified but no study has examined the relationship between symptom clusters and outcomes.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to identify atrial fibrillation-specific symptom clusters, characterize individuals with each cluster, and determine whether symptom cluster membership is associated with healthcare utilization.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of 1501 adults from the Vanderbilt Atrial Fibrillation Registry with verified atrial fibrillation. Self-reported symptoms were measured with the University of Toronto Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale. We used hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward's method) to identify clusters and dendrograms, pseudo F, and pseudo T-squared to determine the ideal number of clusters. Next, we used regression analysis to examine the association between cluster membership and healthcare utilization.

RESULTS

Males predominated (67%) and the average age was 58.4 years. Two symptom clusters were identified, a Weary cluster (3.7%, n=56, fatigue at rest, shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, and dizziness) and an Exertional cluster (32.7%, n=491, shortness of breath with activity and exercise intolerance). Several sociodemographic and clinical characteristics varied by symptom cluster group membership, including age, gender, atrial fibrillation type, body mass index, comorbidity status, and treatment strategy. Women were more likely to experience either cluster ( p<0.001). The Weary cluster was associated with nearly triple the rate of emergency department utilization (incident rate ratio [IRR] 2.8, p<0.001) and twice the rate of hospitalizations (IRR 1.9, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

We identified two symptom clusters. The Weary cluster was associated with a significantly increased rate of healthcare utilization.

Atrial fibrillation symptom profiles associated with healthcare utilization: A latent class regression analysis

BACKGROUND

Symptoms drive healthcare use among adults with atrial fibrillation, but limited data are available regarding which symptoms are most problematic and which patients are most at-risk. The purpose of this study was to: (1) identify clusters of patients with similar symptom profiles, (2) characterize the individuals within each cluster, and (3) determine whether specific symptom profiles are associated with healthcare utilization.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of 1,501 adults from the Vanderbilt Atrial Fibrillation Registry. Participants were recruited from Vanderbilt cardiology clinics, emergency department, and in-patient services. Subjects included in our analysis had clinically verified atrial fibrillation and a completed symptom survey. Symptom and healthcare utilization data were collected with the University of Toronto Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale. Latent class regression analysis was used to identify symptom clusters, with clinical and demographic variables included as covariates. We used Poisson regression to examine the association between latent class membership and healthcare utilization.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly male (67%) with a mean age of 58.4 years (±11.9). Four latent classes were evident, including an Asymptomatic cluster (N = 487, 38%), Highly Symptomatic cluster (N = 142, 11%), With Activity cluster (N = 326, 25%), and Mild Diffuse cluster (N = 336, 26%). Highly Symptomatic membership was associated with the greatest rate of emergency department visits and hospitalizations (incident rate ratio 2.4, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically meaningful atrial fibrillation symptom profiles were identified that were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Symptom Clusters in Adults With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Symptom clusters have not previously been explored among individuals with atrial fibrillation of any type.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the number of symptom clusters present among adults with chronic atrial fibrillation and to explore sociodemographic and clinical factors potentially associated with cluster membership.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of 335 Australian community-dwelling adults with chronic (recurrent paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent) atrial fibrillation. We used self-reported symptoms and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis to determine the number and content of symptom clusters present.

RESULTS

There were slightly more male (52%) than female participants, with a mean (SD) age of 72 (11.25) years. Three symptom clusters were evident, including a vagal cluster (nausea and diaphoresis), a tired cluster (fatigue/lethargy, weakness, syncope/dizziness, and dyspnea/breathlessness), and a heart cluster (chest pain/discomfort and palpitations/fluttering). We compared patient characteristics among those with all the symptoms in the cluster, those with some of the symptoms in the cluster, and those with none of the symptoms in the cluster. The only statistically significant differences were in age, gender, and the use of antiarrhythmic medications for the heart cluster. Women were more likely to have the heart symptom cluster than men were. Individuals with all of the symptoms in the heart cluster were younger (69.6 vs 73.7 years; P = .029) than those with none of the symptoms in the heart cluster and were more likely to be on antiarrhythmic medications.

CONCLUSION

Three unique atrial fibrillation symptom clusters were identified in this study population.

Atrial fibrillation and its complications in arterial hypertension: The potential preventive role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia in the general population with a prevalence that reaches one third of patients with arterial hypertension. Several risk factors frequently associated with hypertension predispose the myocardium to AF by inducing atrial inflammation and fibrosis and altering atrial electrical and mechanical characteristics. AF influences the quality of life of hypertensive patients since it increases incidence of stroke and other thromboembolic events, and mortality. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-3 family (ω-3 PUFA) have been demonstrated to be beneficial in cardiovascular disease prevention by reducing plasma lipids and blood pressure levels and decreasing the risk of sudden death. These fatty acids can act as potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic agents. Many studies have investigated a possible preventive effect of ω-3 PUFA on incident AF reporting contradictory results. This article overviews the evidence currently available on this important topic and provides some conclusive remarks on the possibility that these fatty acids could be beneficial in hypertensive patients.

Gender-related Difference in Clinical Outcome of the Patient with Atrial Fibrillation after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Background and Objectives

Previous studies provided controversial result about gender differences in the clinical outcome after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). We assessed pure difference after adjustment of referral bias.

Methods

The clinical outcomes including freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence after RFCA were compared between women and men in 1:1 confounding factor matching with age, AF type, periods since diagnosis (±12 months), and procedure era (±12 months). Subgroup analysis was performed in categories defined by AF type and age of 55 (mean menopausal age of Asian women).

Results

Total 1,875 patients with AF underwent 2,307 RFCA between January 1998 and May 2014 in a single center. Total 367 women (19.6%, 59±10 years) who had undergone first ablation were included. Women had larger left atrial diameter index (26±4 vs. 23±4 mm/m²; p<0.001) and higher peri-procedural complications (9.2% vs. 4.9%; p=0.030) compared to men. The freedom from AF/AT recurrence after RFCA was not different between both groups (71% vs. 76%; log-rank p=0.131, mean follow-up of 55 months). Women with non-paroxysmal AF (PAF) had significantly worse outcome (54% vs. 69%; p=0.014), especially in subgroup with age ≤55 (48% vs. 71%; p=0.010). In multivariate analysis, female gender was an independent predictor of recurrence in subgroup with non-PAF and age ≤55 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.539; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.112–5.801; p=0.027).

Conclusions

The clinical outcome after RFCA was not different between both genders regardless of referral bias. However, the gender difference became evident in patients under 55 years with non-PAF.

Symptoms, acceptance of illness and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation

Introduction:

Acceptance of illness plays a key role, allowing the patient to adapt to the disease and its treatment, and to maintain their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) despite chronic conditions.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between severity of arrhythmia symptoms, acceptance of illness and HRQOL in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods:

The study included 99 patients (mean age 64.6) treated for atrial fibrillation. Three standardized instruments were used: the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire, the Arrhythmia-Specific Questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA) and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS).

Results:

Patients with high illness acceptance levels obtained better results in all WHOQoL-BREF domains: physical (57.0±8.9 vs. 51.1±12.5 vs. 42.0±6.2; p<0.001), social (62.6±19.8 vs. 52.5±20.0 vs. 45.7±16.0; p=0.019) and environmental (62.9±12.7 vs. 52.7±7.6 vs. 60.7±3.6; p<0.001), and in the ASTA HRQOL scale (10.5±5.4 vs. 16.1±7.6 vs. 20.3±0.5; p<0.001). Multiple-factor analysis showed AIS to be a statistically significant independent determinant of HRQOL in the physical domain of the WHOQoL (β=0.242) and in the overall HRQOL assessment in the ASTA HRQOL scale (β= −0.362). Other statistically significant independent predictors included: the negative impact of female sex on the physical (β= −0.291) and social (β= −0.284) domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, and the positive impact of urban residence on the physical WHOQOL-BREF domain and on symptom intensity in the ASTA symptom scale.

Conclusions:

Acceptance of illness is an important factor which has been shown to impact on HRQOL in atrial fibrillation. Female sex is a predictor of worse HRQOL, while urban residence improves HRQOL in the physical domain and decreases symptom intensity (ASTA symptom scale).

Comparison of health-related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with catheter ablation or antiarrhythmic drug therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia and causes patients considerable burden; symptoms such as palpitations and dyspnoea are common, leading to frequent emergency room visits. Patients with AF report reduced health-related quality of life (HQOL) compared with the general population; thus, treatments focus on the restoration of sinus rhythm to improve symptoms. Catheter ablation (CA) is a primary treatment strategy to treat AF-related burden in select patient populations; however, repeat procedures are often needed, there is a risk of major complications and the procedure is quite costly in comparison to medical therapy. As the outcomes after CA are mixed, an updated review that synthesises the available literature, on outcomes that matter to patients, is needed so that patients and their healthcare providers can make quality treatment decisions. The purpose of this review protocol is to extend previous findings by systematically analysing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of CA in patients with AF and using meta-analytic techniques to identify the benefits and risks of CA with respect to HQOL and AF-related symptoms.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will include all RCTs that compare CA with antiarrhythmic drugs, or radiofrequency CA with cryoballoon CA, in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. To locate studies we will perform comprehensive electronic database searches from database inception to 4 April 2017, with no language restrictions. We will conduct a quantitative synthesis of the effect of CA on HQOL as well as AF-related symptoms and the number of CA procedures needed for success, using meta-analytic techniques.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethical issues are foreseen and ethical approval is not required given that this is a protocol. The findings of the study will be reported at national and international conferences, and in a peer-reviewed journal using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

In accordance with the guidelines, our systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 6 March 2017 and was last updated on 6 March 2017 (registration number CRD42017057427).

PROTOCOL AMENDMENTS

Any protocol amendments will be documented on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and in the final manuscript and indicated as such.

Should We Perform Catheter Ablation for Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation?

Since the original description of atrial fibrillation ablation, numerous studies have demonstrated the superiority of catheter ablation over pharmacological therapy for maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. However, to date, no randomized studies have been powered to demonstrate a mortality or stroke reduction benefit of rhythm control with catheter ablation over a rate control strategy. The results of such ongoing studies are not expected until 2018 or 2019. Thus, the only indication for atrial fibrillation ablation in recent guidelines has been the presence of symptoms. However, up to 40% of an atrial fibrillation population may be asymptomatic. In 2017, in the absence of randomized studies, are there nevertheless data that support atrial fibrillation ablation in asymptomatic patients?

Sex differences in health status and rehabilitation outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with ablation: Results from the CopenHeartRFA trial

Background:

Increased physical capacity after comprehensive rehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing ablation has been found in the CopenHeartRFA trial. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (a) sex differences in health status, psychological distress and quality of life, (b) sex differences in rehabilitation outcomes and (c) predictors of effect of rehabilitation.

Methods:

We conducted an exploratory analysis of data from the randomized CopenHeartRFA trial, where patients treated with ablation were randomized with 1:1 to comprehensive rehabilitation consisting of a physical exercise program and psycho-educational consultations versus usual care. Sex disparities in health status were tested using Chi-square and t-tests.

Results:

Included were: 151 men (median age 59.25 years) and 59 women (median age 62.5 years). At hospital discharge, women reported lower physical health status compared with men. Among women, significant differences were found in the 6-min walk test [rehabilitation: 496.8 meters (SD 98.5) versus 559.3meters (SD 55.5) and usual care: 521.9 meters (SD 97.8) versus 530.9 meters (SD 102.2), p = 0.01] and exercise time [rehabilitation: 387.6 s (SD 126.0) versus 463.2 s (SD 121.8) and usual care: 353.4 s (SD 145.2) versus 355.8 s (SD 154.8), p < 0.004] and among men in the sit-to-stand test. Significant differences were found in mental health outcomes among men and in quality of life scores among women. Patients with a European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) score I-II had a positive effect of rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that sex differences exist in self-reported health after rehabilitation in patients ablated for AF. Patients with an I–II EHRA score seem more likely to gain from the rehabilitation programme compared with those with a III–IV score.

Factors Predicting Arrhythmia-Related Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Referred for Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Observational Study (the SMURF Study)

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to correlate the arrhythmia-related symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are eligible for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a number of objective indicators.

BACKGROUND

Although the clinical consequences of AF have been studied extensively, the variation in the symptoms of patients with AF and HRQoL remains under-researched.

METHODS

We studied 192 patients eligible for RFA of AF referred to the University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden, between January 2012 and April 2014. The ASTA (Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia) symptom scale was used to assess arrhythmia-related symptoms in the patients. The ASTA HRQoL scale and the short-form 36 (SF-36) physical and mental components summaries (PCS and MCS) were used to express disease-specific and overall HRQoL of the patients, respectively.

RESULTS

Anxiety, low-grade inflammation, and left atrial dilatation significantly predicted arrhythmia-related symptoms (R² = 0.313; p < 0.001). Depression was the most important predictor of arrhythmia-specific HRQoL (standardized beta: 0 .406), and the produced model explained a significant proportion of the variation in arrhythmia-specific HRQoL (R² = 0.513; p < 0.001). The most important predictor of PCS was obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m²) (standardized beta: -0.301), whereas the most important predictor of MCS was anxiety (standardized beta: -0.437).

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety, depression, and low-grade inflammation were the factors that predicted both arrhythmia-related symptoms and HRQoL in patients with AF. Obesity was the most significant predictor of patient general physical status. These factors need to be addressed in patients with AF to improve management of their disease. Intensive risk factor modification can be of great importance. (Reasons for Variations in Health Related Quality of Life and Symptom Burden in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation [SMURF]; NCT01553045).

Different Impacts of Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiac Premature Contractions on the Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly People: The Yilan Study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently recognized as one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias worldwide, with the increasing prevalence that has been estimated to be as high as 9% among the elderly. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important patient-centered health outcome measurement, but the impacts created by AF and other arrhythmias with similar symptoms, such as frequent atrial and ventricular premature contractions (APCs and VPCs, defined as ≥ 3 beats/5 minutes), have not been extensively evaluated. The Yilan Study is a population-based community health survey, which in part aims to evaluate the prevalence and impacts of these arrhythmias on the HRQoL in a community dwelling elderly population. A total of 1,732 citizens from the Yilan, Taiwan, aged 65 years or older (45.8% male) were enrolled and visited at their homes, where HRQoL was measured utilizing the Short Form-12 Health Survey. Each participant's heart rhythm was recorded with an electrocardiographic monitor for 5 minutes. The results disclosed that the prevalence of AF of this aged population was 5.8%, similar to the mean global prevalence. Besides, the prevalence of frequent APCs and frequent VPCs in these elderly people were 7.1% and 5.5%, respectively. After multiple regression analysis, elderly people with AF had lower scores in the physical component of HRQoL, while those elderly people with frequent VPCs had lower scores in the mental component. Ultimately, these findings can provide additional useful and population-specific information about AF, and assist medical professionals in designing more effective strategies for cardiac arrhythmia treatments.

Symptoms In Atrial Fibrillation: A Contemporary Review And Future Directions

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia leading to hospital admissions in the United States. The majority of patients with AF report symptoms associated with this condition that can lead to a decrease in health related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional status. Therefore, along with reducing the risk of stroke and mortality, improvements in such symptoms are important therapeutic goals in the management of patients with AF. Our current understanding of how AF and symptoms are linked is hampered by the dominant assessment paradigm, where symptoms thought to be associated with AF are measured at a single point in time (frequently at a clinic visit). Unfortunately, this "static" snapshot does not capture the variability of symptoms and heart rhythm within a person over time and does not shed light on how symptoms are related to heart rhythm. This focused review summarizes current methods for assessing symptoms including generic and AF-specific HRQOL and functional status tools. It also describes gaps in the current assessment paradigm and where future research using mobile applications and digital technology might be able to assist with patient care.

The Burden of Atrial Fibrillation: Should We Abandon Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, exacting a substantial toll in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Until recently, the prevailing philosophy has been that restoration and maintenance of normal sinus rhythm, as opposed to control of ventricular response rate, was the optimal approach to treatment of AF. A series of landmark trials (AFFIRM, RACE, STAF, and PIAF) have called this strategy into question, suggesting outcomes are equivalent with both approaches. These data do not mean that rhythm control is not beneficial, but highlight the limitations of current therapies to achieve and maintain sinus rhythm. Limitations of the rhythm-control strategy may be related to our difficulty in accurately documenting symptomatic benefit from this approach, the lack of efficacy and excessive adverse-effect burden associated with currently available antiarrhythmic agents, and selection biases in the enrollment of patients in clinical trials of rhythm control versus rate control, making the trials incompletely representative of the population eligible for therapy. New pharmacologic agents under development feature increased atrial selectivity or multi-channel-blocking properties (or both). As a result, these compounds may be more effective in prolonging atrial refractoriness and may also have reduced proarrhythmic potential. It is premature to abandon the concept of rhythm control in AF until we have trials designed to include younger and highly symptomatic patients, more sensitive tools to measure symptomatic improvement, and safer, more effective antiarrhythmic agents.

Atrial fibrillation in women: epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and prognosis

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in women and men worldwide. During the past century, a range of risk factors has been associated with AF, severe complications from the arrhythmia have been identified, and its prevalence has been increasing steadily. Whereas evidence has accumulated regarding sex-specific differences in coronary heart disease and stroke, the differences between women and men with AF has received less attention. We review the current literature on sex-specific differences in the epidemiology of AF, including incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and genetics, and in the pathophysiology and the clinical presentation and prognosis of patients with this arrhythmia. We highlight current knowledge gaps and areas that warrant future research, which might advance understanding of variation in the risk factors and complications of AF, and ultimately aid more-tailored management of the arrhythmia.

Gender Differences of Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically relevant arrhythmia and increases the risk of thromboembolism and stroke; however, these risks are not the same for women and men. This review examines the evidence and clinical significance of increased thromboembolic risk in women with AF. The balance of results from over 30 recent studies suggests that female gender is an independent stroke risk factor in AF, and the inclusion of female gender in stroke risk stratification models, such as CHA2DS2-VASc, has improved risk assessment. Reasons for the increased thrombogenicity in women remain incompletely elucidated, but biological factors including increased hypertension, renal dysfunction, and hyperthyroidism in female patients with AF; cardiovascular remodeling; increased hypercoagulability, and estrogen hormone replacement therapy in women have been proposed. More importantly, gender differences exist in medical management of patients with AF, and compared with men, women have been found to have greater thromboembolic risk when not on anticoagulants, but may benefit from greater risk reduction when systemically anticoagulated. In conclusion, increased clinician awareness of these gender differences may help to improve the management of patients with AF.

Diagnostic Evaluation and Follow-Up of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

In this article, a review of the diagnostic evaluation and outpatient follow-up of patients with atrial fibrillation is presented. After exploring details of symptoms, past medical history, quality of life, and physical exam findings, diagnostic tools are then discussed. Furthermore, important considerations after the initial diagnosis and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation are discussed.

Symptom burden, Metabolic profile, Ultrasound findings, Rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial Fibrillation (SMURF): a protocol for an observational study with a randomised interventional component

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence of 1.5-2%. It is an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke and is estimated to cause about 20-25% of all stroke cases. AF has a great impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL); however, one unresolved issue related to AF is the wide variation in its symptoms.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The symptom burden, metabolic profile, ultrasound findings, rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and HRQoL in patients with AF (Symptom burden, Metabolic profile, Ultrasound findings, Rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial Fibrillation, SMURF) study is a prospective observational, cohort study, with a randomised interventional part. The aim of the study is to investigate, in patients with AF, the relationship between symptom burden and metabolic aspects, atrial function and different neurohormones, and the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The interventional part of the study will give an insight into the neurohormonal and intracardiac pressure changes directly after initiation of AF. Consecutive patients with symptomatic AF accepted for treatment with RFA for the first time at Linköping University Hospital are eligible for participation. The enrolment started in January 2012, and a total of 200 patients are to be included into the study, with 45 of them being enrolled into the interventional study with initiation of AF. The sample size of the interventional study is based on a small pilot study with 5 patients induced to AF while 2 served as controls. The results indicated that, in order to find a statistically significant difference, there was a need to include 28 patients; for safety reasons, 45 patients will be included.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The SMURF study is approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping, Sweden. The results will be presented through peer-review journals and conference presentation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01553045; Pre-results.

Gender differences in outcomes after surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Gender disparities have been established in patients who have atrial fibrillation (AF), and in their outcomes after medical treatment for AF. This study evaluated differences in outcome by gender in patients who underwent surgical treatment for AF.

METHODS

From April 2004 to December 2012, a total of 936 patients had surgical treatment for AF. Outcomes were analyzed by gender using propensity score-matching methods.

RESULTS

Of the 936 subjects, 571 (61%) were men; women were older (aged 68.6 ± 11.3 vs 66.9 ± 11.9 years; P = .033), had more heart failure (44% vs 37%; P = .024), more mitral valve surgery (72% vs 50%; P < .001) and more tricuspid valve surgery (41% vs 18%; P < .001). Men underwent more coronary artery bypass surgery (37% vs 19%; P < .001) and aortic valve surgery (38% vs 31%; P = .029). Women had higher late stroke rate per 10 person-years (0.15 vs 0.07; P = .035), fewer catheter ablations (6.0% vs 9.8%; P = .017), and a trend toward fewer cardioversions for recurrent AF (15.7% vs 19.2%; P = .20). After propensity-score matching, late stroke rates per 10 person-years trended higher in women (0.12 vs 0.04; P = .13). No significant gender differences were found in overall survival (5-year survival: 78.8% in men, and 81.0% in women; P = .40) or freedom from AF without antiarrhythmic drugs at last follow-up (71.8% in men vs 73.6% in women, P = .59).

CONCLUSIONS

Women sought surgery treatment at older ages and with more heart failure. No gender-based differences were found in stroke, overall survival, or procedure success, after propensity-score matching.

There Are Sex Differences in the Demographics and Risk Profiles of Emergency Department (ED) Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter, but no Apparent Differences in ED Management or Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

In non-emergency department (ED) settings, women with atrial fibrillation and flutter (AFF) have different presentations, treatments, and outcomes than men: they are older, less likely to be treated with rhythm control strategies or appropriate anticoagulation, and more likely to have strokes. This has not been investigated in ED patients.

METHODS

Records from consecutive ED patients from January 1 to December 31, 2009, with electrocardiogram-proven AFF at two urban hospitals were collected. Review of administrative and clinical data identified patient demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and ED treatments. The regional ED database was queried to determine 30-day and 1-year follow-up visits, and the provincial vital statistics database was referenced to obtain 30-day and 1-year mortality; all outcomes were stratified by sex. The primary outcome, which reflected overall appropriateness of ED care, was the proportion of patients who were discharged home at their index ED visits, who then had unscheduled 30-day ED revisits. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of eligible patients who underwent acute rhythm control strategies and the proportion of high-risk patients who had previously inadequately anticoagulation strategies corrected by the emergency physician. Additional outcomes included the ED length of stay (LOS) and 30-day and 1-year rates of stroke and death.

RESULTS

A total of 1,112 records were reviewed: 470 women (42.3%) and 642 men. Women were a median 8 years (interquartile range = 3 to 13 years) older than men, had higher rates of cardiovascular comorbidities, and were more likely to present with atypical symptoms such as weakness or dyspnea. On their index ED visits, 50.2% of women and 41.3% of men were admitted. At 30 days, 39 of 234 (16.7%) women and 55 of 377 (14.6%) men who were discharged at their index ED visits had made revisits, for a risk difference of 2.1% (95% confidence interval = -3.9% to 8.5%). There were no apparent sex differences in the use of acute rhythm control or in the appropriateness of anticoagulation decisions. ED LOS was similar between women and men, as were 30-day and 1-year stroke or death rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Female ED AFF patients were older, had more comorbidities, and were more likely to be admitted. However, the overall management and outcomes, including 30-day revisits, appeared to be similar to that of males, indicating that there appeared to be little sex-based discrepancy in ED care and outcomes.

Impaired quality of life in patients with intermittent atrial fibrillation

Objective:

The quality of life (QoL) is impaired in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the data on the perceived QoL of patients with different types of AF is limited. In this study, we investigated the QoL of patients with intermittent and chronic AF.

Methods:

The study was designed as an observational cross-sectional study, and 135 consecutive patients with documented AF admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital were recruited. The pattern of AF was classified as intermittent or chronic AF. The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) classification and symptom severity score were used to quantify the symptoms related to AF. The QoL was assessed by the Short Form-36 and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Severity in Atrial Fibrillation (SAF) scale.

Results:

Thirty-nine percent of the patients (n=52) had intermittent AF and 61% (n=83) had chronic AF. In the overall patient population, 92% reported having at least one of the symptoms that can be attributable to AF. Although the prevalence of symptoms were similar in patients with intermittent or chronic AF, the patients with intermittent AF perceived more severe palpitations (symptom severity score 2.4±1.7 vs. 1.5±1.5, p=0.003). Patients with intermittent AF had higher EHRA and SAF scores than the patients with chronic AF (2.6±0.9 vs. 1.9±0.8, p<0.001; 2.5±1.3 vs. 1.7±1.2, p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

Outpatients with AF have a high prevalence of symptoms and impaired QoL. The impairment of subjective health-related QoL is worse in patients with intermittent AF.

The influence of depression and anxiety symptoms on health-related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter

BACKGROUND

The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) is an important issue in cardiovascular health management. Determinants of poor HRQoL of AF/AFL patients require further elucidation.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influencing factors related to the HRQoL of AF/AFL patients.

METHODS

In 150 consecutively recruited patients in a multicenter, cross-sectional study from April 2010 to February 2011, depression and anxiety were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory II and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively, whereas HRQoL was assessed with the generic Medical Outcomes Survey 36-Item Short-Form Survey version 2 and the Symptom Checklist. Linear regression modeling was performed to determine predictors of HRQoL among variables, including the patients' age, gender, race, marital status, type of AF/AFL, frequency of AF/AFL symptoms, time since diagnosis, and anxiety and depression symptoms.

RESULTS

Female patients with AF/AFL reported poorer physical HRQoL than male patients did (P < .001, R² = 0.391). Symptoms of depression and anxiety were found to be associated with poorer HRQoL (P < .001, R² = 0.482). Anxiety was the strongest predictor of the mental component of the Medical Outcomes Survey 36-Item Short-Form Survey version 2 and the Symptom Checklist. Younger patients had worse AF/AFL-related symptoms and severity than older patients did (P < .001, R² = 0.302). Increased frequency of symptomatic episodes was associated with worse AF/AFL-related symptoms and severity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, depression and anxiety symptoms and female gender emerged as clear indicators of poor HRQoL in AF/AFL patients. These risk factors should be used to identify patients who may require additional evaluation and treatment efforts to manage their cardiac conditions or HRQoL. Interventions to improve HRQoL in these individuals require further investigation.

Is health-related quality of life a predictor of hospitalization or mortality among women or men with atrial fibrillation?

BACKGROUND

Little is known about predictors of mortality or hospitalization in women compared with men in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although there are established gender differences in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), differences have not been established in AF.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) predictors of mortality and 1-year hospitalization in women compared with men with AF.

METHODS

Limited-use data from the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management clinical trial provided the sample of 693 patients with AF, 262 women and 431 men. Clinical predictors examined were heart failure (HF), CAD, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes, stroke, and age. Predictors of HRQOL included overall HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 physical [PCS] and mental component scores) and cardiovascular HRQOL using Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version.

RESULTS

Mortality did not differ (women, 11.4%; men, 14.5%; χ(2)1 = 0.437, P = .509) according to gender, with mean 3.5-year follow-up. Different variables independently predicted mortality for women and men. For women, diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 3.415; P = .003), HF (HR, 2.346; P = .027), stroke (HR, 2.41; P = .032), and age (HR, 1.117; P = .002), and for men, CAD (HR, 1.914; P = 02), age (HR, 1.103, P = < .001), worse PCS (HR, 1.089, P = .001), and worse Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version score (HR, 1.402, P = .025) independently predicted mortality.One-year hospitalization (women, 38.9%; men, 36.4%) did not differ by gender (χ(2)1 = 0.914, P = .339). Different variables independently predicted 1-year hospitalization-for women: diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 2.359; P = .022), worse PCS (OR, 1.070; P = .003), and rhythm control trial arm (OR, 2.111; P = .006); for men: HF (OR, 2.072; P = .007), worse PCS (OR, 1.045; P = .019), living alone (OR, 1.913; P = .036), and rhythm control trial arm (OR, 2.113; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Only clinical status predicted mortality among women; HRQOL and clinical status predicted mortality among men. Both clinical and HRQOL variables predicted hospitalization for women and men. Increased monitoring of HRQOL and interventions designed to target the clinical and HRQOL predictors could impact mortality and hospitalization. Nursing interventions may prove effective for modifying most of the predictors of mortality and hospitalization for women and men with AF.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of atrial fibrillation in women

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and has become a serious public health problem. Moreover, epidemiological data demonstrate that incidence and prevalence of AF are increasing. Several differences in epidemiological patterns, clinical manifestations, and incidence of stroke have been reported between AF in women and in men, particularly in elderly women. Elderly women have higher blood pressure than men and a higher prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, both independent risk factors for stroke. On the basis of the evidence on the higher stroke risk among AF in women, recently, female sex has been accepted as a risk factor for stroke and adopted to stratify patients, especially if they are not at high risk for stroke. This review focuses on available evidence on sex differences in AF patients, and examines factors contributing to different stroke risk, diagnosis, and prognosis of arrhythmia in women, with the aim to provide an analysis of the available evidence.

One-year safety and quality of life outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation on dronedarone: prospective, non-interventional study in German ambulatory care

Background and aims

The multichannel blocker dronedarone is currently indicated for the maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion in adult clinically stable patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), with careful monitoring of cardiac, hepatic and renal function. We aimed to investigate patients’ quality of life (QoL) and tolerability and effectiveness of dronedarone under real life conditions.

Methods

In the 1-year prospective, non-interventional IMPULS study, 161 office-based cardiologists, general practitioners and internists throughout Germany documented 549 patients with AF who were currently or newly prescribed dronedarone (safety set, SS). Of those, 342 patients (full analysis set, FAS) provided data on QoL at baseline, 6 months and 12 months).

Results

Mean age of patients was 67.6/66.3 years; 53.0 %/57.3 % were men (SS/FAS). AF type at inclusion in the SS/FAS was paroxysmal in 71.9 %/71.3 % and persistent in 26.0 %/26.6 % (missing in 2.0 %/2.0 %). The proportion of patients in sinus rhythm increased from 44.6 % at baseline to 70.2 % (SS). The mean value on the 100-point visual analogue scale (EuroQol EQ-5D) increased from 62.3 ± 17.1 at baseline by 11.4 ± 18.7 points (FAS, p<0.0001). The AF-QoL Psychological Domain improved from 44.6 ± 22.6 at baseline by 16.0 ± 23.5 points at 1 year (p<0.0001), the AF-QoL physical domain from 49.5 ± 22.1 by 10.9 ± 22.5 points (p<0.0001), and the AF-QoL sexual domain from 61.8 ± 27.1 by 6.6 ± 28.2 points (p<0.0001). In all, 136 patients (24.8 % of all patients in the safety set) had at least one adverse drug reaction (ADR) causally related to dronedarone.

Conclusions

Various dimensions of quality of life of patients with AF were improved on dronedarone under clinical practice conditions. No previously unknown safety issues were noted.

Accuracy of patient perception of their prevailing rhythm: a comparative analysis of monitor data and questionnaire responses in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) guidelines recommend that symptom relief be a primary goal in management. However, patient perception of their prevailing rhythm is often inaccurate, complicating symptom-targeted treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of patient perception of their prevailing rhythm and identify factors that predict inaccuracies.

METHODS

Demographic and health status data were captured by questionnaires for 458 outpatients with documented AF. AF burden (%) was captured by 1-week continuous heart monitors. Patients estimated the length and frequency of their AF episodes by completing the AF Symptom Severity questionnaire. Patient reports were compared to AF burden, and outliers were identified and broken into 2 groups: patients with AF burden <10% who indicated near-continuous AF (overestimators) and patients with AF burden >90% who estimated little to no AF (underestimators). Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors of inaccuracies (over- or underestimators).

RESULTS

By continuous monitor, 15% of patients were found to be over- or underestimators. Persistent AF, female sex, older age, anxiety, and depression were predictive of inaccurate patient perception. Persistent AF, female sex, and older age were predictive of underestimating, while mood disorders (anxiety and depression) were predictive of overestimating. The prevalence of underestimators was nearly twice that of overestimators.

CONCLUSION

Sex, age, and mood disorders are among factors that lead to inaccurate patient perception of their prevailing rhythm in patients with AF. Such modulating factors should be considered when evaluating treatment strategies. Consideration should be given to more liberal use of heart monitors in these patient populations to better target therapy.