Prevalencia de fibrilación auricular y factores asociados en España, análisis de seis estudios de base poblacional. Estudio DARIOS

External validation of the FAscore scale to evaluate the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To use a risk scale or predictive model outside the population of origin, it is necessary to evaluate the predictive indicators through external validation. The aim was to validate the FAscore, originally constructed in hypertensive patients in primary care in the Valencian Region, in an external cohort with hypertension in primary care in the Basque Country.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was designed to perform an external validation of the FAscore app in patients affiliated with 26 health centers in the municipality of Bilbao. The area under the ROC curve and predictive indicators were calculated with their 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Thirty-six thousand eight hundred nine patients were included: 53.6% (n=19,719) were women, the mean age was 75.1 years, 41.8% (n=15,381). Over the four-year follow-up period, 1420 patients were diagnosed with AF (cumulative incidence 3.9%). The median risk estimated by FAscore was 4.5%, and the 5th, 25th, 75th, and 95th percentiles were 1.0%, 2.5%, 6.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. The ROC curve for the risk estimated by FAscore and the cases of atrial fibrillation observed was AUC 0.715 (95% CI 0.703-0.727). The 5% risk cutoff provides a sensitivity of 70.8%, specificity of 61.0%, positive predictive value of 6.8%, negative predictive value of 98.1%, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 1.82 and 0.48, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study reports on the external validation of the atrial fibrillation risk scale in hypertensive patients, which shows an acceptable predictive capacity. The best-performing risk cutoff, providing good predictive indicators, can be set at 5%.

Mortality risk factors in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and atrial fibrillation: Data from the SEMI-COVID-19 registry

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation and associated comorbidities pose a risk factor for mortality, morbidity and development of complications in patients admitted for COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical, epidemiological, radiological and analytical characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation admitted for COVID-19 in Spain. Secondarily, we aim to identify those variables associated with mortality and poor prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational, multicenter, nationwide, retrospective study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 1 to October 1, 2020. Data were obtained from the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) in which 150 Spanish hospitals participate.

RESULTS

Between March 1 and October 1, 2020, data from a total of 16,461 patients were entered into the SEMI-COVID-19 registry. 1816 (11%) had a history of atrial fibrillation and the number of deaths among AF patients amounted to 738 (41%). Regarding clinical characteristics, deceased patients were admitted with a higher heart rate (88.38 vs. 84.95; P>0.01), with a higher percentage of respiratory failure (67.2 vs. 20.1%; P<0.01) and high tachypnea (58 vs. 30%; P<0.01). The comorbidities that presented statistically significant differences in the deceased group were: age, hypertension and diabetes with target organ involvement. There was also a higher prevalence of a history of cardiovascular disease in the deceased. On multivariate analysis, DOACs treatment had a protective role for mortality (OR: 0.597; CI: 0.402-0.888; P=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous treatment with DOACs and DOACs treatment during admission seem to have a protective role in patients with atrial fibrillation, although this fact should be verified in prospective studies.

Mortality risk factors in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and atrial fibrillation: Data from the SEMI-COVID-19 registry

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation and associated comorbidities pose a risk factor for mortality, morbidity and development of complications in patients admitted for COVID-19.

Objectives

To describe the clinical, epidemiological, radiological and analytical characteristics of patients with AF admitted for COVID-19 in Spain. Secondarily, we aim to identify those variables associated with mortality and poor prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with AF.

Methods

Retrospective, observational, multicenter, nationwide, retrospective study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 1 to October 1, 2020. Data were obtained from the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) in which 150 Spanish hospitals participate.

Results

Between March 1 and October 1, 2020, data from a total of 16,461 patients were entered into the SEMI-COVID-19 registry. 1,816 (11%) had a history of AF and the number of deaths among AF patients amounted to 738 (41%). Regarding clinical characteristics, deceased patients were admitted with a higher heart rate (88.38 vs 84.95; p > 0.01), with a higher percentage of respiratory failure (67.2% vs 20.1%; p < 0.01) and high tachypnea (58% vs 30%; p < 0.01). The comorbidities that presented statistically significant differences in the deceased group were: age, hypertension and diabetes with target organ involvement. There was also a higher prevalence of a history of cardiovascular disease in the deceased. On multivariate analysis, DOACs treatment had a protective role for mortality (OR:0,597) IC (0,402-0,888 ; p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Previous treatment with DOACs and DOACs treatment during admission seem to have a protective role in patients with AF, although this fact should be verified in prospective studies.

Prevalence, clinical profile, and stroke risk of atrial fibrillation in rural Andhra Pradesh, India (the ap-af study)

The burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing worldwide. It is often asymptomatic, with stroke being the first manifestation in some. AF burden in the community and the practice of stroke prophylaxis has not been studied in India. The problem might be higher in rural regions due to poor health awareness and challenges to healthcare access. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AF, clinical profile and stroke risk in rural India.

Methods

This is a community-based cross-sectional study done in rural Andhra Pradesh (AP). Adults from 40 villages formed the study population. We did a door-to door survey to collect information on demographics, and medical history. Electrocardiogram was recorded using a smart phone based Alivecor device. Participants diagnosed with AF underwent echocardiogram. Study cardiologists assessed the cardiovascular risk profile and collected detailed medical history.

Results

Fourteen of the 4281 individuals screened had AF (0.3%). The mean age of the sampled population was 44 ± 16.5 years with 56% women. The mean age of participants with AF was 71 ±7.8 years; males were 71%. Except for one, all were non-valvular AF. Majority had a CHA₂D₂S₂Vasc score of ≥2. Three had history of stroke. Two were on anticoagulant therapy but without INR monitoring.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AF is lower in this study compared to studies from the developed countries. Non-rheumatic cardiovascular risk factors were primary causes for AF. Non-adherence to stroke prophylaxis is a major threat that needs to be addressed.

Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Community Pharmacies-CRIFAFARMA Study

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia to appear in clinical practice. People with AF have 5 times the risk of stroke compared to the general population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AF in people over the age of 50 without known AF, who presented to a community pharmacy to check their cardiovascular risk factors, to identify risk factors associated with AF, and to assess the risk of stroke in people who screened positive for AF.

METHODS

A multicenter observational descriptive study of a screening program took place from May to December 2016. A blood pressure monitor (Microlife Watch BP Home) was used to screen for AF, and the CHA2DS2-VASc questionnaire was used to assess stroke risk.

RESULTS

The study included 452 adults over the age of 50. The CRIFAFARMA study detected a prevalence of AF of 9.1%. Risk factors for AF were: age of 75 years or older (P = .024), lack of physical activity (P = .043), diabetes (P < .001), dyslipidemia (P = .003), and history of cardiovascular disease (P = .003). Diabetes (OR 2.79, P = .005) and dyslipidemia (OR 2.16, P = .031) had a combined explanatory capacity in the multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age. 85% were at high risk of stroke according to the CHA2DS2-VASc scale.

CONCLUSIONS

AF was detected in more than 9% of the included population. Factors associated with AF were advanced age, lack of physical activity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and history of cardiovascular disease, with diabetes and dyslipidemia standing out as the factors with independent explanatory capacity.

PREvention of recurrent arrhythmias with Mediterranean diet (PREDIMAR) study in patients with atrial fibrillation: Rationale, design and methods

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Catheter ablation aims to restore sinus rhythm. However, relapses occur in up to 30% of patients. A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) enriched with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) substantially reduced the incidence of AF in the PREDIMED trial. The PREDIMAR will test a similar intervention in secondary prevention.

Methods

PREDIMAR is a multicenter, randomized, single-blind trial testing the effect of a MedDiet enriched with EVOO to reduce tachyarrhythmia relapses after AF ablation. The primary outcome is the recurrence of any sustained atrial tachyarrhythmia after ablation (excluding those occurring only during the first 3 months after ablation). The target final sample size is 720 patients (360 per group) recruited from 4 Spanish hospitals. A remote intervention, maintained for 2 years, is delivered to the active intervention group including periodic phone calls by a dietitian and free provision of EVOO. The control group will receive delayed intervention after trial completion. Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter ECG are performed, and a portable cardiac rhythm monitoring device is provided to be worn by participants during 15 months.

Results

Recruitment started in March 2017. Up to July 2019, 609 patients were randomized (average inclusion rate: 5.3 patients/wk). Retention rates after 18 months are >94%.

Conclusions

If our hypothesis is confirmed, the utility of the MedDiet enriched with EVOO in slowing the progression of AF will be proven, preventing recurrences and potentially reducing complications.

Patient characteristics and stroke and bleeding events in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients treated with apixaban and vitamin K antagonists: a Spanish real-world study

Aim: To compare the risk of stroke, systemic thromboembolism and bleeding, in patients initiating apixaban or acenocoumarol for the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: An observational, retrospective study was performed using medical records of patients who initiated apixaban or acenocoumarol between 2015 and 2017. Propensity score matching was used to match patients; stroke, systemic thromboembolism, major and minor bleeding events were compared between the matched patients. Results: Patients who were prescribed apixaban had a lower rate of systemic embolism/stroke (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.38–0.78; p = 0.001), minor bleeding (HR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52–0.79; p < 0.001) and major bleeding (HR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.37–0.72; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients prescribed apixaban for the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation had lower rates of thromboembolic events and minor/major bleeding than patients on acenocoumarol.

Levels of uric acid and increased diastolic blood pressure: Risk factors for atrial fibrillation in patients older than 60 years

Summary Objective: To characterize the maximum P-wave duration (Pmax) and P-wave dispersion (PWD) according to blood pressure (BP) and uric acid (UA) levels in geriatric patients. Method: An analytical study was performed in 83 patients aged over 60 years treated at the Family Medical Office 5 of the Aracelio Rodríguez Castellón Polyclinic, in Cienfuegos, Cuba between January and December 2015. The sample was divided into two groups (patients with hyperuricemia and patients with normal UA levels). Results: We found a linear and significant correlation between diastolic BP and Pmax in patients with hyperuricemia (r=0.695; p=0.026), but not in patients with normal UA (r=0.048; p=0.757). A linear and significant correlation was demonstrated between diastolic BP and PWD in patients with hyperuricemia (r=0.657; p=0.039), but not in patients with normal UA (r=0.054; p=0.730). Conclusion: There is correlation between diastolic BP and Pmax plus PWD in elderly patients with hyperuricemia.

Mortality and Atrial Fibrillation in the FIACA Study: Evidence of a Differential Effect According to Admission Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for mortality in several diseases. However, data published in acute decompensated heart failure (DHF) are contradictory. Our objective was to investigate the impact of AF on mortality in patients admitted to hospital for DHF compared with those admitted for other reasons.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all patients admitted to hospital within a 10-year period due to DHF, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or ischemic stroke (IS), with a median follow-up of 6.2 years.

RESULTS

We included 6613 patients (74 ± 11 years; 54.6% male); 2177 with AMI, 2208 with DHF, and 2228 with IS. Crude postdischarge mortality was higher in patients with AF hospitalized for AMI (incident rate ratio, 2.48; P < .001) and IS (incident rate ratio, 1.84; P < .001) than in those without AF. No differences were found in patients with DHF (incident rate ratio, 0.90; P = .12). In adjusted models, AF was not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality by clinical diagnosis. However, AF emerged as an independent predictor of postdischarge mortality in patients with AMI (HR, 1.494; P = .001) and IS (HR, 1.426; P < .001), but not in patients admitted for DHF (HR, 0.964; P = .603).

CONCLUSIONS

AF was as an independent risk factor for postdischarge mortality in patients admitted to hospital for AMI and IS but not in those admitted for DHF.

Screening strategies for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of thromboembolic events. Anticoagulation therapy to prevent AF-related stroke has been shown to be cost-effective. A national screening programme for AF may prevent AF-related events, but would involve a substantial investment of NHS resources.

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review of the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of screening tests for AF, update a systematic review of comparative studies evaluating screening strategies for AF, develop an economic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies and review observational studies of AF screening to provide inputs to the model.

Design

Systematic review, meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

Adults.

Intervention

Screening strategies, defined by screening test, age at initial and final screens, screening interval and format of screening {systematic opportunistic screening [individuals offered screening if they consult with their general practitioner (GP)] or systematic population screening (when all eligible individuals are invited to screening)}.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratios; the odds ratio of detecting new AF cases compared with no screening; and the mean incremental net benefit compared with no screening.

Review methods

Two reviewers screened the search results, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. A DTA meta-analysis was perfomed, and a decision tree and Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the screening strategies.

Results

Diagnostic test accuracy depended on the screening test and how it was interpreted. In general, the screening tests identified in our review had high sensitivity (> 0.9). Systematic population and systematic opportunistic screening strategies were found to be similarly effective, with an estimated 170 individuals needed to be screened to detect one additional AF case compared with no screening. Systematic opportunistic screening was more likely to be cost-effective than systematic population screening, as long as the uptake of opportunistic screening observed in randomised controlled trials translates to practice. Modified blood pressure monitors, photoplethysmography or nurse pulse palpation were more likely to be cost-effective than other screening tests. A screening strategy with an initial screening age of 65 years and repeated screens every 5 years until age 80 years was likely to be cost-effective, provided that compliance with treatment does not decline with increasing age.

Conclusions

A national screening programme for AF is likely to represent a cost-effective use of resources. Systematic opportunistic screening is more likely to be cost-effective than systematic population screening. Nurse pulse palpation or modified blood pressure monitors would be appropriate screening tests, with confirmation by diagnostic 12-lead electrocardiography interpreted by a trained GP, with referral to a specialist in the case of an unclear diagnosis. Implementation strategies to operationalise uptake of systematic opportunistic screening in primary care should accompany any screening recommendations.

Limitations

Many inputs for the economic model relied on a single trial [the Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly (SAFE) study] and DTA results were based on a few studies at high risk of bias/of low applicability.

Future work

Comparative studies measuring long-term outcomes of screening strategies and DTA studies for new, emerging technologies and to replicate the results for photoplethysmography and GP interpretation of 12-lead electrocardiography in a screening population.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013739.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Risk factors and therapeutic coverage at 6 years in patients with previous myocardial infarction: the CASTUO study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the degree of risk factor control, the clinical symptoms and the therapeutic management of patients with a history of previous myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study at 6 years of a first episode of acute myocardial infarction between 2000 and 2009, admitted at a hospital in the region of Extremadura (Spain). Of 2177 patients with this diagnosis, 1365 remained alive and therefore were included in the study.

RESULTS

We conducted a person-to-person survey in 666 (48.8%) individuals and telephone survey in 437 (31.9%) individuals. The former are analysed. 130 were female (19.5%). The mean age was 67.4 years and the median time since the event was 5.8 (IQR 3.6-8.2) years. Active smokers made up 13.8%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was ≥70 mg/dL: 82%, blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg (≥140/85 in diabetics): 49.8%, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL: 26%, heart rate 50-59 bpm: 60.7%, and obesity: 45.9%. Patients reported presenting angina comprised 22.4% and those with dyspnoea, 29.3%. Drug coverage was: 88.0% antiplatelet drugs, 86.5% statins, 75.6% β-blockers and 65.8% blockers of the renin-angiotensin system. Patients receiving all four types of drugs made up 41.9%, with only 3.0% having jointly controlled cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate and glycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

LDL cholesterol, heart rate and blood pressure were risk factors with less control. More than 1/5 of patients had angina and more than 1/4, dyspnoea. Risk factor control and the clinical condition were far from optimal, as was drug coverage, although to a lesser degree.

Antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly is a complex condition due to the high number of frequently associated comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and kidney disease, cognitive disorders, falls and polypharmacy. Except when contraindicated, anticoagulation is necessary for preventing thromboembolic events in this population. Both vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban) are indicated in this context. Renal function should be closely monitored for this age group when these drugs are used. In recent years, various clinical practice guidelines have been published on patients with AF. The majority of these guidelines make specific recommendations on the clinical characteristics and treatment of elderly patients. In this update, we review the specific comments on the recommendations concerning antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients with nonvalvular AF.