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Perelshtein Brezinov O, Vorotilina N, Vasilenko L, Kogan Y, Lev EI, Laish-Farkash A. Coronary artery disease among patients admitted with atrial fibrillation and chest pain. Coron Artery Dis 2023; 34:96-101. [PMID: 36515228 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients who present to the emergency department with chest pain during an episode of atrial fibrillation (AF) impose a clinical challenge regarding the source of pain - being coronary artery disease (CAD) or AF in origin. The aim of this study was to identify clinical, imaging or laboratory markers which can predict significant CAD among patients with an AF episode and chest pain. METHODS We included 57 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with AF and chest pain. All patients underwent coronary evaluation. Significant CAD was defined as >50% stenosis in a major coronary artery by coronary angiography or cardiac CT. We compared CAD and non-CAD groups and analyzed risk factorsby regression analysis. RESULTS Twenty-four patients (42%) were diagnosed with- and 33 patients (58%) without obstructive CAD. In a multivariate analysis of regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA), elevated troponin and hypertension were found to be predictors for CAD [odds ratio (OR), 22.4 (confidence interval (CI), 1.8-272.4; P = 0.02); OR, 5.6 (CI, 1-31.0; P = 0.05) and OR, 21.4 (CI, 1.6-284.6; P = 0.02), respectively]. There were no significant differences regarding the rate of typical chest pain at presentation in the CAD vs. the non-CAD group [13 (54%) vs. 20 (60%), P = 0.374], or in ECG ST-changes [12 (50%) vs.9 (27%), respectively; P = 0.08]. CONCLUSION In patients who present acutely with chest pain and AF, troponin elevation and RWMA appear to be highly predictive of obstructive CAD, whereas clinical symptoms and ECG changes are not predictive. These findings may be helpful for guiding the management of patients admitted with AF and chest pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Perelshtein Brezinov
- Cardiology Department, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Medical Center, Ashdod, and Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
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Herczeg S, Simon J, Szegedi N, Karády J, Kolossváry M, Szilveszter B, Balogi B, Nagy VK, Merkely B, Széplaki G, Maurovich-Horvat P, Gellér L. High incidence of newly diagnosed obstructive coronary artery disease regardless of chest pain detected on pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography angiography in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation. Coron Artery Dis 2023; 34:18-23. [PMID: 36484216 PMCID: PMC9742003 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is often performed before catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation to map atrial and pulmonary anatomy. Incident coronary artery disease (CAD) may also be diagnosed during cardiac CT angiography (CTA). Our aim was to assess whether coronary CTA might be able to identify a significant proportion of patients with obstructive CAD prior to their catheter ablation procedure event, even in asymptomatic patients. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing pre-ablation coronary CTA for atrial fibrillation between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively selected. Patients with previously diagnosed CAD were excluded. Obstructive CAD was defined as ≥50% luminal stenosis. We analyzed the relationship between obstructive CAD, any chest pain, and traditional risk factors. RESULTS Overall, 2321 patients [median age 63.0 (54.4-69.2), 1052/2321 (45.3%) female] underwent coronary CTA and 488/2321 (21.0%) were diagnosed with obstructive CAD. There was no difference regarding the rate of obstructive CAD in patients with any chest pain compared to patients without any chest pain [91/404 (22.5%) vs. 397/1917 (20.7%), P = 0.416, respectively). The following parameters were associated with obstructive CAD: age > 65 years [odds ratio (OR) = 2.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.02-3.13; P < 0.001), male sex (OR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.28-1.98; P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.08-1.81; P = 0.012), diabetes (OR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.13-1.99; P = 0.006), dyslipidaemia (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.07-1.66; P = 0.011) and history of smoking (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.07-1.68; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of obstructive CAD even in patients without chest pain highlights the importance of additional coronary artery diagnostics in patients undergoing left atrial CTA awaiting catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. These patients regardless of chest pain thus may require further risk modification to decrease their potential ischemic and thromboembolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Herczeg
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Simon
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nándor Szegedi
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Júlia Karády
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Márton Kolossváry
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bálint Szilveszter
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Balogi
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien K Nagy
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Széplaki
- Atrial Fibrillation Institute, Mater Private Hospital, Dublin
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pál Maurovich-Horvat
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Gellér
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular Center, Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Notaristefano F, Cavallini C. Atrial fibrillation and troponin elevation: It's time to give up the chase to diagnosis and step forward with prognosis. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 99:26-27. [PMID: 35140032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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4
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Elevated troponin levels in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias. Coron Artery Dis 2020; 31:451-457. [DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000000912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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Emergency medicine considerations in atrial fibrillation. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 36:1070-1078. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Abstract
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.
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Koopmann M, Hinrichs L, Olligs J, Lichtenberg M, Eckardt L, Böse D, Möhlenkamp S, Waltenberger J, Breuckmann F. Cardiac computed tomography in patients with symptomatic new-onset atrial fibrillation, rule-out acute coronary syndrome, but with intermediate pretest probability for coronary artery disease admitted to a chest pain unit. Eur J Med Res 2018; 23:6. [PMID: 29361983 PMCID: PMC5782369 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-018-0303-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) may be encountered coincidently in a large portion of patients. However, data on coronary artery calcium burden in such patients are lacking. Thus, we sought to determine the value of cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in patients presenting with new-onset AF associated with an intermediate pretest probability for CAD admitted to a chest pain unit (CPU). Methods Calcium scores (CS) of 73 new-onset, symptomatic AF subjects without typical clinical, electrocardiographic, or laboratory signs of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to our CPU were analyzed. In addition, results from computed tomography angiography (CTA) were related to coronary angiography findings whenever available. Results Calcium scores of zero were found in 25%. Median Agatston score was 77 (interquartile range: 1–270) with gender- and territory-specific dispersal. CS scores above average were present in about 50%, high (> 400)-to-very high (> 1000) CS scores were found in 22%. Overall percentile ranking showed a relative accordance to the reference percentile distribution. Additional CTA was performed in 47%, revealing stenoses in 12%. Coronary angiography was performed in 22% and resulted in coronary intervention or surgical revascularization in 7%. On univariate analysis, CS > 50th percentile failed to serve as an independent determinant of significant stenosis during catheterization. Conclusions Within a CPU setting, relevant CAD was excluded or confirmed in almost 50%, the latter with a high proportion of coronary angiographies and subsequent coronary interventions, underlining the diagnostic value of CCT in symptomatic, non-ACS, new-onset AF patients when admitted to a CPU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Koopmann
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Liane Hinrichs
- Department of Anesthesiology, Arnsberg Medical Center, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - Jan Olligs
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Lars Eckardt
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Böse
- Department of Cardiology, Arnsberg Medical Center, Stolte Ley 5, 59759, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Möhlenkamp
- Clinic of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Bethanien Hospital Moers, Moers, Germany
| | | | - Frank Breuckmann
- Department of Cardiology, Arnsberg Medical Center, Stolte Ley 5, 59759, Arnsberg, Germany.
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8
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Breuckmann F, Olligs J, Hinrichs L, Koopmann M, Lichtenberg M, Böse D, Fischer D, Eckardt L, Waltenberger J, Garvey JL. Coronary Artery Calcium as an Independent Surrogate Marker in the Risk Assessment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and an Intermediate Pretest Likelihood for Coronary Artery Disease Admitted to a German Chest Pain Unit. Clin Cardiol 2016; 39:157-64. [PMID: 27001202 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 10% of patients admitted to a chest pain unit (CPU) exhibit atrial fibrillation (AF). HYPOTHESIS To determine whether calcium scores (CS) are superior over common risk scores for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting with atypical chest pain, newly diagnosed AF, and intermediate pretest probability for CAD within the CPU. METHODS In 73 subjects, CS was related to the following risk scores: Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score, including a new model of a frequency-normalized approach; Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction score; European Society of Cardiology Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE); Framingham risk score; and Prospective Cardiovascular Münster Study score. Revascularization rates during index stay were assessed. RESULTS Median CS was 77 (interquartile range, 1-270), with higher values in men and the left anterior descending artery. Only the modified GRACE (ρ = 0.27; P = 0.02) and the SCORE (ρ = 0.39; P < 0.005) were significantly correlated with CS, whereas the GRACE (τ = 0.21; P = 0.04) and modified GRACE (τ = 0.23; P = 0.02) scores were significantly correlated with percentile groups. Only the CS significantly discriminated between those with and without stenosis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Apart from modified GRACE score, overall correlations between risk scores and calcium burden, as well as revascularization rates during index stay, were low. By contrast, the determination of CS may be used as an additional surrogate marker in risk stratification in AF patients with intermediate pretest likelihood for CAD admitted to a CPU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Breuckmann
- Department of Cardiology, Arnsberg Medical Center, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - Jan Olligs
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Liane Hinrichs
- Department of Anesthesiology, Arnsberg Medical Center, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Koopmann
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Böse
- Department of Cardiology, Arnsberg Medical Center, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - Dieter Fischer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - J Lee Garvey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Vinales KL, Najib MQ, Marella PC, Katayama M, Chaliki HP. Predictors of Elevated Cardiac Enzyme Levels in Hospitalized Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and No Known Coronary Artery Disease. Tex Heart Inst J 2016; 43:38-42. [PMID: 27047283 DOI: 10.14503/thij-14-4712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We retrospectively studied the predictive capabilities of elevated cardiac enzyme levels in terms of the prognosis of patients who were hospitalized with atrial fibrillation and who had no known coronary artery disease. Among 321 patients with atrial fibrillation, 60 without known coronary artery disease had their cardiac enzyme concentrations measured during hospitalization and underwent stress testing or cardiac catheterization within 12 months before or after hospitalization. We then compared the clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics of the 20 patients who had elevated cardiac enzyme levels and the 40 patients who had normal levels. Age, sex, and comorbidities did not differ between the groups. In the patients with elevated cardiac enzyme levels, the mean concentrations of troponin T and creatine kinase-MB isoenzymes were 0.08 ± 0.08 ng/mL and 6.49 ± 4.94 ng/mL, respectively. In univariate analyses, only peak heart rate during atrial tachyarrhythmia was predictive of elevated enzyme levels (P <0.0001). Mean heart rate was higher in the elevated-level patients (146 ± 22 vs 117 ± 29 beats/min; P=0.0007). Upon multivariate analysis, heart rate was the only independent predictor of elevated levels. Coronary artery disease was found in only 2 patients who had elevated levels and in one patient who had normal levels (P=0.26). Increased myocardial demand is probably why the presenting heart rate was predictive of elevated cardiac enzyme levels. Most patients with elevated enzyme levels did not have coronary artery disease, and none died of cardiac causes during the 6-month follow-up period. To validate our findings, larger studies are warranted.
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Dillon P, Ghanbari H. Diagnostic Evaluation and Follow-Up of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Heart Fail Clin 2016; 12:179-91. [PMID: 26968664 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2015.08.015] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dillon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hamid Ghanbari
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Atzema
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Tyler W Barrett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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12
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Sankaranarayanan R, Kirkwood G, Visweswariah R, Fox DJ. How does Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Influence Mortality in the Modern Treatment Era? Curr Cardiol Rev 2015; 11:190-8. [PMID: 25182145 PMCID: PMC4558350 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x10666140902143020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to impose a significant burden upon healthcare resources. A sustained increase in the ageing population and better survival from conditions such as ischaemic heart disease have ensured that both the incidence and prevalence of AF continue to increase significantly. AF can lead to complications such as embolism and heart failure and these acting in concert with its associated co-morbidities portend increased mortality risk. Whilst some studies suggest that the mortality risk from AF is due to the "bad company it keeps" i.e. the associated co-morbidities rather than AF itself; undoubtedly some of the mortality is also due to the side-effects of various therapeutic strategies (anti-arrhythmic drugs, bleeding side-effects due to anti-coagulants or invasive procedures). Despite several treatment advances including newer anti-arrhythmic drugs and developments in catheter ablation, anti-coagulation remains the only effective means to reduce the mortality due to AF. Warfarin has been used as the oral anticoagulant in the treatment of AF for many years but suffers from disadvantages such as unpredictable INR levels, bleeding risks and need for haematological monitoring. This has therefore spurred a renewed interest in research and clinical studies directed towards developing safer and more efficacious anti-coagulants. We shall review in this article the epidemiological features of AF-related mortality from several studies as well as the cardiovascular and non-cardiac mortality mechanisms. We shall also elucidate why a rhythm control strategy has appeared to be counter-productive and attempt to predict the likely future impact of novel anti-coagulants upon mortality reduction in AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Sankaranarayanan
- Cardiology Specialist Registrar in Electrophysiology and British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Fellow, University Hospital South Manchester and University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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13
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dillon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hamid Ghanbari
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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14
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Diagnostic Accuracy of Electrocardiographic ST-Segment Depression in Patients With Rapid Atrial Fibrillation for the Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease. Can J Cardiol 2014; 30:920-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2014.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Barrett TW, Abraham RL, Self WH. Usefulness of a low CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score to predict normal diagnostic testing in emergency department patients with an acute exacerbation of previously diagnosed atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2014; 113:1668-73. [PMID: 24666620 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
International guidelines do not specify what testing should be performed during emergency department (ED) evaluations for patients presenting with an exacerbation of previously diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that low CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict normal routine diagnostic testing in these patients. We conducted an analysis within a prospective observational cohort study at a university-affiliated hospital. We included patients with previously diagnosed AF and who presented to the ED primarily for an AF-related complaint. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores and abnormal results for blood counts, electrolytes, cardiac markers, thyroid function, and chest x-rays. We included 216 patients in this analysis. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for each point increase in CHADS2 for abnormal blood counts, electrolytes, troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide, thyroid function, and chest x-ray were 1.28 (0.99 to 1.65), 1.48 (1.19 to 1.84), 1.42 (1.10 to 1.82), 1.66 (1.15 to 2.41), 0.95 (0.70 to 1.29), and 1.17 (0.94 to 1.44), respectively. The corresponding odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for each point increase in CHA2DS2-VASc were 1.17 (0.96 to 1.42), 1.27 (1.09 to 1.49), 1.30 (1.07 to 1.57), 1.57 (1.18 to 2.10), 0.98 (0.79 to 1.22), and 1.14 (0.97 to 1.33), respectively. Among ED patients with established AF who underwent evaluation for acutely symptomatic AF, nearly 3/4 of routine diagnostic tests return to normal. In conclusion, patients with CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 have the lowest likelihood of abnormal studies and may represent an easily identifiable group of patients who need fewer ED tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W Barrett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - Robert L Abraham
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wesley H Self
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Rienstra M, Lubitz SA, Mahida S, Magnani JW, Fontes JD, Sinner MF, Van Gelder IC, Ellinor PT, Benjamin EJ. Symptoms and functional status of patients with atrial fibrillation: state of the art and future research opportunities. Circulation 2012; 125:2933-43. [PMID: 22689930 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.069450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Rienstra
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
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17
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Goette A, Bukowska A, Lillig CH, Lendeckel U. Oxidative Stress and Microcirculatory Flow Abnormalities in the Ventricles during Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2012; 3:236. [PMID: 22783202 PMCID: PMC3389777 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often present with typical angina pectoris and mildly elevated levels of cardiac troponin (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) during an acute episode of AF. However, in a large proportion of these patients, significant coronary artery disease is excluded by coronary angiography, which suggests that AF itself influences myocardial blood flow. The present review summarizes the effect of AF on the occurrence of ventricular oxidative stress, redox-sensitive signaling pathways and gene expression, and microcirculatory flow abnormalities in the left ventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Goette
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz-Hospital Paderborn Paderborn, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered by generalists and cardiologists alike. Much of the attendant morbidity from AF arises from systemic embolic complications which are effectively reduced with utilization of anti-platelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. The systemic embolic complications of AF and the medical therapy to attenuate these risks are very well established. Through the course of this review, we aim to highlight the complex relationship between AF and other, "non-embolic" outcomes. The presence of AF has been demonstrated to be associated with a 1.5 to 2-fold increase in mortality across numerous observational cohorts. Still further, AF frequently coexists with heart failure, whether as a causative factor or a consequence of underlying structural heart disease or neurohumoral derangement, where its presence is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Whether AF is an independent risk factor for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains controversial, though its occurrence in patients with ACS has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes both in observational cohorts as well as clinical trial populations. Individuals with AF have a 1.5 to 3-fold increase in the rate of hospitalization and are at elevated risk for other arrhythmic disorders including both bradyarrhythmias as well as tachyarrhythmias. AF leads to considerable morbidity and mortality for patients and exacts a tremendous financial toll on the healthcare system-estimated to range from $6.0 to $26.0 billion. Given the current demographic transition in developed countries, the prevalence of AF will continue to increase and the need for refined approaches to risk stratification and pharmacotherapeutic interventions to attenuate the burden on patients will only become more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihar R Desai
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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19
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The impact of rapid atrial pacing on ADMA and endothelial NOS. Int J Cardiol 2012; 154:141-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Sex differences in clinical presentation, management and outcome in emergency department patients with chest pain. CAN J EMERG MED 2011; 12:405-13. [PMID: 20880434 DOI: 10.1017/s1481803500012550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to assess sex differences in clinical presentation, management and outcome in emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain, and to measure the association between female sex and coronary angiography within 30 days. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in an urban academic ED between Jul. 1, 2007, and Apr. 1, 2008. We enrolled patients over 24 years of age with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS). RESULTS Among the 970 included patients, 386 (39.8%) were female. Compared with men, women had a lower prevalence of known coronary artery disease (21.0% v. 34.2%, p < 0.001) and a lower frequency of typical pain (37.1% v. 45.7%, p = 0.01). Clinicians classified a greater proportion of women as having a low (< 10%) pretest probability for ACS (85.0% v. 76.4%, p = 0.001). Despite similar rates of electrocardiography, troponin T and stress testing between sexes, there was a lower rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (4.7% v. 8.4%, p = 0.03) and positive stress test results (4.4% v. 7.9%, p = 0.03) in women. Women were less frequently referred for coronary angiography (9.3% v. 18.9%, p < 0.001). The adjusted association between female sex and coronary angiography was not significant (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.37-1.10). CONCLUSION Women had a lower rate of AMI and a lower rate of positive stress test results despite similar rates of testing between sexes. Although women were less frequently referred for coronary angiography, these data suggest that sex differences in management were likely appropriate for the probability of disease.
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van den Bos EJ, Constantinescu AA, van Domburg RT, Akin S, Jordaens LJ, Kofflard MJM. Minor elevations in troponin I are associated with mortality and adverse cardiac events in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2011; 32:611-7. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehq491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Barrett TW, Martin AR, Storrow AB, Jenkins CA, Harrell FE, Russ S, Roden DM, Darbar D. A clinical prediction model to estimate risk for 30-day adverse events in emergency department patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Ann Emerg Med 2010; 57:1-12. [PMID: 20728962 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2010.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Revised: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Atrial fibrillation affects more than 2 million people in the United States and accounts for nearly 1% of emergency department (ED) visits. Physicians have little information to guide risk stratification of patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and admit more than 65%. Our aim is to assess whether data available in the ED management of symptomatic atrial fibrillation can estimate a patient's risk of experiencing a 30-day adverse event. METHODS We systematically reviewed the electronic medical records of all ED patients presenting with symptomatic atrial fibrillation between August 2005 and July 2008. Predefined adverse outcomes included 30-day ED return visit, unscheduled hospitalization, cardiovascular complication, or death. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of 30-day adverse events. The model was validated with 300 bootstrap replications. RESULTS During the 3-year study period, 914 patients accounted for 1,228 ED visits. Eighty patients were excluded for non-atrial-fibrillation-related complaints and 2 patients had no follow-up recorded. Of 832 eligible patients, 216 (25.9%) experienced at least 1 of the 30-day adverse events. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.20 per decade; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.36 per decade), complaint of dyspnea (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.20), smokers (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.47 to 3.76), inadequate ventricular rate control (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.21), and patients receiving β-blockers (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.04) were independently associated with higher risk for adverse events. C-index was 0.67. CONCLUSION In ED patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation, increased age, inadequate ED ventricular rate control, dyspnea, smoking, and β-blocker treatment were associated with an increased risk of a 30-day adverse event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W Barrett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Goette A, Bukowska A, Dobrev D, Pfeiffenberger J, Morawietz H, Strugala D, Wiswedel I, Röhl FW, Wolke C, Bergmann S, Bramlage P, Ravens U, Lendeckel U. Acute atrial tachyarrhythmia induces angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated oxidative stress and microvascular flow abnormalities in the ventricles. Eur Heart J 2009; 30:1411-20. [PMID: 19269986 PMCID: PMC2688683 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehp046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) often present with typical angina pectoris and mildly elevated levels of cardiac troponin (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) during an arrhythmic event. However, in a large proportion of these patients, significant coronary artery disease is excluded by coronary angiography. Here we explored the potential underlying mechanism of these events. Methods and results A total of 14 pigs were studied using a closed chest, rapid atrial pacing (RAP) model. In five pigs RAP was performed for 7 h (600 b.p.m.; n = 5), in five animals RAP was performed in the presence of angiotensin-II type-1-receptor (AT1-receptor) inhibitor irbesartan (RAP+Irb), and four pigs were instrumented without intervention (Sham). One-factor analysis of variance was performed to assess differences between and within the three groups. Simultaneous measurements of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) before, during, and after RAP demonstrated unchanged FFR (P = 0.327), but decreased CFR during RAP (RAP: 67.7 ± 7.2%, sham: 97.2 ± 2.8%, RAP+Irb: 93.2 ± 3.3; P = 0.0013) indicating abnormal left ventricular (LV) microcirculation. Alterations in microcirculatory blood flow were accompanied by elevated ventricular expression of NADPH oxidase subunit Nox2 (P = 0.039), lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1, P = 0.004), and F2-isoprostane levels (P = 0.008) suggesting RAP-related oxidative stress. Plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I) increased in RAP (RAP: 613.3 ± 125.8 pmol/L vs. sham: 82.5 ± 12.5 pmol/L; P = 0.013), whereas protein levels of eNOS and LV function remained unchanged. RAP+Irb prevented the increase of Nox2, LOX-1, and F2-isoprostanes, and abolished the impairment of microvascular blood flow. Conclusion Rapid atrial pacing induces AT1-receptor-mediated oxidative stress in LV myocardium that is accompanied by impaired microvascular blood flow and cTn-I release. These findings provide a plausible mechanism for the frequently observed cTn-I elevation accompanied with typical angina pectoris symptoms in patients with paroxysmal AF and normal (non-stenotic) coronary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Goette
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipzigerstr. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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