Practice patterns among United States cardiologists for managing adults with atrial fibrillation (from the AFFECTS Registry)

The West Jutland Tele-Electrocardiogram Registry (WEJU-tECG): content, data quality, and research potential

AIM

To present the content, data quality, and research potential of the West Jutland Tele-Electrocardiogram Registry (WEJU-tECG).

METHODS

Danish patients reporting symptoms indicating heart disease in the prehospital setting are subjected to a 12-lead tele-electrocardiogram (ECG) in the ambulance, which is digitally sent to a local tele-centre. WEJU-tECG is a newly established Danish registry containing information from the individual tele-ECGs received at the Regional Hospital West Jutland tele-centre.

RESULTS

WEJU-tECG holds extracted information from all tele-ECGs with a valid Civil Personal Register number between 2011 and 2020. WEJU-tECG contains information on patient characteristics, tele-ECG data (including a computerised tele-ECG interpretation), vital signs, and time information. A unique Civil Personal Register number allows individual-level linkage between WEJU-tECG and other Danish registries and enables complete follow-up. WEJU-tECG contains 43,696 tele-ECGs from 29,489 different patient contacts among 20,280 different patients. WEJU-tECG contains 5566 patients with ST-segment deviations. The median age is 67 years and 45% are women. Completeness is highest for time information (100% for all variables), tele-ECG data (99% for heart rate, the specific intervals and axes, and QRS duration, and 86% for J-point deviation), and patient characteristics (100% for all variables). Completeness is lowest for vital signs (13% for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, and 12% for blood oxygen saturation). The computerised tele-ECG interpretation had a negative predictive value of 80% for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 94% for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and a positive predictive value of 45% for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 32% for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

WEJU-tECG is a novel population-based tele-ECG registry with high research potential.

Symptom management strategies: Rhythm vs rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation in the Balkan region: Data from the BALKAN-AF survey

BACKGROUND

Symptom-focused management is one of the cornerstones of optimal atrial fibrillation (AF) therapy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of rhythm control and rate control strategy. Second, to identify predictors of the use of amiodarone in patients with rhythm control and of the use of rhythm control strategy in patients with paroxysmal AF in the Balkans.

METHODS

Prospective enrolment of consecutive patients from seven Balkan countries to the BALKAN-AF survey was performed.

RESULTS

Of 2712 enrolled patients, 2522 (93.0%) with complete data were included: 1622 (64.3%) patients were assigned to rate control strategy and 900 (35.7%) to rhythm control. Patients with rhythm control were younger, more often hospitalised for AF and with less comorbidities (all P < .05) than those with rate control. Symptom score [European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)] was not an independent predictor of a rhythm control strategy [odds ratio (OR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.10, P = .945]. The most commonly chosen antiarrhythmic agents were amiodarone (49.7%), followed by propafenone (24.3%).

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of patients in the BALKAN-AF survey received a rhythm control strategy, and these patients tended to be younger with less comorbidities than those managed with rate control. EHRA symptom score is not significantly associated with rhythm control strategy. The most commonly used antiarrhythmic agents were amiodarone, followed by propafenone.

Relation of Antecedent Symptoms to the Likelihood of Detecting Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation With Inserted Cardiac Monitors

Atrial fibrillation (AF) comes to attention clinically during an evaluation of symptoms, an evaluation of its adverse outcomes, or because of incidental detection during a routine examination or electrocardiogram. However, a notable number of additional individuals have AF that has not yet been clinically apparent or suspect-subclinical AF (SCAF). SCAF has been recognized during interrogation of pacemakers and defibrillators. More recently, SCAF has been demonstrated in prospective studies with long-term monitors-both external and implanted. The REVEAL AF trial enrolled a demographically "enriched" population that underwent monitoring for up to 3 years with an insertable cardiac monitor. SCAF was noted in 40% by 30 months. None of these patients had AF known before the study; however, some had nonspecific symptoms common to patients with known AF. The current study assessed whether patients with versus without such symptoms were more likely to have SCAF detected. We found that only palpitations had an association with AF detection when controlling for other baseline symptoms (hazard ratio 1.61 (95% confidence interval 1.12 to 2.32; p = 0.011). No other prescreening symptoms evaluated were associated with an increased likelihood of SCAF detection although patients without detected SCAF had an even higher frequency of symptoms than those with detected SCAF. Thus, REVEAL AF demonstrated that the presence of palpitations is associated with an increased likelihood of SCAF whereas other common symptoms are not; and, symptoms, per se, may more likely be consequent to associated disorders than they are a direct consequence of SCAF.

Symptoms and quality of life in patients with coexistent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are two of the most common atrial arrhythmias and often coexist. Many patients with AF or AFL are symptomatic, which impacts their quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to determine whether coexistent AFL represents an added burden for AF patients.

Methods

We combined baseline data from two large prospective, observational, multicenter cohort studies (BEAT-AF and Swiss-AF). All 3931 patients included in this analysis had documented AF. We obtained information on comorbidities, medication, and lifestyle factors. All participants had a clinical examination and a resting ECG. Symptom burden and QoL at the baseline examination were compared between patients with and without coexistent AFL using multivariable adjusted regression models.

Results

Overall, 809 (20.6%) patients had a history of AFL. Patients with coexistent AFL more often had history of heart failure (28% vs 23%, p = 0.01), coronary artery disease (30% vs 26%, p = 0.007), failed therapy with antiarrhythmic drugs (44% vs 29%, p < 0.001), and more often underwent AF-related interventions (36% vs 17%, p < 0.001). They were more often symptomatic (70% vs 66%, p = 0.04) and effort intolerant (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01-1.28; p = 0.04). Documented AFL on the baseline ECG was associated with more symptoms (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.26-4.20; p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Our data indicates that patients with coexistent AF and AFL are more often symptomatic and report poorer quality of life compared to patients suffering from AF only.

Factors Associated With Large Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Results From ORBIT-AF

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) adversely impacts health-related quality of life (hrQoL). While some patients demonstrate improvements in hrQoL, the factors associated with large improvements in hrQoL are not well described.

METHODS

We assessed factors associated with a 1-year increase in the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life score of 1 SD (≥18 points; 3× clinically important difference), among outpatients in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation I registry.

RESULTS

Overall, 28% (181/636) of patients had such a hrQoL improvement. Compared with patients not showing large hrQoL improvement, they were of similar age (median 73 versus 74, P=0.3), equally likely to be female (44% versus 48%, P=0.3), but more likely to have newly diagnosed AF at baseline (18% versus 8%; P=0.0004), prior antiarrhythmic drug use (52% versus 40%, P=0.005), baseline antiarrhythmic drug use (34.8% versus 26.8%, P=0.045), and more likely to undergo AF-related procedures during follow-up (AF ablation: 6.6% versus 2.0%, P=0.003; cardioversion: 12.2% versus 5.9%, P=0.008). In multivariable analysis, a history of alcohol abuse (adjusted OR, 2.41; P=0.01) and increased baseline diastolic blood pressure (adjusted OR, 1.23 per 10-point increase and >65 mm Hg; P=0.04) were associated with large improvements in hrQoL at 1 year, whereas patients with prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral arterial disease were less likely to improve (P<0.05 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

In this national registry of patients with AF, potentially treatable AF risk factors are associated with large hrQoL improvement, whereas less reversible conditions appeared negatively associated with hrQoL improvement. Understanding which patients are most likely to have large hrQoL improvement may facilitate targeting interventions for high-value care that optimizes patient-reported outcomes in AF. Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01165710.

Development of an international standard set of outcome measures for patients with atrial fibrillation: a report of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) atrial fibrillation working group

AIMS

As health systems around the world increasingly look to measure and improve the value of care that they provide to patients, being able to measure the outcomes that matter most to patients is vital. To support the shift towards value-based health care in atrial fibrillation (AF), the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) assembled an international Working Group (WG) of 30 volunteers, including health professionals and patient representatives to develop a standardized minimum set of outcomes for benchmarking care delivery in clinical settings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using an online-modified Delphi process, outcomes important to patients and health professionals were selected and categorized into (i) long-term consequences of disease outcomes, (ii) complications of treatment outcomes, and (iii) patient-reported outcomes. The WG identified demographic and clinical variables for use as case-mix risk adjusters. These included baseline demographics, comorbidities, cognitive function, date of diagnosis, disease duration, medications prescribed and AF procedures, as well as smoking, body mass index (BMI), alcohol intake, and physical activity. Where appropriate, and for ease of implementation, standardization of outcomes and case-mix variables was achieved using ICD codes. The standard set underwent an open review process in which over 80% of patients surveyed agreed with the outcomes captured by the standard set.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of these consensus recommendations could help institutions to monitor, compare and improve the quality and delivery of chronic AF care. Their consistent definition and collection, using ICD codes where applicable, could also broaden the implementation of more patient-centric clinical outcomes research in AF.

Dronedarone treatment following cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter: A post hoc analysis of the EURIDIS and ADONIS trials

INTRODUCTION

The phase 3 EURIDIS and ADONIS studies evaluated dronedarone for atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL) recurrence in patients with nonpermanent AF. Here we assessed whether patient characteristics and/or treatment outcomes in these studies differed based on the need for cardioversion before randomization.

METHODS

Time to adjudicated first AF/AFL recurrence, symptomatic recurrence, cardiovascular hospitalization/death, and AF hospitalization, and safety were assessed by cardioversion status.

RESULTS

Of 1237 patients randomized (2:1 dronedarone:placebo), 364 required baseline cardioversion (dronedarone 243, placebo 121). Patients requiring cardioversion had a greater prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and shorter times to first AF/AFL recurrence compared with those not requiring cardioversion. Dronedarone was associated with longer median time to first AF/AFL recurrence vs placebo regardless of cardioversion status (cardioversion: 50 vs 15 days, hazard ratio [HR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59-0.97; P = .02; non-cardioversion: 150 vs 77 days, HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.90; P < .01). Dronedarone was similarly associated with prolonged median time to symptomatic recurrence vs placebo in the cardioversion (347 vs 87 days, HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49-0.87) and non-cardioversion (288 vs 120 days, HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.90) populations. Risk of cardiovascular hospitalization/death and first AF hospitalization was lower with dronedarone vs placebo regardless of cardioversion status, but differences were not statistically significant. The safety of dronedarone was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients requiring baseline cardioversion represent a distinct population, having more underlying cardiovascular disease and experiencing a shorter time to AF/AFL recurrences. Dronedarone was associated with improved efficacy vs placebo regardless of cardioversion status.

Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms and Sex, Race, and Psychological Distress: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) symptoms are a major component of treatment decisions for patients with AF and impact quality of life and functional ability yet are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to determine what is known about the prevalence of symptoms and the association of symptoms to AF characteristics, psychological distress, sex, and race.

METHODS

We performed a structured review of AF symptoms as of March 2016 using PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL and reference searches of retrieved articles. Full-text, published, peer-reviewed, English-language articles were examined. Articles were included if they reported original research data on symptom prevalence and type among patients with AF.

RESULTS

The 3 most common symptoms were dyspnea, palpitations, and fatigue. The results suggested that, although AF characteristics are not a significant predictor of symptoms, tachycardia, female sex, race, and psychological distress have a positive association to symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a scarcity of research examining symptoms in AF. Furthermore, the inconsistency in measurement methods and the failure to include diverse populations in AF research make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions from the current literature. Given the prevalence of AF in the United States and the impact of symptoms on quality of life and healthcare use, further research examining predictors of symptoms and interventions to alleviate symptoms is crucial.

Embolic and Other Adverse Outcomes in Symptomatic Versus Asymptomatic Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (from the ORBIT-AF Registry)

Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is being increasingly diagnosed via implantable devices, screening, and inpatient telemetry. Management of asymptomatic AF is controversial, in part, because the associated risks have not been well described. We examined the incidence of major adverse outcomes in patients with asymptomatic versus symptomatic AF using Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial, a nationwide US registry of AF patients. We compared stroke and/or non-central nervous system (CNS) embolism, major adverse cardiovascular and neurologic events, bleeding, and death in 9,319 asymptomatic (defined by European Heart Rhythm Association score = 1 or "no symptoms") versus symptomatic patients. Overall, median (interquartile) age was 75 (67 to 82) years, 3,944 (42%) were women, and 38% versus 37% were asymptomatic based on physician versus patient-reported symptoms. Compared with those with symptoms, physician-defined asymptomatic patients were less likely to be woman (35%/47%) or be on an antiarrhythmic agent (22%/33%), but were more likely to have permanent and/or persistent AF (51%/40%). CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores did not vary by symptom status. After adjustment, risk of first stroke and/or non-CNS embolism (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.63 to 1.16], p = 0.32), major adverse cardiovascular and neurologic events (HR 0.88 [95% CI 0.76 to 1.03], p = 0.11), bleeding (HR 0.85 [95% CI 0.72 to 1.00], p = 0.05), and death (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.87 to 1.13], p = 0.88) were similar in asymptomatic (European Heart Rhythm Association = 1) and symptomatic AF, respectively. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to further define associated adverse events and delineate optimal prophylactic therapies in patients with asymptomatic AF.

Racial Differences in Atrial Fibrillation-Related Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

IMPORTANCE

The adverse outcomes associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been studied in predominantly white cohorts. Racial differences in outcomes associated with AF merit continued investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the race-specific associations of AF with stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease (CHD), and all-cause mortality in a community-based cohort.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study is a prospective, observational cohort. From 1987 through 1989, the ARIC Study enrolled 15 792 men and women and conducted 4 follow-up examinations (2011-2013) with active surveillance for vital status and hospitalizations. Race was determined by self-report and categorized as white, black, or other.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Atrial fibrillation (adjudicated using electrocardiograms, hospital discharge codes, and death certificates), stroke, heart failure, CHD, and mortality.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 15 080 participants (mean [SD] age, 54.2 [5.8] years; 8290 women [55.5%]; 3831 black individuals [25.4%]) were included in this analysis. During a mean (SD) follow-up of 20.6 (6.2) years, there were 2348 cases of incident AF. The incident rates of AF per 1000 person-years were 8.1 (95% CI, 7.7-8.5) in white individuals and 5.8 (95% CI, 5.2-6.3) in black individuals. The rates of stroke, heart failure, CHD, and mortality were higher in black individuals with AF than white individuals with AF. The association of AF with these outcomes, estimated with rate differences (rate of the end point in those with AF minus the rate in those without AF per 1000 person-years), also differed by race. The rate difference for stroke in individuals with AF was 10.2 (95% CI, 6.6-13.9) in white individuals and 21.4 (95% CI, 10.2-32.6) in black individuals. For heart failure and CHD, the rate differences were 1.5- to 2.0-fold higher in black individuals than white individuals. White individuals with AF had a rate difference of 55.9 (95% CI, 48.1-63.7) for mortality compared with black individuals, who had a rate difference of 106.0 (95% CI, 86.0-125.9).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In the prospective ARIC Study, the outcome of AF on the rates of stroke, heart failure, CHD, and mortality was considerably larger in black individuals than white individuals. These results indicate the vulnerability and increased risk in black individuals with AF. Continued investigation of racial differences in AF and its related adverse outcomes are essential to identify and mitigate racial disparities in the treatment of AF.

Impact of the type of centre on management of AF patients: Surprising evidence for differences in antithrombotic therapy decisions

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients may receive treatment from specialists or from general medicine physicians representing different levels of care within a structured health care system. This “choice” is influenced by patient flow within a health care system, patient preference, and individual access to health care resources. We analysed how the postgraduate training and work environment of treating physicians affects management decisions in AF patients. Patient characteristics and treatment decisions were analysed at the time of enrolment into the registry of the German Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET). A total of 9,577 patients were enrolled from 2004 to 2006 in 191 German centres that belonged to the following four levels of care: 13 tertiary care centres (TCC) enrolled 3,795 patients (39.6%), 58 district hospitals (DH) enrolled 2,339 patients (24.4%), 62 office-based cardiologists (OC) enrolled 2,640 patients (27.6%), and 58 general practitioners or internists (GP) enrolled 803 patients (8.4%). Patients with new-onset AF were often treated in DH. TCC treated younger patients who more often presented with paroxysmal AF. Older patients and patients in permanent AF more often received outpatient care. Consistent with recommendations, younger patients and patients with non-permanent AF received rhythm control therapy more often. In addition, the type of centre affected the decision for rhythm control. Stroke risk was similar between centre types (mean CHADS2 scores 1.6 –1.9). TCC (68.8%) and OC (73.6%) administered adequate antithrombotic therapy more often than DH (55.1%) or GP (52.0%, p<0.001 between groups). Upon multivariate analysis, enrolment by TCC or OC was associated with a 1.60 (1.20–2.12, p=0.001) fold chance for adequate antithrombotic treatment. This difference between centre types was consistent irrespective of the type of stroke risk estimation (ESC 2001 guidelines, CHADS2 score), and also consistent when the recently suggested CHA2DS2-VASc score was used to estimate stroke risk. In conclusion, management decisions in AF are influenced by the education and clinical background of treating physicians in Germany. Inpatients receive more rhythm control therapy. Adequate antithrombotic therapy is more often administered in specialist (cardiologist) centres.

Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation and Concordance With the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines: Findings From ORBIT-AF (Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation)

BACKGROUND

It is unclear how frequently patients with atrial fibrillation receive guideline-concordant (GC) care and whether guideline concordance is associated with improved outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using data from ORBIT-AF (Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation), we determined how frequently patients received care that was concordant with 11 recommendations from the 2014 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Rhythm Society atrial fibrillation guidelines pertaining to antithrombotic therapy, rate control, and antiarrhythmic medications. We also analyzed the association between GC care and clinical outcomes at both the patient level and center level. A total of 9570 patients were included. The median age was 75 years (interquartile range, 67-82), and the median CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 4 (interquartile range, 3-5). A total of 5977 patients (62.5%) received care that was concordant with all guideline recommendations for which they were eligible. Rates of GC care were higher in patients treated by providers with greater specialization in arrhythmias (60.0%, 62.4%, and 67.0% for primary care physicians, cardiologists, and electrophysiologists, respectively; P<0.001). During a median of 30 months of follow-up, patients treated with GC care had a higher risk of bleeding hospitalization (hazard ratio=1.21; P=0.021) but a similar risk of death, stroke, major bleeding, and all-cause hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a third of patients with atrial fibrillation in this large outpatient registry received care that differed in some respect from guideline recommendations. There was no apparent association between GC care and improved risk-adjusted outcomes.

Temporal Patterns and Predictors of Rate vs Rhythm Control in Patients Attending a Multidisciplinary Atrial Fibrillation Clinic

BACKGROUND

Contemporary trends in the selection of and persistence with rate vs rhythm control for atrial fibrillation (AF) are not well studied, particularly in the context of multidisciplinary AF clinics.

METHODS

The initial arrhythmia management strategy in 1031 consecutive patients attending a multidisciplinary AF clinic from 2005-2012 was analyzed.

RESULTS

The 397 (38.5%) patients initially treated with rhythm control were younger (57.4 ± 14 years vs 65.6 ± 13 years; P < 0.0001) and more likely to be men (64.5% vs 56.9%; P = 0.019). They also had fewer comorbidities, lower CHADS₂ (Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack) scores, and greater symptom burden. The proportion treated with rhythm control declined from 46.9% in 2005-2006 to 28.4% in 2012 (P for trend < 0.0001). Compared with those initially selecting rate control, patients treated with rhythm control required more frequent clinic encounters (7 [interquartile range {IQR}, 3-12] vs 3 [IQR, 2-7]; P < 0.001) and longer follow-up (266 days [IQR, 84-548 days] vs 99 days [IQR, 0-313 days]; P < 0.001). Younger age, absence of diabetes and sleep apnea, earlier treatment year, higher symptom burden, and rural residence were independently associated with rhythm control. Persistence with the initial treatment strategy was reduced in the rhythm-control group (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of rhythm control as the initial arrhythmia management strategy for AF in a specialty AF clinic is declining. Rhythm control requires more intensive follow-up and was more likely to lead to a change in arrhythmia management strategy.

Time Trends of Aspirin and Warfarin Use on Stroke and Bleeding Events in Chinese Patients With New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Much of the clinical epidemiology and treatment patterns for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are derived from Western populations. Limited data are available on antithrombotic therapy use over time and its impact on the stroke or bleeding events in newly diagnosed Chinese patients with AF. The present study investigates time trends in warfarin and aspirin use in China in relation to stroke and bleeding events in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We used a medical insurance database involving > 10 million individuals for the years 2001 to 2012 in Yunnan, a southwestern province of China, and performed time-trend analysis on those with newly diagnosed AF. Cox proportional hazards time-varying exposures were used to determine the risk of stroke or bleeding events associated with antithrombotic therapy among patients with AF.

RESULTS

Among the randomly sampled 471,446 participants, there were 1,237 patients with AF, including 921 newly diagnosed with AF, thus providing 4,859 person-years of experience (62% men; mean attained age, 70 years). The overall rate of antithrombotic therapy was 37.7% (347 of 921 patients), with 4.1% (38 of 921) on warfarin and 32.3% (298 of 921) on aspirin. Antithrombotic therapy was not related to stroke/bleeding risk scores (CHADS2 [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes, stroke (doubled)] score, P = .522; CHA2DS2-VASc [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years (doubled), diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack (doubled), vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, and female sex] score, P = .957; HAS-BLED [hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly (> 65 years), drugs/alcohol concomitantly] score, P = .095). The use of antithrombotic drugs (mainly aspirin) increased in both women and men over time, with the rate of aspirin increasing from 4.0% in 2007 to 46.1% in 2012 in the former, and from 7.7% in 2007 to 61.9% in 2012 in the latter (P for trend for both, < .005). In the overall cohort, the annual stroke rate was approximately 6% and the annual major bleeding rate was about 1%. Compared with nonantithrombotic therapy, the hazard ratio for ischemic stroke was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.39-1.18) for aspirin and 1.39 (0.54-3.59) for warfarin.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspirin use increased among Chinese patients newly diagnosed with AF, with no relationship to the patient's stroke or bleeding risk. Warfarin use was very low. Given the health-care burden of AF and its complications, our study has major implications for health-care systems in non-Western countries, given the global burden of this common arrhythmia.

The HARMONY Trial: Combined Ranolazine and Dronedarone in the Management of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Synergism

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) requires arrhythmogenic changes in atrial ion channels/receptors and usually altered atrial structure. AF is commonly treated with antiarrhythmic drugs; the most effective block many ion channels/receptors. Modest efficacy, intolerance, and safety concerns limit current antiarrhythmic drugs. We hypothesized that combining agents with multiple anti-AF mechanisms at reduced individual drug doses might produce synergistic efficacy plus better tolerance/safety.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HARMONY tested midrange ranolazine (750 mg BID) combined with 2 reduced dronedarone doses (150 mg BID and 225 mg BID; chosen to reduce dronedarone's negative inotropic effect-see text below) over 12 weeks in 134 patients with paroxysmal AF and implanted pacemakers where AF burden (AFB) could be continuously assessed. Patients were randomized double-blind to placebo, ranolazine alone (750 mg BID), dronedarone alone (225 mg BID), or one of the combinations. Neither placebo nor either drugs alone significantly reduced AFB. Conversely, ranolazine 750 mg BID/dronedarone 225 mg BID reduced AFB by 59% versus placebo (P=0.008), whereas ranolazine 750 mg BID/dronedarone 150 mg BID reduced AFB by 43% (P=0.072). Both combinations were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

HARMONY showed synergistic AFB reduction by moderate dose ranolazine plus reduced dose dronedarone, with good tolerance/safety, in the population enrolled.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01522651.

Antiarrhythmic strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation managed by cardiologists and internists: Antithrombotic Agents in Atrial Fibrillation (ATA-AF) survey

AIMS

To provide insights on the antiarrhythmic management of atrial fibrillation among patients enrolled in the Antithrombotic Agents in Atrial Fibrillation (ATA-AF) study, and to assess the adherence of the Italian cardiologists and internists to guidelines recommendations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ATA-AF study is a multicenter, observational study with prospective data collection on the management and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. From March to July 2010, 6910 patients with atrial fibrillation were recruited in 164 Italian Cardiology (Card) and 196 Internal Medicine (IMed) centers. Permanent atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in 50.8%, persistent atrial fibrillation in 24.4%, paroxysmal in 15.5%, and first-detected atrial fibrillation in 9.3% of the patients. Rhythm control (rhyC) strategy was pursued in 27.5% (39.6% Card vs. 12.9% IMed; P < 0.0001) and rate control (raC) in 51.4% (43.7% Card vs. 60.7% IMed; P < 0.0001); in 21.1% the antiarrhythmic strategy was not defined. Patients assigned to rhyC were younger and with less comorbidities than those assigned to raC. Adjusted multivariable analysis showed that atrial fibrillation type, setting of management, age and site of patient discharge were the most important independent predictors of rhyC assignment. The severity of atrial fibrillation-related symptoms was not associated with rhyC assignment. At discharge, beta-blockers, amiodarone and class 1c antiarrhythmic drugs were the drugs mainly used in the Card centers; and beta-blockers, digitalis, amiodarone and diltiazem/verapamil were used in the IMed centers. Amiodarone was overused in both Card and IMed centers.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, rhyC was the strategy mainly pursued by cardiologists and raC by internists; treatment strategy assignment and antiarrhythmic therapy often do not agree with the guideline recommendations.

Antiarrhythmic drug use in patients <65 years with atrial fibrillation and without structural heart disease

Little is known in clinical practice about antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) (particularly younger ones) who do not have structural heart disease. Using the MarketScan database, we identified patients <65 years without known coronary artery disease or heart failure who had an AAD prescription claim (class Ic drug, amiodarone, sotalol, or dronedarone) after their first AF encounter. A multinomial logistic regression model was created to assess factors associated with using each available AAD compared with using class Ic drugs before and after dronedarone was marketed in the United States. Additionally, we used the Kaplan-Meier method to determine the rates of change in AAD use and discontinuation during the year after AAD initiation. Of 8,562 patients with AF, 35% received class Ic drugs, 34% amiodarone, 24% sotalol, and 7% dronedarone. The median patient age was 56 (interquartile range 49 to 61), and 34% were women. Both before and after dronedarone was marketed, there was a statistically significant lower likelihood of class Ic drug use versus other AAD use with increasing age, inpatient index AF encounter, and previous or concomitant anticoagulation therapy. During the 1 year after AAD initiation, the AAD change rate was 14% for class Ic drugs, 8% for amiodarone, 17% for sotalol, and 18% for dronedarone (p <0.001); the AAD discontinuation rate was 40% for class Ic drugs, 52% for amiodarone, 40% for sotalol, and 69% for dronedarone (p <0.001). In conclusion, we found extensive use of amiodarone that may be inconsistent with guideline recommendations and unexpectedly high rates of AAD discontinuation.

Evaluation of practice patterns in the treatment of atrial fibrillation among the commercially insured

OBJECTIVE

The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) involves two choices: (1) rate control versus rhythm control, and (2) anticoagulation treatment based upon risk of stroke. The objective of the study was to describe practice patterns in both of these treatment areas in patients with newly diagnosed AF among a commercially insured population.

METHODS

This retrospective administrative claims analysis included patients with ≥2 AF claims between 1 January 2008 and 30 September 2010. Patients with AF claims within a year prior to the index date (i.e., the first AF diagnosis date) were excluded. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients treated with rate control (i.e., beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin) versus rhythm control (i.e., electrical cardioversion, left atrial catheter ablation [LACA], and/or surgical ablation) and the use of anticoagulants stratified by risk of stroke based on CHADS2 score.

RESULTS

Of 48,814 patients with a diagnosis of AF, 38,502 (78.9%) received treatment. Of those treated, the majority received only pharmacologic treatment (73.4%), of which beta blockers were predominantly used in the initial regimen (66.7%). Antiarrhythmic drugs were used in 23.9% of patients, but within the initial regimen in only 11.7% of patients. Direct current cardioversion occurred in 18.2% of patients, with the majority being either first-line (8.5%) or second-line (9.1%) therapy. LACA was used in only 5.2% of patients and was typically reserved for use after pharmacologic treatment or direct current cardioversion. Of 1924 patients who received LACA, 14.6% received a repeat procedure and 53.4% of the repeat procedures occurred within 6 months of the initial one. A little more than half of all patients (57.0%) received anticoagulant therapy (predominantly warfarin); of those at high risk for stroke, 63.8% with a CHADS2 score ≥2 received anticoagulants.

KEY LIMITATIONS

It is a retrospective analysis using administrative claims data from a commercially insured population only. Identification of the first episode of AF may be inaccurate, and we cannot differentiate between paroxysmal and persistent AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Debate continues regarding whether the preferred management of most patients with AF is through rate control or restoration of normal sinus rhythm. Our retrospective study found that treatments to restore normal heart rhythm, including LACA, which could be considered aggressive initial treatment, were typically reserved as second- or third-line alternatives. Initial standard of care for the majority patients was beta blockers. Though use of anticoagulation may be higher than other observational studies, opportunities exist to increase treatment in high risk patients.

Get With The Guidelines AFIB

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It is a cause of stroke, heart failure, and death. Guideline-based treatment can improve outcomes in AF. Unfortunately, adherence to these guidelines is low. Get With The Guidelines is a hospital-based performance initiative, which has been shown to improve adherence over time. Get With The Guidelines-AFIB is a novel quality improvement registry designed to improve adherence to AF guidelines.

Methods and Results—

Hospitals will be recruited by regional American Heart Association staff and key stakeholders. Inpatients or observed patients with AF or atrial flutter will be enrolled. Data collected will include demographic, medical history, and clinical characteristics including laboratory values and treatments. Decision support will guide adherence to achievement and quality measures designed to improve adherence to anticoagulation, heart rate control, safe antiarrhythmic drug use, and patient education and follow-up. Increased adherence to guidelines will be facilitated using rapid-cycle quality improvement, site-specific reporting including national and regional benchmarks and hospital recognition for achievement. Primary analyses will include adherence to American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology performance measures and guidelines. Secondary analyses will include processes of care, risk stratification, treatment of special conditions or populations and use of particular treatment techniques.

Conclusions—

AF is common clinical problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Get With The Guidelines-AFIB is a national hospital-based AF quality improvement program designed to increase adherence to evidence-based guidelines for AF.

Use Of Rate And Rhythm Control Drugs In Patients Younger Than 65 Years With Atrial Fibrillation

Little is known about the use of pharmacologic rhythm or rate control in younger atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in clinical practice. Using commercial health data from 2006 through 2010, patients aged <65 years with an initial AF encounter were categorized as receiving pharmacologic rhythm- or rate-control treatment. Factors associated with each treatment were determined. Cox models with inverse propensity-weighted estimators were used to compare times to AF, heart failure, cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, and any-cause hospitalizations. Of 79,232 patients meeting the study criteria, 12,408 (16%) received a rhythm-control drug and 66,824 (84%) received only rate-controlling drugs. Only 2% and 0.1%, respectively, received electrical cardioversion and AF ablation during the initial AF encounter. Patients who were men (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.15), had index encounters in later years (2010 versus 2006: OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.23-1.45), were in the southern United States, and had other cardiac comorbidities were more likely to receive a rhythm-control drug. There was a greater risk of AF (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.31-1.50), cardiovascular (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20-1.33), and all-cause (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07-1.16) hospitalizations in the rhythm-control group, but there was no difference between groups in heart failure (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.88-1.17) or non-cardiovascular (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.99-1.09) hospitalizations. Among younger AF patients receiving initial pharmacologic treatment, antiarrhythmic drugs were used less frequently than only rate-controlling drugs, and were associated with a higher risk of subsequent hospitalization.

Management and 1-Year Outcomes of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in the Middle East

We describe management and outcomes of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Middle East. Consecutive patients with AF presenting to emergency departments (EDs) were prospectively enrolled. Among 1721 patients with nonvalvular AF, mean age was 59 ± 16 years and 44% were women. Comorbidities were common such as hypertension (59%), diabetes (33%), and coronary artery disease (33%). Warfarin was not prescribed to 40% of patients with Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes mellitus, Stroke/TIA2 score of ≥2. One-year rates of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and all-cause mortality were 4.2% and 15.3%, respectively. Warfarin use at hospital–ED discharge was independently associated with lower 1-year rate of stroke/TIA (odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.85; P = .015) and all-cause mortality (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32-0.83; P = .006). Prior history of heart failure and peripheral vascular disease was independent mortality predictors. Our patients are relatively young with significant cardiovascular risk. Their anticoagulation treatment is suboptimal, and 1-year all-cause mortality and stroke/TIA event rates are relatively high.

Adherence to guideline recommendations for antiarrhythmic drugs in atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) guideline recommendations for antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are based on the effectiveness and safety of the AAD in patients with selected, concomitant heart disease. It is unknown to what extent these recommendations are being implemented in clinical practice.

METHODS

Using commercial health claims, patients with AF were identified and then categorized into mutually exclusive, guideline-established subgroups based on their most serious concurrent heart disease: heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and no heart disease. Antiarrhythmic drug use after the first AF encounter and the identified concurrent heart disease encounter was determined from prescription claims, and this was compared with guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

From January 2006 through December 2010, a total of 331,274 patients with AF aged < 65 years were identified: 18%, heart failure; 23%, CAD; 33%, hypertension; and 25%, no heart disease. Of these, 78,877 (24%) patients filled ≥ 1 qualifying AAD prescription. The median age was 57 years (interquartile range 52-61), and 69% were male. A total of 74,191 patients had AADs after both the AF and concurrent heart disease encounters: 27% with heart failure, 25% with CAD, 21% with hypertension, and 19% with no heart disease. In the heart failure and CAD subgroups, 45% and 31% of AADs were inconsistent with first- or second-line guideline recommendations, respectively.

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of the AADs used in patients with AF and CAD or heart failure did not conform to guideline recommendations. This highlights the potential need for increased clinician education and intervention to improve the safe use of AADs for AF management.

[The management of atrial fibrillation and characteristics of its current care in outpatients. AFABE observational study]

AIM

To provide insights into the characteristics and management of outpatients when their atrial fibrillation (AF) was first detected: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in the context of the public health system.

DESIGN

AFABE is an observational, multicentre descriptive study with retrospective data collection relating to the practice patterns, management and initial strategies of treatment of patients with diagnosed AF in the context of primary care, emergency and cardiologists of the public health system.

SETTING

Primary and Specialist care. Baix Ebre region. Tarragona. Spain.

SUBJECTS

A representative sample of 182 subjects > 60-year-old with AF who have been randomized, recruited among the registered patients with AF in 22 primary care centres in the area of the study.

MESUREMENTS

Demographic data, comorbidities (AF), CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS_BLED scores, and practice patterns results between Primary Care and referral services.

RESULTS

A total of 182 patients were included (mean age 78.5 SD:7.3 years; 50% women). Most patients (68.3% 95%CI; 60.3-76.3) had the first contact in Primary Care, of which 56.3% (95%CI; 45.2-66.0) were sent to Hospital Emergency Department where 72.7% (95%CI: 63.5-79.0) of the oral anticoagulation and 58.4% (95%CI: 49.4-66.9) of antiarrhytmic treatments were started. More than half (55.9%:95%CI; 47.2-64.7, of patients with permanent AF were followed-up by the Cardiology department.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with newly diagnosed AF made a first contact with Primary Care, but around half were sent to Hospital Emergency departments, where they were treated with an antiarrhythmic and/or oral anticoagulation.

Provider specialty and atrial fibrillation treatment strategies in United States community practice: findings from the ORBIT-AF registry

Background

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to increase; however, there are limited data describing the division of care among practitioners in the community and whether care differs depending on provider specialty.

Methods and Results

Using the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of AF (ORBIT‐AF) Registry, we described patient characteristics and AF management strategies in ambulatory clinic practice settings, including electrophysiology (EP), general cardiology, and primary care. A total of 10 097 patients were included; of these, 1544 (15.3%) were cared for by an EP provider, 6584 (65.2%) by a cardiology provider, and 1969 (19.5%) by an internal medicine/primary care provider. Compared with those patients who were cared for by cardiologists or internal medicine/primary care providers, patients cared for by EP providers were younger (median age, 73 years [interquartile range, IQR, 64, 80 years, Q1, Q3] versus 75 years [IQR, 67, 82 years] for cardiology and versus 76 years [IQR, 68, 82 years] for primary care). Compared with cardiology and internal medicine/primary care providers, EP providers used rhythm control (versus rate control) management more often (44.2% versus 29.7% and 28.8%, respectively, P<0.0001; adjusted odds ratio [OR] EP versus cardiology, 1.66 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.05 to 2.61]; adjusted OR for internal medicine/primary care versus cardiology, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.65 to 1.26]). Use of oral anticoagulant therapy was high across all providers, although it was higher for cardiology and EP providers (overall, 76.1%; P=0.02 for difference between groups).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate important differences between provider specialties, the demographics of the AF patient population treated, and treatment strategies—particularly for rhythm control and anticoagulation therapy.

Rate versus rhythm control for management of atrial fibrillation in clinical practice: results from the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (ORBIT-AF) registry

BACKGROUND

All patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) require optimization of their ventricular rate. Factors leading to use of additional rhythm control in clinical practice have not been thoroughly defined.

METHODS

The ORBIT-AF registry enrolled patients with AF from a broad range of practice settings and collected data on rate versus rhythm control, as indicated by the treating physician. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with each strategy.

RESULTS

Of 10,061 patients enrolled, 6,859 (68%) were managed with rate only control versus 3,202 (32%) with rhythm control. Patients managed with rate control were significantly older and more likely to have hypertension, heart failure, prior stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeds. They also had fewer AF-related symptoms (41% with no symptoms vs 31% for rhythm control). Systemic anticoagulation was prescribed for 5,448 (79%) rate-control patients versus 2,219 (69%) rhythm-control patients (P < .0001). After multivariable adjustment, patients with higher symptom scores (severe symptoms vs. none, OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.41-1.87) and those referred to electrophysiologists (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.45-1.85) were more likely to be managed with a rhythm control strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this outpatient registry of US clinical practice, the majority of patients with AF were managed with rate control alone. Patients with more symptoms and who were treated by an electrophysiologist were more likely to receive rhythm-control therapies. A significant proportion of AF patients, regardless of treatment strategy, were not treated with anticoagulation for thromboembolism prophylaxis.

Frequency, patient characteristics, treatment strategies, and resource usage of atrial fibrillation (from the Italian Survey of Atrial Fibrillation Management [ISAF] study)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is 1 of the most important healthcare issues and an important cause of healthcare expenditure. AF care requires specific arrhythmologic skills and complex treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to know its real affect on healthcare systems to allocate resources and detect areas for improving the standards of care. The present nationwide, retrospective, observational study involved 233 general practitioners. Each general practitioner completed an electronic questionnaire to provide information on the clinical profile, treatment strategies, and resources consumed to care for their patients with AF. Of the 295,906 patients screened, representative of the Italian population, 6,036 (2.04%) had AF: 20.2% paroxysmal, 24.3% persistent, and 55.5% permanent AF. AF occurred in 0.16% of patients aged 16 to 50 years, 9.0% of those aged 76 to 85 years, and 10.7% of those aged ≥85 years. AF was symptomatic despite therapy in 74.6% of patients and was associated with heart disease in 75%. Among the patients with AF, 24.8% had heart failure, 26.8% renal failure, 18% stroke/transient ischemic attack, and 29.3% had ≥3 co-morbidities. The rate control treatment strategy was pursued in 55%. Of the 6,036 patients with AF, 46% received anticoagulants. The success rate of catheter ablation of the AF substrate was 50%. In conclusion, in our study, the frequency of AF was 2 times greater than previously reported (approximately 0.90%), rate control was the most pursued treatment strategy, anticoagulants were still underused, and the success rate of AF ablation was lower than reported by referral centers.

Effects of pharmacologic therapy on health-related quality of life in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized trials

This systematic review assessed the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) and pharmacotherapy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly patients. Highly prevalent in the elderly, AF is associated with morbidity and symptoms affecting HRQOL. A PubMed and EMBASE search (1999–2010) was conducted using the terms atrial fibrillation, elderly, quality of life, Medicare, and Medicaid. In all, 504 articles were identified and 15 were selected (studies examining pharmacotherapy [rate or rhythm control] and HRQOL in AF patients with a mean age ≥ 65 years). Information, including study design, cohort size, and HRQOL instruments utilized, was extracted. Five observational studies, 5 randomized trials comparing rate and rhythm control, 3 randomized trials investigating pharmacologic agents, and 2 trials examining HRQOL, depression, and anxiety were identified. Elderly AF patients had reduced HRQOL versus patients in normal sinus rhythm, particularly in domains related to physical functioning. HRQOL may be particularly affected in older AF patients. Although data do not indicate whether a pharmacologic intervention or single treatment strategy—namely rate versus rhythm control—is better at improving HRQOL, either of these strategies and many pharmacologic interventions may improve HRQOL in elderly AF patients. Based on reviewed data, an algorithm is suggested to optimize HRQOL among elderly patients.

Burden of comorbidities among patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective:

This study examined comorbidity prevalence and general medication use among individuals with atrial fibrillation in the United States to convey a more comprehensive picture of their total disease burden.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, observational evaluation of responses to the 2009 wave of the annual Internet-based National Health and Wellness survey, which collects health data including epidemiologic data and information on medical treatment from a representative nationwide sample of adults in the United States. Responses were assessed to determine three measures of comorbidity: mean number of comorbidities, CHADS2 score reflecting stroke risk (0–6 points; low risk: 0; moderate risk: 1; high risk: ≥2), and scores on the Charlson Comorbidity Index, which is a measure of general comorbidity reflecting presence of a wide range of comorbidities.

Results:

Of the overall sample, 1297 participants reported having been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Almost all (98%) of the predominantly male (65.1%) and older (≥65 years of age, 65.7%) population with atrial fibrillation had at least one additional comorbidity, and 90% had cardiovascular comorbidities. On the Charlson Comorbidity Index, 44.9% of the respondents had scores of 1–2 and 20.5% had scores of 3 or higher. High risk for stroke, demonstrated by a CHADS2 score of at least 2, was present in 45% and moderate risk (CHADS2 score 1) in 36%. Of the respondents with atrial fibrillation, 71% reported current use of medication to manage the condition, but only 48% of individuals at high risk for stroke reported use of anticoagulation therapy. Of those who reported having common risk factors for stroke, the majority reported receiving prescription therapy for these conditions.

Conclusions:

The health burden carried by patients often extends far beyond atrial fibrillation. Physicians should carefully consider comorbidities and concomitant medications when managing patients with atrial fibrillation.

Prospective observational studies of the management and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major global public health problem. Observational studies are necessary to understand patient characteristics, management, and outcomes of this common arrhythmia. Accordingly, our objective was to describe the current status of published prospective observational studies of AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MEDLINE and EMBASE (to June 2012) and reference lists of eligible studies were searched for English-language prospective observational registries of AF (n ⩾ 100 and follow-up ⩾6 months). Two reviewers independently extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Eight prospective studies enrolled a total of 17,924 patients with AF (total 41,306 patient-years of exposure; follow-up 11 months to 9.9 years). The majority of subjects were enrolled in Europe (74%) or North America (21%), and 0.3% had rheumatic AF. The most consistently reported comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (range 5-18%), hypertension (39-68%), heart failure (5-58%), and prior stroke (4-17%). Three studies did not report all the variables necessary to calculate the currently recommended stroke risk assessment score, and no study reported all the variables required to calculate a recently validated bleeding risk score. The most consistently reported management features were oral anticoagulation (32-64%) and aspirin (28-61%) use. Calcium channel blockers were less frequently used than other rate controlling agents, and digoxin was most common in the single study from Africa (63%). Total mortality was reported in all studies, while data on stroke/systemic embolism, hospitalizations, and major hemorrhage rates were not always reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Current literature on real-world management of AF is relatively limited with inadequate data to allow detailed comparisons among reports. Data on rheumatic AF and from Africa and the developing world in general are sparse.

Do the benefits of anti-arrhythmic drugs outweigh the associated risks? A tale of treatment goals in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder and places a substantial burden on the US healthcare system. Unfortunately, there is no consensus as to whether patients should be treated with a primary rate- or rhythm-control strategy. The use of anti-arrhythmic drugs in the treatment of AF is discussed in the broader context of AF disease-management strategies with a focus on rhythm control. Outside of rhythm/ECG, AF treatment targets and cardiovascular outcomes are highlighted.

The Concept of "Burden" in Atrial Fibrillation

Over the last decade or so the term "burden" has become frequently encountered in manuscripts discussing atrial fibrillation (AF). AF "burden" is perhaps most commonly encountered in the electrophysiological context - the amount of time the patient is in AF out of the total monitored time (i.e., the percent of time one is in AF). However, "burden" in AF may also be used in other contexts, which we characterize below as "disease burden", "clinical burden," "economic burden." Over the course of the disease progression and its therapy, such "burdens" may change, and may do so in parallel with each other or in opposite directions. This manuscript explores these various concepts of AF "burden" so as to emphasize to authors and readers that when using the term, its meaning must be made clear.

Trends in utilization of management strategies for newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients in the United States: 1999 to 2008

OBJECTIVE

To describe the trend in atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment strategies in newly diagnosed AF patients between 1999 and 2008.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective cohort study of commercial health plans claims data. Newly diagnosed adult AF patients with ≥1 claim for an AF-related intervention within 12 months of diagnosis were identified. Based on initial treatment, patients were classified into pharmacotherapy or nonpharmacotherapy groups. Pharmacotherapy group was subcategorized into rate-control or rhythm-control groups. Linear regression to assess linear trend and multinomial logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with treatment choice were conducted.

RESULTS

Three thousand ninety-four newly diagnosed AF patients were identified. Eighty percent of these patients were initiated on pharmacotherapy with the majority (84%) receiving rate-control medications only. Relative distribution of the 3 treatment groups remained similar over the study period. However, within the rate-control group, the use of beta blockers increased significantly (P < .001). Treatment with nonpharmacotherapy over rate-control medications was higher in males but lower in patients aged ≥80 (relative risk ratio [RRR]: 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-2.20 and RRR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30-0.77, respectively). Having stroke and congestive heart failure significantly affected the treatment choice between nonpharmacotherapy and rate-control medications.

CONCLUSION

Medication therapy, especially rate-control strategies, remains the preferred initial therapy of choice.

Trends in US hospitalization rates and rhythm control therapies following publication of the AFFIRM and RACE trials

INTRODUCTION

The impact of trials comparing rate versus rhythm control for AF on subsequent use of rhythm control therapies and hospitalizations at a national level has not been described.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We queried the Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project on the frequency of hospital admissions and performance of specific rhythm control procedures from 1998-2006. We analyzed trends in hospitalization for AF as principal diagnosis before and after the publication of key rate versus rhythm trials in 2002. We also reviewed the use of electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation as principal procedures during hospital admissions for any cause and for AF as principal diagnosis. We additionally appraised the overall outpatient utilization of antiarrhythmic drugs during this same time frame using IMS Health's National Prescription Audit.™ Admissions for AF as a principal diagnosis increased at 5%/year from 1998-2002. Following publication of the AFFIRM and RACE trials in 2002, admissions declined by 2%/year from 2002-2004, before rising again from 2004-2006. In-hospital electrical cardioversion followed a similar pattern. National prescription volumes for antiarrhythmic drugs grew at <1% per year from 2002 to 2006, with a marked decline in the use of class I-A agents, while catheter ablations during admissions for AF as the principal diagnosis increased at 30% per year.

CONCLUSION

The use of rhythm control therapies in the US declined significantly in the first few years after publication of AFFIRM and RACE. This trend reversed by 2005, at which time rapid growth in the use of catheter ablation for AF was observed.

Warfarin and aspirin use in atrial fibrillation among practicing cardiologist (from the AFFECTS Registry)

Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the risk of thromboembolism is a significant concern. However, the reported use of warfarin among patients with AF at elevated risk of stroke remains low. In the present study, we have provided information on anticoagulation use reported during the recent Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Effective Clinical Treatment Strategies (AFFECTS) Registry. Among patients identified by their physician at baseline to be at an increased risk of stroke, as determined from an assessment of the medical history, 74% received warfarin and 29% received aspirin. Post hoc analysis of warfarin use stratified by Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke, (CHADS(2)) doubled score revealed that at the end of the study, warfarin use was 73% (155 of 213) and 66% (185 of 280) in the rate- and rhythm-control patients with a score of > or = 2, respectively, compared to 60% (183 of 306) and 49% (322 of 662) in the rate- and rhythm-control patients with a score of <2, respectively. The practicing cardiologists who participated in this registry initiated anticoagulation therapy in most of their patients with AF. However, warfarin use is not yet in line with the guidelines and evidence-based recommendations. Patients considered at no risk of stroke appear to have been overprescribed anticoagulant agents, and a considerable portion of high-risk patients did not receive warfarin. In conclusion, these results suggest that continued physician education of appropriate anticoagulation use in patients with AF is needed.