Racial Differences in the Prevalence and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure

A non-invasive nomogram for predicting heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in taiwanese outpatients with unexplained dyspnea and fatigue

BACKGROUND

While Reddy proposed the H2FPEF diagnostic algorithm to aid in diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), certain parameters like age and obesity are not suitable for Asian population, especially given the increasing incidence of HFpEF in younger individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an easy-to-use nomogram with non-invasive indices that can be used in outpatient clinics in Taiwan to quickly estimate the probability of HFpEF and help decide whether further invasive cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is needed.

METHODS

Outpatients with unexplained dyspnea and fatigue were recruited divided into HFpEF (n = 64) and non-HFpEF (n = 34) groups based on invasive CPET and echocardiography. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent noninvasive variables for developing an HFpEF nomogram. The nomogram's performance was assessed and validated using the concordance index (C-index), area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified five independent noninvasive variables for developing an HFpEF nomogram, including dyslipidemia (OR = 5.264, p = 0.010), diabetes (OR = 3.929, p = 0.050), left atrial area (OR = 1.130, p = 0.046), hemoglobin <13 g/dL (OR = 5.372, p = 0.010), and NT-proBNP ≥245 pg/mL (OR = 5.108, p = 0.027). The nomogram showed good discriminatory ability (C-index = 0.842) and calibration performance (p = 0.873) and high net benefit (0.1-0.95). Notably, the HFpEF nomogram showed better diagnostic accuracy than the H2FPEF score model in predicting Taiwanese HFpEF patients (AUC: 0.873 vs. 0.608, p = 0.0006).

CONCLUSION

The noninvasive HFpEF nomogram provides a preliminary estimation of the probability of HFpEF in Taiwanese outpatients with unexplained dyspnea and fatigue, which may help the decision-making on further invasive CPET.

Gender and race-related disparities in the management of ventricular arrhythmias

Modern studies have revealed gender and race-related disparities in the management and outcomes of cardiac arrhythmias, but few studies have focused on outcomes for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). The aim of this article is to review relevant studies and identify outcome differences in the management of VA among Black and female patients. We found that female patients typically present younger for VA, are more likely to have recurrent VA after catheter ablation, are less likely to be prescribed antiarrhythmic medication, and are less likely to receive primary prevention ICD placement as compared to male patients. Additionally, female patients appear to derive similar overall mortality benefit from primary prevention ICD placement as compared to male patients, but they may have an increased risk of acute post-procedural complications. We also found that Black patients presenting with VA are less likely to undergo catheter ablation, receive appropriate primary prevention ICD placement, and have significantly higher risk-adjusted 1-year mortality rates after hospital discharge as compared to White patients. Black female patients appear to have the worst outcomes out of any demographic subgroup.

Race and Ethnic and Sex Differences in Rhythm Control Treatment of Incident Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Timely management and treatment is critical in alleviating AF disease burden. Variation in treatment by race and ethnic and sex could lead to inequities in health outcomes.

Objective

To identify racial and ethnic and sex differences in rhythm treatment for patients with incident AF.

Methods

Using 2010-2019 Optum Clinformatics database, an administrative claims data for commercially insured patients in the United States (US), incident AF patients ≥20 years old who were continuously enrolled 12-months pre- and post-index diagnosis were identified. Rhythm control treatment (ablation, antiarrhythmic drugs [AAD], and cardioversion) for AF were compared by patient race and ethnicity (Asian, Hispanic, Black vs White) and sex (female vs male). Multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of race and ethnicity and sex with rhythm control AF treatment.

Results

A total of 77,932 patients were identified with incident AF. Black and Hispanic female patients had the highest CHA2DS2VASc scores (4.3 ± 1.8) and Elixhauser scores (4.1 ± 2.8 and 4.0 ± 6.7), respectively. Black males were less likely to receive AAD treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.96) or ablation (aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58-0.90). Compared to White males, all groups had lower likelihood of receiving cardioversion with Asian females having the lowest [aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, (0.37-0.63)].

Conclusion

Black patients were less likely to receive pharmacologic and procedural rhythm control therapies. Further research is needed to understand the drivers of undertreatment among racial and ethnic groups and females with AF.

Racial/ethnic and sex differences in safety outcomes and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter-related acute healthcare utilization after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background

Catheter ablation is recommended for the treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) refractory to medical therapy.

Objective

The study sought to examine racial/ethnic and sex differences in complications and AF/atrial flutter (AFL)-related acute healthcare utilization following catheter ablation for AF.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Standard Analytical Files (October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2019) among patients ≥65 years of age with AF who underwent catheter ablation for rhythm control. The risk of any complication within 30 days and AF/AFL-related acute healthcare utilization within 1 year of ablation by race, ethnicity, and sex were assessed using multivariable Cox regression modeling.

Results

We identified 95,394 patients for analysis of postablation complications and 68,408 patients for analysis of AF/AFL-related acute healthcare utilization. Both cohorts were ∼95% White and 52% male. Female patients had a slightly elevated risk of complications compared with male patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.12). Black (aHR 0.78, 95% CI 0.77-1.00) and Asian (aHR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.89) patients had lower utilization compared with White patients. Specifically, Asian men (aHR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.91) had lower utilization compared with White men.

Conclusion

Differences in safety and healthcare utilization after catheter ablation for AF were observed by race/ethnicity and sex groups. Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups with AF had a lower risk of AF/AFL-related acute healthcare utilization postablation.

Racial Disparity in Referral for Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation at a Single Integrated Health System

Background Guidelines recommend catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFCA) as an option for rhythm control. Studies have shown that Black patients are less likely to undergo AFCA compared with White patients. We investigated whether differences in referral patterns play a role in this observed disparity. Methods and Results Using an integrated repository from the electronic medical record at Northwestern Medicine, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of outpatients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. Baseline characteristics by race and ethnicity were compared. Logistic regression models adjusted for socioeconomic and health factors were constructed to determine the association between race and ethnicity and binary dependent variables including referrals and visits to general cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology (EP) and AFCA. Of 5445 patients analyzed, 4652 were non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 793 were non-Hispanic Black (NHB). In adjusted models, NHB patients initially diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in internal medicine and primary care had a significantly greater odds of referral to general cardiology; among all patients in the cohort, there was no significant difference in the odds of referral to EP between NHB and NHW patients; and there were no differences in the odds of completing a visit in general cardiology or EP. Among patients completing an EP visit, NHB patients were less likely to undergo AFCA (odds ratio, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.40-0.98], P=0.040). Conclusions Similar referral rates to general cardiology and EP were observed between NHB and NHW patients. Despite this, NHB patients were less likely to undergo AFCA.

Healthcare utilization and costs associated with a diagnosis of incident atrial fibrillation

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder among adults and leads to substantial morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to provide current estimates on the incremental healthcare utilization and cost burden associated with incident AF diagnosis in the United States.

Methods

Adults with an incident diagnosis of AF (2017–2020) were identified using the Optum Clinformatics database. Propensity matching was employed to match patients with incident AF to a comparator group of non-AF patients on several demographic and clinical characteristics. Outcomes including 12-month all-cause and cardiovascular (CV)-related healthcare utilization, as well as the medical cost associated with health services use, were assessed. Logistic and general linear models were used to examine study outcomes. Sub-analyses were performed to determine the incremental AF burden by specific sex and racial/ethnic categories.

Results

A total of 79,621 patients were identified in each cohort (AF and non-AF). As compared to the non-AF cohort, patients with AF had significantly higher all-cause inpatient visits (relative risk [RR] 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76–1.78), CV-related inpatient visits (RR 2.51; 95% CI 2:49–2:53), and CV-related emergency room visits (RR: 2.41; 95% CI 2:35–2:47). The mean total healthcare cost for patients with AF was $27,896 more (per patient per year) than the non-AF cohort ($63,031 vs $35,135, P < .001).

Conclusion

Medical services utilization and cost were significantly higher among AF patients than non-AF patients. Early treatment is likely to be critical to addressing the considerable disease burden imposed by AF.

Ablation Versus Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation in Racial and Ethnic Minorities

BACKGROUND

Rhythm control strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF), including catheter ablation, are substantially underused in racial/ethnic minorities in North America.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to describe outcomes in the CABANA trial as a function of race/ethnicity.

METHODS

CABANA randomized 2,204 symptomatic participants with AF to ablation or drug therapy including rate and/or rhythm control drugs. Only participants in North America were included in the present analysis, and participants were subgrouped as racial/ethnic minority or nonminority with the use of National Institutes of Health definitions. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, disabling stroke, serious bleeding, or cardiac arrest.

RESULTS

Of 1,280 participants enrolled in CABANA in North America, 127 (9.9%) were racial and ethnic minorities. Compared with nonminorities, racial and ethnic minorities were younger with median age 65.6 versus 68.5 years, respectively, and had more symptomatic heart failure (37.0% vs 22.0%), hypertension (92.1% vs 76.8%, respectively), and ejection fraction <40% (20.8% vs 7.1%). Racial/ethnic minorities treated with ablation had a 68% relative reduction in the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.78) and a 72% relative reduction in all-cause mortality (aHR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10-0.79). Primary event rates in racial/ethnic minority and nonminority participants were similar in the ablation arm (4-year Kaplan-Meier event rates 12.3% vs 9.9%); however, racial and ethnic minorities randomized to drug therapy had a much higher event rate than nonminority participants (27.4% vs. 9.4%).

CONCLUSION

Among racial or ethnic minorities enrolled in the North American CABANA cohort, catheter ablation significantly improved major clinical outcomes compared with drug therapy. These benefits, which were not seen in nonminority participants, appear to be due to worse outcomes with drug therapy. (Catheter Ablation vs Anti-arrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation Trial [CABANA]; NCT00911508).

Racial disparities among Asian Americans with atrial fibrillation: An analysis from the NCDR® PINNACLE Registry

BACKGROUND

There is paucity of data on Atrial Fibrillation (AF) management and associated clinical outcomes among Asian Americans. This study sought to investigate baseline risk factor profiles, racial disparities in clinical management and adverse clinical outcomes among White and Asian Americans.

METHODS

We used National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR®) Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence (PINNACLE) registry and linked Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services data to identify Asian and White patients with AF between January 1, 2013-June 30, 2018. We compared rates of baseline risk factors, management strategies (rate versus rhythm control), anticoagulation use and rates of adverse events between racial groups. The two race groups were compared using hierarchical multivariable adjusted regression models to account for site and confounders.

RESULTS

In total, 1,359,827 patients (18,793 Asians and 1,341,034 Whites) were included in our analysis. Compared to White Americans, Asian Americans were more likely to use a rate control strategy (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.15-1.25) and lower odds of rhythm control strategy (atrial ablations, cardioversions, or use of antiarrhythmic drugs) (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.80-0.87) in adjusted analysis. Use of oral anticoagulants and direct oral anticoagulants were similar. There were no significant race-based differences in likelihood of all-cause mortality, stroke, and bleeding requiring hospitalization. Analyses performed using propensity score matching were consistent with the main results.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian Americans with AF have a lower likelihood of being managed with rhythm control strategies. Overall use of OAC and AF related adverse events remain similar between the two racial groups.

Ethnic differences in atrial fibrillation among patients with heart failure in Asia

AIMS

We aimed to characterize ethnic differences in prevalence, clinical correlates, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) with preserved and reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF and HFrEF) across Asia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 5504 patients with HF prospectively recruited across 11 Asian regions using identical protocols in the Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure study (mean age 61 ± 13 years, 27% women, 83% HFrEF), 1383 (25%) had AF defined as a history of AF and/or AF/flutter on baseline electrocardiogram. Clinical correlates of AF were similar across ethnicities and included older age, prior stroke, higher NT-proBNP, and larger left atria. Diabetes was associated with lower odds of AF in HFrEF [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.95] and HFpEF (AOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.84) regardless of ethnicity. Compared with Chinese ethnicity, Japanese/Koreans had higher odds of AF in HFrEF (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.40-2.21), while Indians had lower odds in HFrEF (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.13-0.24) and HFpEF (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.16-0.49) even after adjusting for clinical covariates. Interaction between ethnicity and region was observed among Indians, with Southeast Asian Indians having higher odds of AF (AOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.60-5.67) compared with South Asian Indians. AF was associated with poorer quality of life and increased risk of 1 year all-cause mortality or HF hospitalisation (adjusted hazard ratio 1.39, 95% CI 1.18-1.63) regardless of ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with HF across Asia, clinical correlates and adverse outcomes associated with AF are similar across ethnicities; however, there are striking ethnic variations in the prevalence of AF that are not accounted for by known risk factors.

Silent Myocardial Infarction and Long-Term Risk of Heart Failure: The ARIC Study

BACKGROUND

Although silent myocardial infarction (SMI) accounts for about one-half of the total number of myocardial infarctions (MIs), the risk of heart failure (HF) among patients with SMI is not well established.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of SMI and clinically manifested myocardial infarction (CMI) with HF, as compared with patients with no MI.

METHODS

This analysis included 9,243 participants from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline (ARIC visit 1: 1987 to 1989). SMI was defined as electrocardiographic evidence of MI without CMI after the baseline until ARIC visit 4 (1996 to 1998). HF events were ascertained starting from ARIC visit 4 until 2010 in individuals free of HF before that visit.

RESULTS

Between ARIC visits 1 and 4, 305 SMIs and 331 CMIs occurred. After ARIC visit 4 and during a median follow-up of 13.0 years, 976 HF events occurred. The incidence rate of HF was higher in both CMI and SMI participants than in those without MI (incidence rates per 1,000 person-years were 30.4, 16.2, and 7.8, respectively; p < 0.001). In a model adjusted for demographics and HF risk factors, both SMI (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.78) and CMI (HR: 2.85; 95% CI: 2.31 to 3.51) were associated with increased risk of HF compared with no MI. These associations were consistent in subgroups of participants stratified by several HF risk predictors. However, the risk of HF associated with SMI was stronger in those younger than the median age (53 years) (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.75 vs. HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.66, respectively; overall interaction p by MI type <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SMI is associated with an increased risk of HF. Future research is needed to examine the cost effectiveness of screening for SMI as part of HF risk assessment, and to identify preventive therapies to improve the risk of HF among patients with SMI.

Ethnic differences in atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure from Asia-Pacific

OBJECTIVE

Ethnic differences in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) remain unclear. We compared the prevalence and clinical correlates of AF among different ethnicities in an Asian-Pacific population with HF.

METHODS

Patients with validated HF were prospectively studied across Singapore and New Zealand (NZ).

RESULTS

Among 1746 patients with HF (62% Asian, 26% women, mean age 66 (SD 13) years, mean ejection fraction (EF) 37 (SD 16%), 39% had AF. The prevalence of AF was markedly lower in Singapore-Asians than NZ-Europeans (24% vs 63%; p<0.001), even after adjusting for age, clinical and echocardiographic covariates, regardless of EF group (p_interaction for EF=0.39). Patients with AF were older, had higher body mass index and were more likely to have a history of hypertension, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, renal disease, chronic respiratory disease and increased alcohol intake, but less likely to have diabetes. Clinical correlates were similar for Asians and NZ-Europeans, except diabetes: Asian diabetic patients with HF had less AF compared with Asian patients without diabetes (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.88), whereas among NZ-Europeans there was no significant association between diabetes and AF (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.75) (p_interaction for ethnicity=0.01). AF was associated with a higher crude composite outcome of mortality and HF hospitalisations at 2 years (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.38).

CONCLUSION

There is a strikingly lower prevalence of AF among Asian compared with NZ-European patients with HF. The underlying mechanisms for the lower prevalence of AF among Asians, particularly in the presence of diabetes, deserve further study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12610000374066.

Racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence, management, and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the United States and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. In this review, our aim was to assess the racial and ethnic differences in the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of patients with AF. A search of relevant studies from January 1, 2007, to December 30, 2017, was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science and supplemented by manual searches of the bibliographies of retrieved articles. We identified 152 studies of which 64 were subsequently included. We found that underrepresented racial and ethnic groups have a higher prevalence of established risk factors associated with the development of AF but an overall lower incidence and prevalence of AF as compared with non-Hispanic whites. Moreover, racial and ethnic differences exist in detection, awareness, and AF-associated symptoms. Nonwhite populations also experience decreased use of rhythm control modalities and anticoagulation for stroke prevention. Lastly, among those with AF, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups had increased morbidity and mortality relative to white groups. Racial and ethnic differences exist in the prevalence, quality of life, management, and outcomes of individuals with AF; however, the mechanisms for these differences have yet to be fully elucidated. Racial and ethnic differences in AF warrant further analysis to understand the factors contributing to the differences in prevalence and management to ensure the delivery of high quality care that prevents stroke, reduces deaths, and decreases expenses associated with caring for underrepresented populations with AF.

Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure: a Therapeutic Challenge of Our Times

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are growing cardiovascular disease epidemics worldwide. There has been an exponential increase in the prevalence of AF and HF correlating with an increased burden of cardiac risk factors and improved survival rates in patients with structural heart disease. AF is associated with adverse prognostic outcomes in HF and is most evident in mild-to-moderate left ventricular (LV) dysfunction where the loss of "atrial kick" translates into poorer quality of life and increased mortality. In the absence of underlying structural heart disease, arrhythmia can independently contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy. Together, these 2 conditions carry a high risk of thromboembolism due to stasis, inflammation and cellular dysfunction. Stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation (OAC) remains a mainstay of treatment. Pharmacologic rate and rhythm control remain limited by variable efficacy, intolerance and adverse reactions. Catheter ablation for AF has resulted in a paradigm shift with evidence indicating superiority over medical therapy. While its therapeutic success is high for paroxysmal AF, it remains suboptimal in persistent AF. A better mechanistic understanding of AF as well as innovations in ablation technology may improve patient outcomes in the future. Refractory cases may benefit from atrioventricular junction ablation and biventricular pacing. The value of risk factor modification, especially with regard to obesity, sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes, cannot be emphasized enough. Close interdisciplinary collaboration between HF specialists and electrophysiologists is an essential component of good long-term outcomes in this challenging population.

Ethnicity and anticoagulation management of hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation in northwest China

The therapeutic management and health challenges caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) differ between different groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features of patients hospitalized with AF and to explore the use of anticoagulation treatments in Han and Uygur patients in Xinjiang, northwest China. Data were collected from a retrospective descriptive study involving patients hospitalized at 13 hospitals in Xinjiang, China from Jul 1, 2014 to Jun 31, 2015. Anticoagulation management was measured according to guideline-recommended risk scores. A total of 4,181 patients with AF were included (mean age 69.5 ± 11.7 years, 41.4% females; 71.5% Han, 28.5% Uygur). The prevalence of AF in Uygur individuals may occur earlier than in Han individuals (mean age 64.9 vs 71.3, P < 0.001). Most of the hospitalized patients with AF had a high risk of stroke (CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥2; 80.6% Han vs 73.7% Uygur, P < 0.05); this risk was especially high in elderly patients. In AF patients, the application of anticoagulants according to the guidelines is far from expected, and the underutilization of anticoagulants exists in both ethnic groups.