Management of Atrial Fibrillation in the Athlete

Characteristics of United States military pilots with atrial fibrillation and deployment and retention rates

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia that impacts deployment and retention rates for United States military pilots. This study aims to characterize United States active duty (AD) pilots with AF and review deployment and retention rates associated with medical and ablative therapies.

Methods

An observational analysis was performed to assess AD pilots diagnosed with AF in the largest military regional healthcare system from 2004 to 2019. Baseline characteristics and AF management were reviewed.

Results

27 AD pilots (mean age, 37.3 ± 7.9 years; mean BMI, 27.3 ± 3.1 kg/m²; 100% male sex) were diagnosed with AF during the study dates. 17 (63%) were Air Force branch pilots with hypertension as the most common risk factor (26%). There were overall low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (mean 0.29 ± 0.47). 22 (82%) pilots were equally treated with medical rate and rhythm strategies (41% and 41%, respectively). 16 (59%) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with zero complications. 11 (41%) pilots received warfarin and 5 (19%) received a direct oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention. After diagnosis, 12 (44%) pilots deployed and 25 (93%) were retained in military. PVI was not associated with a change in subsequent deployments rates (PVI, 38% vs no PVI, 55%; p = 0.3809) or retention rates (PVI, 94% vs no PVI, 91%; p = 0.7835).

Conclusions

United States military pilots diagnosed with AF are younger patients with few traditional AF risk factors and  they receive medical rate and rhythm strategies equally. Many pilots maintain deployment eligibility and most remain on AD status after diagnosis. PVI is not associated with differences in retention or deployment rates. Further prospective study is needed to further evaluate these findings. 

Shared decision making in athletes with cardiovascular disease: what we can learn from a masters athlete

A 75-year-old male cyclist began suffering from palpitations on exertion. Symptoms terminated spontaneously with cessation of physical activity. The episodes caused significant distress with an impact on physical performance and quality of life. An echocardiogram showed a dilated left atrium, and an exercise ECG demonstrated that episodes of atrial fibrillation developed when his ventricular rate was above 140 beats per minute. Rate control could not be offered due to a history of sinus bradycardia nor rhythm control due to low likelihood of success. Anticoagulant therapy was commenced but discontinued at patient request as he considered risks to outweigh benefits given his desire to continue cycling. Management of athletes with atrial fibrillation is based on guidelines for the general population; however, treatment goals for athletes may differ. Shared decision making is essential to allow patients to make informed decisions about their care, accepting that individuals view treatment risks and benefits differently.

Characteristics of US military personnel with atrial fibrillation and associated deployment and retention rates

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia impacting military occupational performances. Despite being a recognised disqualifying condition, there is no literature describing US military service members with AF. This study aims to describe members with AF diagnoses, the distribution of treatment strategies and associated deployment and retention rates.

METHODS

Active duty service members identified with AF from 2004 to 2019 were investigated. Cardiovascular profiles, AF management strategies and military dispositions were assessed by electronic medical record review.

RESULTS

386 service members (mean age 35.0±9.4 years; 94% paroxysmal AF) with AF diagnoses were identified. 91 (24%) had hypertension followed by 75 (19%) with sleep apnoea. Mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores were low (0.39±0.65). Rhythm treatments were used in 173 (45%) followed by rate control strategies in 155 (40%). 161 (42%) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In subgroup analysis of 365 personnel, 147 (40%) deployed and 248 (68%) remained active duty after AF diagnosis. Deployment and retention rates did not differ between those who received no medical therapy, rate control or rhythm strategies (p=0.9039 and p=0.6192, respectively). PVI did not significantly impact deployment or retention rates (p=0.3903 and p=0.0929, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Service members with AF are young with few AF risk factors. Rate and rhythm medical therapies were used evenly. Over two-thirds met retention standards and 40% deployed after diagnosis. There were no differences in deployment or retention between groups who receive rate therapy, rhythm medical therapy or PVI. Prospective evaluation of the efficacy of specific AF therapies on AF burden and symptomatology in service members is needed.

Neurologic complications of cardiac disease in athletes

Athletic participation at all levels of proficiency is an encouraged activity. Physicians evaluating athletes are tasked with assessing the benefits and risks of participating in vigorous physical activity and should engage in shared decision making with the athlete. Identifying the neurologic sequelae is an essential part of the assessment that is often not covered. This chapter will review the association of a wide range of cardiac disorders that can be related to or associated with subsequent neurologic sequelae, along with a brief overview of recommendations for management. Prevalent neurological complications of cardiac disease in athletes include stroke and seizures. There are also certain channelopathies that result in concurrent cardiac dysrhythmias and epilepsy. In addition, physiologic cardiac rhythm changes and the athlete's heart are discussed in the context of the differential diagnoses of subsequent cardiac and neurologic disease. The primary objective of this chapter is to prepare the physician for accurate recognition of cardiac disease in athletes that could result in neurologic complications if not diagnosed and managed early on.

The 2020 Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society Comprehensive Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) atrial fibrillation (AF) guidelines program was developed to aid clinicians in the management of these complex patients, as well as to provide direction to policy makers and health care systems regarding related issues. The most recent comprehensive CCS AF guidelines update was published in 2010. Since then, periodic updates were published dealing with rapidly changing areas. However, since 2010 a large number of developments had accumulated in a wide range of areas, motivating the committee to complete a thorough guideline review. The 2020 iteration of the CCS AF guidelines represents a comprehensive renewal that integrates, updates, and replaces the past decade of guidelines, recommendations, and practical tips. It is intended to be used by practicing clinicians across all disciplines who care for patients with AF. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system was used to evaluate recommendation strength and the quality of evidence. Areas of focus include: AF classification and definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, screening and opportunistic AF detection, detection and management of modifiable risk factors, integrated approach to AF management, stroke prevention, arrhythmia management, sex differences, and AF in special populations. Extensive use is made of tables and figures to synthesize important material and present key concepts. This document should be an important aid for knowledge translation and a tool to help improve clinical management of this important and challenging arrhythmia.