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Eckardt L, Wolfes J, Frommeyer G. Benefits of early rhythm control of atrial fibrillation. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2024; 34:288-294. [PMID: 37054762 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to current guidelines and earlier trials, recent studies demonstrated superiority of rhythm- over rate-control and challenged the strategy of "rate versus rhythm" therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. These newer studies have started to shift the use of rhythm-control therapy from the symptom-driven therapy of current guidelines to a risk-reducing strategy aimed at restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm. This review discusses recent data and presents an overview on the current discourse: The concept of early rhythm control seems attractive. Patients with rhythm control may undergo less atrial remodeling compared to those with rate control. In addition, in EAST-AFNET 4 an outcome-reducing effect of rhythm control was achieved by delivering therapy with relatively few complications early after the initial AF diagnosis. Successful rhythm control therapy and most likely reduced AF burden, estimated by the presence of sinus rhythm at 12 months after randomization, explained most of the reduction in cardiovascular outcomes achieved by rhythm control. However, it is too early to call for early rhythm control for all AF patients. Rhythm control may raise concerns regarding the generalizability of trial results in routine practice involving important questions on the definition of "early" and "successful", and the relevant issue of antiarrhythmic drugs versus catheter ablation. Further information is required to select patients who will benefit from an early ablative or non-ablative rhythm management.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Eckardt
- Department of Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Münster 48149, Germany; Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Münster, Germany.
| | - J Wolfes
- Department of Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Münster 48149, Germany; Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Münster, Germany
| | - G Frommeyer
- Department of Cardiology II - Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Münster 48149, Germany; Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Münster, Germany
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Rosas Diaz AN, Troy AL, Kaplinskiy V, Pritchard A, Vani R, Ko D, Orkaby AR. Assessment and Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults with Frailty. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:50. [PMID: 38667517 PMCID: PMC11050611 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major driver of morbidity and mortality among older adults with frailty. Moreover, frailty is highly prevalent in older adults with AF. Understanding and addressing the needs of frail older adults with AF is imperative to guide clinicians caring for older adults. In this review, we summarize current evidence to support the assessment and management of older adults with AF and frailty, incorporating numerous recent landmark trials and studies in the context of the 2023 US AF guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron L. Troy
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA (A.L.T.)
| | | | - Abiah Pritchard
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA (A.L.T.)
| | - Rati Vani
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA (A.L.T.)
| | - Darae Ko
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Harvard Medical School, 1200 Center Street, Boston, MA 02131, USA
| | - Ariela R. Orkaby
- New England GRECC (Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Division of Aging, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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3
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Gao P, Gao X, Xie B, Tse G, Liu T. Aging and atrial fibrillation: A vicious circle. Int J Cardiol 2024; 395:131445. [PMID: 37848123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest sustained cardiac arrhythmia observed in clinical practice. Its prevalence increases dramatically with advancing age. This review article discusses the recent advances in studies investigating the relationship between aging and AF and the possible underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyi Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bingxin Xie
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gary Tse
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Goetze M, Knauf T, Ebelt H. Relationship between Pharmacological Treatment Strategy and Cognitive Function in Geriatric Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7724. [PMID: 38137793 PMCID: PMC10743707 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and question: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the total population. The aim of this study is to determine how geriatric patients with AF are treated in terms of rhythm or rate control and whether a relationship between the type of treatment and Mini Mental Status (MMS) can be identified. METHODS In this monocentric, prospective, observational study, data including chronic medication as well as demographic parameters were collected from all patients in a geriatric department between April 2021 and April 2022. A 12-lead ECG as well as the Mini Mental Status were recorded for all patients as part of the admission routine, and a 24 h ECG was performed in selected patients on the basis of clinical indication. RESULTS At baseline, 715 out of 1914 patients (37.4%) had a known history of AF. Of these patients, 43 patients (6%) were on rhythm control therapy (RHY) and 672 (94%) were on rate control therapy (RATE). No difference in respect to MMS could be detected between RHY and RATE. However, linear regression analyses showed that age, HASBLED score, creatinine serum level, and an existing antiplatelet medication were associated with a negative influence on MMS, whereas oral anticoagulation (OAC) was associated with improved MMS, respectively (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION The vast majority of geriatric patients with AF are treated with a rate control strategy. Oral anticoagulation is associated with better results in MMS, whereas patients who are treated with antiplatelet medication show worse results in MMS instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Goetze
- Department for Geriatrics, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Bahnhofstrasse 19, 99976 Lengenfeld unterm Stein, Germany;
| | - Tim Knauf
- Department of Medicine II, Catholic Hospital “St. Johann Nepomuk”, Haarbergstr. 72, 99097 Erfurt, Germany
| | - Henning Ebelt
- Department of Medicine II, Catholic Hospital “St. Johann Nepomuk”, Haarbergstr. 72, 99097 Erfurt, Germany
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Kılıç R, Güzel T, Aktan A, Demir M, Arslan B, Ertaş F. The effect of treatment strategy on long-term follow-up results in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Turkey: AFTER-2 subgroup analysis. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023:10.1007/s40520-023-02467-y. [PMID: 37329474 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02467-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We performed a subanalysis of the data from the AFTER-2 registry. In our study, we aimed to compare the long-term follow-up results of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients in Turkey according to their treatment strategies. METHODS All consecutive patients older than 18 years of age who presented to cardiology outpatient clinics, had at least one AF attack and did not have rheumatic mitral valve stenosis or prosthetic heart valve disease were included in our prospective study. The patients were divided into two groups as rhythm control and rate control. Stroke, hospitalization and death rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS A total of 2592 patients from 35 centers were included in the study. Of these patients, 628 (24.2%) were in the rhythm control group and 1964 (75.8%) in the rate control group. New-onset ischemic cerebrovascular disease or transient ischemic attack (CVD/TIA) was detected at a lower rate in the rhythm control group (3.2% vs. 6.2% p = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference in one-year and five-year mortality rates (9.6% versus 9.0%, p = 0.682 and 31.8% versus 28.6%, p = 0.116, respectively). Hospitalization were found to be significantly higher in patients with rhythm control group (18% vs. 13%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION It was found that rhythm control strategy is preferred in AF patients in Turkey. We found a lower rate of ischemic CVD/TIA in patients in the rhythm control group. Although no difference was observed in mortality rates, we found a higher rate of hospitalization in the rhythm control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raif Kılıç
- Department of Cardiology, Memorial Diyarbakır Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| | - Tuncay Güzel
- Department of Cardiology, Health Science University, Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Adem Aktan
- Department of Cardiology, Mardin Training and Research Hospital, Mardin, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Demir
- Department of Cardiology, Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Bayram Arslan
- Department of Cardiology, Ergani State Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Faruk Ertaş
- Department of Cardiology, Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine, Diyarbakır, Turkey
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Caldarola P, De Iaco F, Pugliese FR, De Luca L, Fabbri A, Riccio C, Scicchitano P, Vanni S, Di Pasquale G, Gulizia MM, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Colivicchi F. ANMCO-SIMEU consensus document: appropriate management of atrial fibrillation in the emergency department. Eur Heart J Suppl 2023; 25:D255-D277. [PMID: 37213798 PMCID: PMC10194824 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) accounts for 2% of the total presentations to the emergency department (ED) and represents the most frequent arrhythmic cause for hospitalization. It steadily increases the risk of thromboembolic events and is often associated with several comorbidities that negatively affect patient's quality of life and prognosis. AF has a considerable impact on healthcare resources, making the promotion of an adequate and coordinated management of this arrhythmia necessary in order to avoid clinical complications and to implement the adoption of appropriate technological and pharmacological treatment options. AF management varies across regions and hospitals and there is also heterogeneity in the use of anticoagulation and electric cardioversion, with limited use of direct oral anticoagulants. The ED represents the first access point for early management of patients with AF. The appropriate management of this arrhythmia in the acute setting has a great impact on improving patient's quality of life and outcomes as well as on rationalization of the financial resources related to the clinical course of AF. Therefore, physicians should provide a well-structured clinical and diagnostic pathway for patients with AF who are admitted to the ED. This should be based on a tight and propositional collaboration among several specialists, i.e. the ED physician, cardiologist, internal medicine physician, anesthesiologist. The aim of this ANMCO-SIMEU consensus document is to provide shared recommendations for promoting an integrated, accurate, and up-to-date management of patients with AF admitted to the ED or Cardiology Department, in order to make it homogeneous across the national territory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio De Iaco
- Pronto Soccorso e Medicina d'Urgenza, A.O. Martini, Via Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli, 84 - 10141 Torino (TO), Italy
| | - Francesco Rocco Pugliese
- U.O.C. Medicina e Chirurgia d'Accettazione e d'Urgenza, Ospedale Sandro Pertini, Via dei Monti Tiburtini, 385 - 00157 Roma, Italy
| | - Leonardo De Luca
- U.O.C. di Cardiologia, Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Cir.ne Gianicolense, 87 - 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Pronto Soccorso e Medicina d'Urgenza-118, Azienda USL della Romagna, Via Carlo Forlanini, 34 - 47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Carmine Riccio
- U.O.S.D. Follow up del Paziente Post-Acuto, Dipartimento Cardiovascolare, A.O.R.N. Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Via Ferdinando Palasciano, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Pietro Scicchitano
- U.O. Cardiologia-UTIC, Ospedale "F. Perinei", SS96 - 70022 Altamura (BA), Italy
| | - Simone Vanni
- S.O.C. Medicina d'Urgenza, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Empoli (FI) e Direttore Area Formazione, Dipartimento di Emergenza e Area Critica, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Viale Giovanni Boccaccio, 16/20, 50053 Empoli FI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Pasquale
- Direzione Generale Cura della Persona, Salute e Welfare, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Viale Aldo Moro, 21 - 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- U.O.C. Cardiologia, Ospedale Garibaldi-Nesima, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione "Garibaldi", Piazza Santa Maria di Gesù, 5 - 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- U.O.C. di Cardiologia, Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Cir.ne Gianicolense, 87 - 00152 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione per il Tuo cuore - Heart Care Foundation, Via Alfonso la Marmora, 36- 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiologia 1-Emodinamica, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare "A. De Gasperis", ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell'Ospedale Maggiore, 3 - 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- U.O.C. Cardiologia Clinica e Riabilitativa, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri - ASL Roma 1, Via Giovanni Martinotti, 20 - 00135 Roma, Italy
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7
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Stacy J, Kim R, Barrett C, Sekar B, Simon S, Banaei-Kashani F, Rosenberg MA. Qualitative Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence–Based Clinical Decision Support System to Guide Rhythm Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e36443. [PMID: 35969422 PMCID: PMC9412903 DOI: 10.2196/36443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the numerous studies evaluating various rhythm control strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF), determination of the optimal strategy in a single patient is often based on trial and error, with no one-size-fits-all approach based on international guidelines/recommendations. The decision, therefore, remains personal and lends itself well to help from a clinical decision support system, specifically one guided by artificial intelligence (AI). QRhythm utilizes a 2-stage machine learning (ML) model to identify the optimal rhythm management strategy in a given patient based on a set of clinical factors, in which the model first uses supervised learning to predict the actions of an expert clinician and identifies the best strategy through reinforcement learning to obtain the best clinical outcome—a composite of symptomatic recurrence, hospitalization, and stroke. Objective We qualitatively evaluated a novel, AI-based, clinical decision support system (CDSS) for AF rhythm management, called QRhythm, which uses both supervised and reinforcement learning to recommend either a rate control or one of 3 types of rhythm control strategies—external cardioversion, antiarrhythmic medication, or ablation—based on individual patient characteristics. Methods Thirty-three clinicians, including cardiology attendings and fellows and internal medicine attendings and residents, performed an assessment of QRhythm, followed by a survey to assess relative comfort with automated CDSS in rhythm management and to examine areas for future development. Results The 33 providers were surveyed with training levels ranging from resident to fellow to attending. Of the characteristics of the app surveyed, safety was most important to providers, with an average importance rating of 4.7 out of 5 (SD 0.72). This priority was followed by clinical integrity (a desire for the advice provided to make clinical sense; importance rating 4.5, SD 0.9), backward interpretability (transparency in the population used to create the algorithm; importance rating 4.3, SD 0.65), transparency of the algorithm (reasoning underlying the decisions made; importance rating 4.3, SD 0.88), and provider autonomy (the ability to challenge the decisions made by the model; importance rating 3.85, SD 0.83). Providers who used the app ranked the integrity of recommendations as their highest concern with ongoing clinical use of the model, followed by efficacy of the application and patient data security. Trust in the app varied; 1 (17%) provider responded that they somewhat disagreed with the statement, “I trust the recommendations provided by the QRhythm app,” 2 (33%) providers responded with neutrality to the statement, and 3 (50%) somewhat agreed with the statement. Conclusions Safety of ML applications was the highest priority of the providers surveyed, and trust of such models remains varied. Widespread clinical acceptance of ML in health care is dependent on how much providers trust the algorithms. Building this trust involves ensuring transparency and interpretability of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Stacy
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rachel Kim
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Christopher Barrett
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Balaviknesh Sekar
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Steven Simon
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Michael A Rosenberg
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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8
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Camm AJ, Naccarelli GV, Mittal S, Crijns HJGM, Hohnloser SH, Ma CS, Natale A, Turakhia MP, Kirchhof P. The Increasing Role of Rhythm Control in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 79:1932-1948. [PMID: 35550691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.03.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The considerable mortality and morbidity associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) pose a substantial burden on patients and health care services. Although the management of AF historically focused on decreasing AF recurrence, it evolved over time in favor of rate control. Recently, more emphasis has been placed on reducing adverse cardiovascular outcomes using rhythm control, generally by using safe and effective rhythm-control therapies (typically antiarrhythmic drugs and/or AF ablation). Evidence increasingly supports early rhythm control in patients with AF that has not become long-standing, but current clinical practice and guidelines do not yet fully reflect this change. Early rhythm control may effectively reduce irreversible atrial remodeling and prevent AF-related deaths, heart failure, and strokes in high-risk patients. It has the potential to halt progression and potentially save patients from years of symptomatic AF; therefore, it should be offered more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- A John Camm
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Gerald V Naccarelli
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suneet Mittal
- Snyder Center for Comprehensive Atrial Fibrillation and Department of Cardiology, Valley Health System, Ridgewood, New Jersey, USA
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC) and Cardiovascular Research Institute (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Chang-Sheng Ma
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mintu P Turakhia
- Center for Digital Health and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Berlin, Germany; Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Münster, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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9
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Volgman AS, Nair G, Lyubarova R, Merchant FM, Mason P, Curtis AB, Wenger NK, Aggarwal NT, Kirkpatrick JN, Benjamin EJ. Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients 75 Years and Older: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 79:166-179. [PMID: 35027110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing as the population ages. AF treatment-related complications also increase markedly in older adults (defined as ≥75 years of age for this review). The older AF population has a high risk of stroke, bleeding, and death. Syncope and fall-related injuries are the most common reasons for nonprescription of oral anticoagulation (OAC), and are more common in older adults when OACs are used with antiarrhythmic drugs. Digoxin may be useful for rate control, but associations with increased mortality limit its use. Beyond rate and rhythm control considerations, stroke prophylaxis is critical to AF management, and the benefits of direct OACs, compared with warfarin, extend to older adults. Invasive procedures such as AF catheter ablation, pacemaker implantation/atrioventricular junction ablation, and left atrial appendage occlusion may be useful in appropriately selected cases. However, older adults have generally been under-represented in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gatha Nair
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Radmila Lyubarova
- Division of Cardiology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Faisal M Merchant
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Pamela Mason
- Department of Cardiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anne B Curtis
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Nanette K Wenger
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Neelum T Aggarwal
- Departments of Neurological Sciences, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Emelia J Benjamin
- Boston Medical Center, and Boston University School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Klamer TA, Bots SH, Neefs J, Tulevski II, Ruijter HMD, Somsen GA, de Groot JR. Rate and Rhythm Control Treatment in the Elderly and Very Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: An Observational Cohort Study of 1497 Patients. Curr Probl Cardiol 2021; 47:100996. [PMID: 34610350 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2021.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Stroke prevention and rate or rhythm control are crucial in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). There is recent evidence for benefit of early rhythm control, yet rate control is the first choice in elderly patients. However, the efficacy and safety of rate and rhythm control in the elderly population remains largely unexplored. Therefore, we analyzed electronic health record data and investigated prescribing patterns and mortality of both strategies in elderly patients with AF. Data from patients with AF who were aged ≥75 years, used a pharmacological rate or rhythm control strategy, and visited Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands between 2007 and 2018 were extracted. Of the 1497 patients (54% female), 316 (21%) were prescribed rhythm control and 1181 (79%) rate control. Patients aged >85 years (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.51-3.44, P< 0.001) and those with permanent AF (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.67-4.41, P< 0.001) were more likely to receive rate control, whereas those with paroxysmal AF were less likely to receive rate control (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.32-0.56, P< 0.001). After correction for relevant confounders, the mortality risk for patients using rhythm control and patients using rate control was similar (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.70-1.12, P = 0.31). A more liberal approach towards prescribing a rhythm control strategy to the elderly patients with AF may be warranted and seems safe. Our data underscore the need for prospective studies to provide definite answers on efficacy and safety of rhythm control in elderly patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Klamer
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie H Bots
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jolien Neefs
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Igor I Tulevski
- Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - G Aernout Somsen
- Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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