1
|
Wang FJ, Zhang C, Cai MM, Zhang JQ, Wang HX. Personal mastery and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation: The mediating role of health promoting behavior. Heart Lung 2024; 67:46-52. [PMID: 38657400 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving quality of life is vital for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation. Quality of life can be affected not only by personal mastery but also by health promoting behavior as previously studied. However, it remains unclear whether health promoting behavior mediates the relationship between personal mastery and quality of life. OBJECTIVES To explore whether health promoting behavior mediates the relationship between personal mastery and quality of life in patients with AF after radiofrequency ablation. METHODS A cross-sectional design and convenience sampling were conducted at a tertiary hospital in China. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess personal mastery, health promoting behavior and quality of life. SPSS and AMOS software were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 202 patients with AF after radiofrequency ablation were enrolled (mean age 58.28 ± 12.70 years). The scores for personal mastery and quality of life were 22.52 ± 2.53 points and 62.58 ± 8.59 points, respectively, indicating a limited level. The health promoting behavior exhibited a moderate level, with scores averaging 103.82 ± 8.47 points. There was a positive correlation between the three variables (all P < 0.05). Health promoting behavior played a partial mediating role in the relationship between personal mastery and quality of life in patients with AF after radiofrequency ablation, accounting for 44.79 % of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS In order to improve quality of life and prognosis, it is necessary to consider enhancing personal mastery and increasing patient compliance with health promoting behavior, which are important ways to improve their quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Juan Wang
- School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Min-Min Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jie-Qiong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hai-Xia Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miyama H, Ikemura N, Kimura T, Katsumata Y, Yamashita S, Yamaoka K, Ibe S, Sekine O, Ueda I, Nakamura I, Negishi K, Kohsaka S, Takatsuki S, Ieda M. Predictors and incidence of health status deterioration in patients with early atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:1469-1476. [PMID: 38599472 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various treatment approaches for atrial fibrillation (AF) have demonstrated improved health status, yet the significance of these therapeutic interventions in individual patients remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate health status changes in patients with early AF, focusing on those who experience clinically significant deterioration after treatment initiation. METHODS We analyzed data from a multicenter, prospective registry of newly diagnosed patients with AF. One-year changes in health status across different treatment strategies were assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life Overall Summary (AFEQT-OS) score. Clinically relevant deterioration and improvement in health status were defined as ≥5-point decrease and increase in AFEQT-OS score, respectively; no change was -5 to 5 points. RESULTS Overall, 1960 patients with AF were evaluated. Mean AFEQT-OS scores at baseline and 1-year follow-up were 76.7 ± 17.7 and 85.4 ± 14.8, respectively. Although most patients (53.9%) experienced clinically important improvement, a considerable proportion had no change (28.7%) or deterioration (17.4%) in their health status. Proportions of patients with no change or deterioration varied by treatment strategy: 59.9%, 53.9%, and 32.0% in rate control, antiarrhythmic drug, and catheter ablation groups, respectively. The multivariable model identified older age, female sex, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and higher baseline AFEQT-OS score as independent predictors of worsening health status, regardless of treatment strategy. CONCLUSION Many patients with early AF experience worsening or no change in health status irrespective of treatment strategy. Standardizing patients' health status assessment, especially for patients with comorbidities, may aid in patients' selection and their outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Miyama
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality, University of Missouri, and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Takehiro Kimura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Katsumata
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Yamashita
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koki Yamaoka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Ibe
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Otoya Sekine
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuko Ueda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Iwao Nakamura
- Department of Cardiology, Hino Municipal Hospital, Hino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Negishi
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yan Q, Liang J, Yuan Y, Li Y, Fan J, Wu W, Xu P, Wang Q, Xue J. Association between personality type and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in patients with atrial fibrillation. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:437. [PMID: 39174904 PMCID: PMC11342585 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-04098-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is known to be associated with a negative emotional state. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are important tools for evaluating the endpoints of AF management. This study aims to examine the correlation between personality types and PROs in patients with AF. METHODS All included subjects were newly diagnosed with AF fewer than one month, and their personality types were assessed using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Quality of life (QoL) was measured using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the General Anxiety Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. We constructed stepwise linear regression analyses for factors related to the QoL and emotional state in patients with AF. RESULTS A total of 531 AF patients completed the survey and were categorized into four groups based on their personality types. Of these patients (mean age: 67.12 ± 10.93 years, 50.28% male), 357 (67.23%) had paroxysmal AF, and 16.95% (n = 90) had a sanguine personality. Compared to patients with other personality types, those with a sanguine personality had the highest average AFEQT scores (P < 0.001) and the lowest scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales (P < 0.05). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analyses suggested that sanguine personality was also independently associated with better QoL and emotional states (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION There is a significant association between the personality types and PROs in AF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Jiaqi Liang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Yide Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Jiali Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Wenhuan Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zichang People's Hospital, Zichang, Shaanxi, 717300, China
| | - Pan Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Qunrang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712000, China
| | - Jiahong Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China.
- Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, 789 East Suzhou Street, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rosman L, Lampert R, Zhuo S, Li Q, Varma N, Burg M, Gaffey AE, Armbruster T, Gehi A. Wearable Devices, Health Care Use, and Psychological Well-Being in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033750. [PMID: 39011944 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wearables are increasingly used by patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for symptom monitoring and health management, but their impact on patient health care use and psychological well-being is not well understood. METHODS AND RESULTS In this retrospective, propensity-matched study of patients with AF, survey and electronic health record data were merged to compare AF-specific health care use (outpatient/inpatient visits, rhythm-related testing, and procedures) and informal health care use (telephone calls and patient portal messages) over a 9-month period between wearable users and nonusers. We also examined the effects of wearable cardiac monitoring features (eg, heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm notification, and ECG) on patient behavior and well-being. Of 172 patients with AF in this analysis (age, 72.6±9.0 years; 42% women), 83 used a wearable. Compared with nonusers, wearable users reported higher rates of symptom monitoring and preoccupation (P=0.03) and more AF treatment concerns (P=0.02). Moreover, 20% of wearable users experienced anxiety and always contacted their doctors in response to irregular rhythm notifications. After matching, AF-specific health care use was significantly greater among wearable users compared with nonusers (P=0.04), including significantly higher rates of ECGs, echocardiograms/transesophageal echocardiogram, and ablation. Wearable users were also significantly more likely to use informal health care resources compared with nonusers (P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS Wearables were associated with higher rates of symptom monitoring and preoccupation, AF treatment concerns, AF-specific health care use, and use of informal health care resources. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to understand the net effects of wearables and their alerts on patients, providers, and the health care system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Rosman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Rachel Lampert
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine) Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
| | - Songcheng Zhuo
- Department of Biostatistics University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Quefeng Li
- Department of Biostatistics University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Niraj Varma
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
| | - Matthew Burg
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine) Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven CT USA
| | - Allison E Gaffey
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine) Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven CT USA
| | - Tiffany Armbruster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Anil Gehi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Al-Bashaireh AM, Alkouri O, Alharbi A, Khader Y, Hammoudeh A, Aljawarneh Y, Alotaibi NE, Qaladi O, Ababneh A, Schultz T. Factors Associated with Quality of Life among People with Atrial Fibrillation: Jordan Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1262. [PMID: 39202543 PMCID: PMC11356530 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that may adversely affect the quality of life (QoL). Several factors could be associated with the QoL among patients with AF; however, evidence regarding these factors is still limited and controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the level of QoL and its associated factors among Jordanian patients with AF. Subjects and methods: A case study design was implemented. A sample of 620 participants were recruited from 28 outpatient clinics registered in the Jordan atrial fibrillation registry AF (JoFIB). Data on QoL were gathered through the self-reported Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-life tool (AFEQT). A QoL questionnaire was validated in this population before starting this study. The cardiac nurse then provided the research assistant with data relating to patients' characteristics and associated comorbidities. Results: The overall AFEQT scores were positively skewed (median 21.3, IQR: 14.4-31.9). This pattern was reflected for the AFEQT sub-scales 'Symptoms' (20.8, 8.3-33.3), 'Daily activities' (16.7, 10.4-27.1), and 'Treatment concerns' (27.8, 19.4-41.7), whereas 'Treatment satisfaction' was negatively skewed (91.7, 83.3-91.7). Patients in the higher quartiles, indicating a better QoL, tended to be younger and were less likely to experience dyslipidemia, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, or other comorbidities. Over 90% of patients were currently experiencing AF, and patients with a better QoL tended to be less likely to be currently experiencing AF and more likely to have had their latest episode of AF more than a month ago (compared to less than a month ago). Age, BMI, dyslipidemia, heart failure, COPD, CAD, history of ablation, and the use of anticoagulants were significantly associated with the overall AFEQT score (R2 = 0.278). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that AF Jordanian patients had low levels of QoL. Patients in higher quartiles for the overall AFEQT score were younger, with fewer disease comorbidities and less experience of current AF episodes. Several modifiable and non-modifiable factors were associated with QoL in AF patients. Age, BMI, dyslipidemia, heart failure, COPD, CAD, history of ablation, and the use of oral anticoagulants were significantly associated with the overall AFEQT score. Healthcare providers should target these factors as indicators or interventions for which QoL is continuously monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad M. Al-Bashaireh
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 1626, United Arab Emirates; (A.M.A.-B.); (Y.A.)
| | - Osama Alkouri
- Faculty of Nursing, Yarmouk Univerity, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | | | - Yousef Khader
- Department of Public Health, Community Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | | | - Yousef Aljawarneh
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 1626, United Arab Emirates; (A.M.A.-B.); (Y.A.)
| | - Nader E. Alotaibi
- Medical Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Omar Qaladi
- Community and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Anas Ababneh
- Faculty of Nursing, Yarmouk Univerity, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Tim Schultz
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park South Australia 5042, P.O. Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Crowley R, Chieng D, Sugumar H, Ling LH, Segan L, William J, Prabhu S, Voskoboinik A, Wong G, Morton JB, Lee G, McLellan AJ, Wong M, Pathak RK, Sterns L, Ginks M, Sanders P, Kalman JM, Kistler PM. Catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: patterns of recurrence and impact on quality of life and health care utilization. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:2604-2616. [PMID: 38759110 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patterns of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post-catheter ablation for persistent AF (PsAF) are not well described. This study aimed to describe the pattern of AF recurrence seen following catheter ablation for PsAF and the implications for healthcare utilization and quality of life (QoL). METHODS This was a post-hoc analysis of the CAPLA study, an international, multicentre study that randomized patients with symptomatic PsAF to pulmonary vein isolation plus posterior wall isolation or pulmonary vein isolation alone. Patients underwent twice daily single lead ECG, implantable device monitoring or three monthly Holter monitoring. RESULTS 154 of 333 (46.2%) patients (median age 67.3 years, 28% female) experienced AF recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Recurrence was paroxysmal in 97 (63%) patients and persistent in 57 (37%). Recurrence type did not differ between randomization groups (P = .508). Median AF burden was 27.4% in PsAF recurrence and .9% in paroxysmal AF (PAF) recurrence (P < .001). Patients with PsAF recurrence had lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (PsAF 50% vs. PAF 60%, P < .001) and larger left atrial volume (PsAF 54.2 ± 19.3 mL/m² vs. PAF 44.8 ± 11.6 mL/m², P = .008). Healthcare utilization was significantly higher in PsAF (45 patients [78.9%]) vs. PAF recurrence (45 patients [46.4%], P < .001) and lowest in those without recurrence (17 patients [9.5%], P < .001). Patients without AF recurrence had greater improvements in QoL as assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire (Δ33.3 ± 25.2 points) compared to those with PAF (Δ24.0 ± 25.0 points, P = .012) or PsAF (Δ13.4 ± 22.9 points, P < .001) recurrence. CONCLUSIONS AF recurrence is more often paroxysmal after catheter ablation for PsAF irrespective of ablation strategy. Recurrent PsAF was associated with higher AF burden, increased healthcare utilization and antiarrhythmic drug use. The type of AF recurrence and AF burden may be considered important endpoints in clinical trials investigating ablation of PsAF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Crowley
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - David Chieng
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Hariharan Sugumar
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Cabrini Hospital, 181 Wattletree Rd, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC, 3144, Australia
| | - Liang-Han Ling
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Louise Segan
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Jeremy William
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Sandeep Prabhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Voskoboinik
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Cabrini Hospital, 181 Wattletree Rd, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC, 3144, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph B Morton
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Alex J McLellan
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Michael Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Rajeev K Pathak
- Department of Cardiology, Canberra Hospital, Yamba Dr, Canberra, ACT, 2605, Australia
| | - Laurence Sterns
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Jubilee Hospital, 1952 Bay St, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, V8R 1J8, Canada
| | - Matthew Ginks
- Department of Cardiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Kalman
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter M Kistler
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Cabrini Hospital, 181 Wattletree Rd, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC, 3144, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Li R, Li M, Yao L, Van Spall H, Zhao K, Chen Y, Xiao F, Fu Q, Xie F. A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease-Specific Health-Related Quality-of-Life Instruments Part I: Instrument Development and Content Validity. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:1130-1148. [PMID: 38608875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) instruments for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been commonly used to measure important patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical trials and practices. This study aimed at systematically identifying and assessing the content validity of CVD-specific HRQoL instruments in clinical studies. METHODS The research team searched Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and PubMed from inception to January 20, 2022. The research team included studies that reported the development and content validity for CVD-specific instruments. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments methods on evaluating content validity of PROs. Content analysis was used to categorize the items included in the instruments. RESULTS The research team found 69 studies reporting the content validity of 40 instruments specifically developed for CVD. Fourteen (35.0%) were rated "sufficient" with very low to moderate quality of evidence. For PRO development, all instruments were rated "doubtful" or "inadequate." Twenty-eight (70.0%) instruments cover the core concepts of HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS The quality of development and content validity vary among existing CVD-specific instruments. The evidence on the content validity should be considered when choosing a HRQoL instrument in CVD clinical studies and health economic evaluations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China; Evidence Based Social Science Research Center/Health Technology Assessment Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Meixuan Li
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Center/Health Technology Assessment Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liang Yao
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Harriette Van Spall
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Research Institute of St Joseph's and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kun Zhao
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China; Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxiang Chen
- Department of Library, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feiyi Xiao
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Center for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kawaji T, Shizuta S, Yaku H, Kaneda K, Yoneda F, Nishiwaki S, Tanaka M, Aizawa T, Hojo S, Nakatsuma K, Kato M, Yokomatsu T, Miki S, Ono K, Kimura T. Efficacy and safety of Saireito (TJ-114) in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation procedures: A randomized pilot study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307854. [PMID: 39088481 PMCID: PMC11293677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early arrhythmia recurrences commonly occur after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation because of irritability and inflammation of left atrium. We hypothesized that short-term use of Saireito would be effective in reducing frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias in the early-phase post-ablation. METHODS One hundred patients undergoing catheter ablation for symptomatic AF were randomly assigned to either a 30-day use of Saireito or control group. The primary endpoint was total number of episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias including definite recurrent AF and frequent premature atrial contractions during the 30-day treatment period post-ablation. RESULTS Three (6.0%) out of 50 patients treated with Saireito discontinued the drug because of adverse symptoms. The Saireito group was associated with a numerically lower number of episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias than the control group (3.1 versus 5.2 times, P = 0.17). The mean daily episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias were significantly fewer in the Saireito group during Day-6 to Day-10 (0.12/day versus 0.27/day, P = 0.03), and during Day-11 to Day-15 (0.08/day versus 0.24/day, P = 0.001). The prevalence of adverse symptoms during the 30-day treatment period was significantly higher in the Saireito group (18.0% versus 2.0%, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Thirty-day use of Saireito following AF ablation was associated with a tendency toward reduced number of episodes of frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias during the treatment period, with more pronounced effect in the first two weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuma Kawaji
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shizuta
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidenori Yaku
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Kaneda
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fumiya Yoneda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shushi Nishiwaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Munekazu Tanaka
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takanori Aizawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shun Hojo
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Nakatsuma
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masashi Kato
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Shinji Miki
- Department of Cardiology, Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koh Ono
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hirakata Kohsai Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vos LM, Vos R, Nieuwkerk PT, Vos PPWK, Hofman FN, Klautz RJM, Van Putte BP. Quality of life improvement from thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation ablation in women versus men: a prospective cohort study. INTERDISCIPLINARY CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY 2024; 39:ivae132. [PMID: 38991842 PMCID: PMC11268440 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivae132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thoracoscopic ablation has proven to be an effective and safe rhythm control strategy, especially for persistent atrial fibrillation. However, its impact on quality of life (QoL) and potential gender differences remains unclear. METHODS This prospective, single-centre observational study included consecutive patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation undergoing thoracoscopic ablation. QoL was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaires and longitudinal trend analysis including linear mixed models was used to assess gender-specific differences. RESULTS A total of 191 patients were included; mean age 63.9 ± 8.6 years, 61 (31.9%) women and 148 (77.5%) with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Women were older, more symptomatic and reported lower baseline QoL. AFEQT summary scores substantially improved after three months (relative increase 51.5% from baseline; P < 0.001) and persisted up to 1-year (57.2%; P < 0.001). Women showed substantial QoL improvement, which was comparable to men at 1 year. Distinct gender-related trajectories for AFEQT were observed. Women showed more often clinically important decline over time, yet AF recurrence and age were predictive factors in both men and women. Patients with AF recurrence also experienced QoL improvements, albeit to a lesser extent than those in sinus rhythm (61.3% vs 26.9%, P < 0.001), with no differences between men and women. CONCLUSIONS Thoracoscopic ablation for atrial fibrillation results in substantial QoL improvement and was comparable for men and women. Understanding sex-specific and age-related trajectories is important to further enhance patient-centred atrial fibrillation care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Vos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rein Vos
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Pythia T Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter-Paul W K Vos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Frederik N Hofman
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J M Klautz
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart P Van Putte
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lan RH, Guerrero EP, Lewis EF, Wang PJ. Who are we missing? Language exclusivity of patient-reported outcomes in atrial fibrillation clinical trials. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024. [PMID: 38953220 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used to evaluate quality of life (QoL) in Atrial Fibrillation (AF) patients, providing crucial insights in clinical trials. This study examines the frequency of PRO use in AF trials and the linguistic accessibility of AF-specific PROs. BACKGROUND As the United States becomes more multilingual, ensuring PROs are available in various languages is vital. The number of people speaking a language other than English at home has tripled from 23.1 million in 1980 to 67.8 million in 2019. This diversity necessitates the availability of PROs in multiple languages for inclusive clinical assessments. METHODS We queried ClinicalTrials.gov for all US interventional AF trials up to November 28, 2023, reviewing each for PRO usage as primary or secondary outcomes. We identified the five most common AF-specific and generic PROs, extracting their available translations and original languages from published sources. RESULTS Of 233 identified trials, 191 had associated publications, with 180 (94.2%) conducted solely in English. Only one trial (0.4%) used an AF-specific PRO as a primary outcome, compared to four (1.7%) with a generic PRO. Ten trials (4.3%) used AF-specific PROs as secondary endpoints, versus 22 (9.4%) using generic PROs. AF-specific PROs had significantly fewer translations than generic PROs (11.2 vs. 148.8; p < .001). The AF Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) was available in 24 languages, with limited translations in commonly spoken US languages like Arabic and Asian languages. CONCLUSION The limited availability of AF-specific PRO translations highlights a barrier to inclusive AF clinical trials. Expanding translations for AF-specific PROs is crucial for equitable QoL assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy H Lan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | | | - Eldrin F Lewis
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Paul J Wang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marçal IR, Vidal-Almela S, Blanchard C, Prince SA, Way KL, Reed JL. Sex Differences in Physical Activity Levels and Sitting Time in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2024; 44:280-288. [PMID: 38836648 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE While research demonstrates low levels of physical activity (PA) among adults living with atrial fibrillation (AF), there is limited evidence investigating sex differences in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time in this population. The primary aim was to examine sex differences in MVPA levels and sitting time between women and men with AF. Secondary aims explored sex differences in sociodemographic factors, outcome expectations, and task self-efficacy toward PA levels. METHODS This was a subanalysis of the CHAMPLAIN-AF cohort study. Women and men with AF completed a survey, including the Short-Form International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 210 women (median = 66.0 yr: 95% CI, 63.5-68.0) and 409 men (median = 66.0 yr: 95% CI, 64.0-67.0) were included. No sex differences were observed in median weekly MVPA (60 min/wk: 95% CI, 0-120 in women vs 120 min/wk: 95% CI, 85-150 in men) and daily sitting time (5.5 hr/d: 95% CI, 5.0-6.0 in women vs 6.0 hr/d: 95% CI, 5.0-6.0 in men). Women engaged in significantly less vigorous-intensity PA than men ( P = .03) and demonstrated significantly lower task self-efficacy ( P < .01). Significant positive correlations in PA levels with outcome expectations (mostly weak) and task self-efficacy (mostly strong) were observed in both sexes. CONCLUSION Most women and men with AF did not meet the global MVPA guidelines but met the sitting time recommendation. Women presented with lower vigorous-intensity physical activity levels and confidence than men. Strategies to increase physical activity behavior, considering sociodemographic factors and task self-efficacy, are needed and may differ between sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabela R Marçal
- Author Affiliations: Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Laboratory, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, (Mss Marçal and Vidal-Almela, and Drs Way and Reed); Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, (Ms Marçal and Dr Reed); Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada (Dr Blanchard); Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada (Dr Prince); Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia (Dr Way); and Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Dr Reed)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Athreya DS, Saczynski JS, Gurwitz JH, Monahan KM, Bamgbade BA, Paul TJ, Sogade F, Lessard DM, McManus DD, Helm RH. Cognitive impairment and treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation in older adults: The SAGE-AF study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:2082-2090. [PMID: 38742376 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is strongly associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Rate and rhythm control are the two treatment strategies for AF and the effect of treatment strategy on risk of cognitive decline and frailty is not well established. We sought to determine how treatment strategy affects geriatric-centered outcomes. METHODS The Systematic Assessment of Geriatric Elements-AF (SAGE-AF) was a prospective, observational, cohort study. Older adults with AF were prospectively enrolled between 2016 and 2018 and followed longitudinally for 2 years. In a non-randomized fashion, participants were grouped by rate or rhythm control treatment strategy based on clinical treatment at enrollment. Baseline characteristics were compared. Longitudinal binary mixed models were used to compare treatment strategy with respect to change in cognitive function and frailty status. Cognitive function and frailty status were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Battery and Fried frailty phenotype tools. RESULTS 972 participants (mean age = 75, SD = 6.8; 49% female, 87% non-Hispanic white) completed baseline examination and 2-year follow-up. 408 (42%) were treated with rate control and 564 (58%) with rhythm control. The patient characteristics of the two groups were different at baseline. Participants in the rate control group were older, more likely to have persistent AF, prior stroke, be treated with warfarin and have baseline cognitive impairment. After adjusting for baseline differences, participants treated with rate control were 1.5 times more likely to be cognitively impaired over 2 years (adjusted OR: 1.47, 95% CI:1.12, 1.98) and had a greater decline in cognitive function (adjusted estimate: -0.59 (0.23), p < 0.01) in comparison to rhythm control. Frailty did not vary between the treatment strategies. CONCLUSIONS Among those who had 2-year follow-up in non-randomized observational cohort, the decision to rate control AF in older adults was associated with increased odds of decline in cognitive function but not frailty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepti S Athreya
- College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane S Saczynski
- Department of Pharmacy and Health System Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jerry H Gurwitz
- Meyers Primary Care Institute and Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin M Monahan
- Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benita A Bamgbade
- Department of Pharmacy and Health System Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tenes J Paul
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Felix Sogade
- Department of Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Mercer, Georgia, USA
| | - Darleen M Lessard
- Division of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David D McManus
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert H Helm
- Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hirano R, Ikemura N, Nguyen DD, Jones PG, Kimura T, Katsumata Y, Ueda I, Takatsuki S, Spertus JA, Kohsaka S. Clinical Utility of the H 2FPEF Score in Patients With Early Atrial Fibrillation. JACC. HEART FAILURE 2024; 12:1302-1305. [PMID: 38363273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Reina Hirano
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; University of Missouri-Kansas City's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Dan D Nguyen
- University of Missouri-Kansas City's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Philip G Jones
- University of Missouri-Kansas City's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Ikuko Ueda
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - John A Spertus
- University of Missouri-Kansas City's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Crowley R, Lim MW, Chieng D, Segan L, William J, Morton JB, Lee G, Sparks P, McLellan AJ, Sugumar H, Prabhu S, Ling LH, Voskoboinik A, Pathak RK, Sterns L, Ginks M, Sanders P, Kistler PM, Kalman JM. Diagnosis to Ablation in Persistent AF: Any Time Can Be a Good Time to Ablate. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:1689-1699. [PMID: 39084743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonrandomized data suggest that longer diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) is associated with poorer outcomes; however, a recent randomized trial found no difference in recurrences when ablation was delayed by 12 months. OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess the impact of DAT on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in patients undergoing catheter ablation for persistent AF. METHODS CAPLA (Effect of Catheter Ablation Using Pulmonary Vein Isolation With vs Without Posterior Left Atrial Wall Isolation on Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The CAPLA randomized clinical trial) was a multicenter trial that randomized patients with persistent AF to pulmonary vein isolation + posterior wall isolation or pulmonary vein isolation alone. Follow-up was 12 months. Outcomes were assessed after a 3-month blanking period. RESULTS Median DAT in the 334 patients was 28 months (Q1-Q3: 12-66 months). Patients were divided into quartile groups: Q1 was DAT 0 to 12 months (n = 84, median DAT 7 months), Q2 was DAT 13 to 28 months (n = 85, median DAT 20 months), Q3 was DAT 29 to 66 months (n = 84, median DAT 41 months), and Q4 was DAT ≥67 months (n = 81, median DAT 119 months). AF recurrence rate was 36.9% for Q1, 44.7% for Q2, 47.6% for Q3, and 56.8% for Q4 (P = 0.082). On multivariable analysis, DAT Q4 was the only factor significantly associated with risk of recurrence (HR: 1.607; 95% CI: 1.005-2.570; P = 0.048). Median AF burden was 0% (Q1-Q3: 0%-0.47%) in Q1 and 0.33% (Q1-Q3: 0%-4.6%) in Q4 (P = 0.002). Quality of life (assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life questionnaire) improved markedly in all quartiles (Q1: Δ28.8 ± 24, Q2: Δ24.4 ± 23.4, Q3: Δ21.7 ± 26.6, Q4: Δ24.6 ± 21.4; P = 0.331). CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of patients with persistent AF undergoing ablation in a prospective trial with standardized entry criteria and intensive electrocardiogram monitoring, those with shorter DAT had lower rates of AF recurrence. However, differences were modest, and all quartiles demonstrated very low AF burden and improvements in quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Crowley
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael W Lim
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Chieng
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise Segan
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy William
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey Lee
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Sparks
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alex J McLellan
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hariharan Sugumar
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandeep Prabhu
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liang-Han Ling
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Voskoboinik
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter M Kistler
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Kalman
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lurz J, Hengelhaupt L, Unterhuber M, Stenzel L, Hilbert S, Schöber AR, Dinov B, Darma A, Dagres N, Hindricks G, Lurz P, Bollmann A. App-Based Mental Training to Reduce Atrial Fibrillation-Related Symptoms After Pulmonary Vein Isolation: MENTAL AF Trial. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033500. [PMID: 38780185 PMCID: PMC11255628 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation, many patients still experience relevant symptom burden. The objective of the MENTAL AF trial was to determine whether app-based mental training (MT) during the 3 months following pulmonary vein isolation reduces AF-related symptoms. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients scheduled for pulmonary vein isolation were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to either app-based MT or usual care. Of 174 patients, 76 in the MT and 75 in the usual care group were included in the final analysis. The intervention was delivered by a daily 10-minute app-based MT. The primary outcome was the intergroup difference of the mean AF6 sum score, an AF-specific questionnaire, during the 3-month study period. Secondary outcomes included quality-of-life measures such as the AFEQT (Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life). Mean age (SD) was 61 (8.7) years and 61 (41%) were women. The mean AF6 sum score over the study period was 8.9 (6.9) points in the MT group and 12.5 (10.1) in the usual care group (P=0.011). This referred to a reduction in the AF6 sum score compared with baseline of 75% in MT and 52% for usual care (P<0.001). The change in the AFEQT Global Score was 22.6 (16.3) and 15.7 (22.1), respectively; P=0.026. CONCLUSIONS MENTAL AF showed that app-based MT as an adjunctive treatment tool following pulmonary vein isolation was feasible. App-based MT was found to be superior to standard care in reducing AF-related symptom burden and improving health-related quality of life. REGISTRATION URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04067427.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lurz
- Department of ElectrophysiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Department of CardiologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Laura Hengelhaupt
- Department of ElectrophysiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Matthias Unterhuber
- Department of CardiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Department of CardiologySan Maurizio HospitalBolzanoItaly
| | - Lukas Stenzel
- Institute of Sport Science, Martin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Sebastian Hilbert
- Department of ElectrophysiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Anne Rebecca Schöber
- Department of CardiologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
- Department of CardiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Borislav Dinov
- Medical Clinic I, Cardiology and AngiologyMedical University of GiessenGiessenGermany
| | - Angeliki Darma
- Department of ElectrophysiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | | | | | - Philipp Lurz
- Department of CardiologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Andreas Bollmann
- Department of ElectrophysiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vermeer J, Houterman S, Medendorp N, van der Voort P, Dekker L. Body mass index and pulmonary vein isolation: real-world data on outcomes and quality of life. Europace 2024; 26:euae157. [PMID: 38867572 PMCID: PMC11200099 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Increasing numbers of overweight and obese patients undergo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), despite the association between higher body mass index (BMI) and adverse PVI outcomes. Evidence on complications and quality of life in different bodyweight groups is limited. This study aims to clarify the impact of BMI on repeat ablations, periprocedural complications, and changes in quality of life. METHODS AND RESULTS This multi-centre study analysed prospectively collected data from 15 ablation centres, covering all first-time PVI patients in the Netherlands from 2015 to 2021. Patients were categorized by BMI: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (≥30 kg/m2). Quality of life was assessed using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life questionnaire at baseline and 1-year post-PVI. Among 20 725 patients, 30% were of normal weight, 47% overweight, and 23% obese. Within the first year after PVI, obese patients had a higher incidence of repeat ablations than normal-weighing and overweight patients (17.8 vs. 15.6 and 16.1%, P < 0.05). Obesity was independently associated with repeat ablations (odds ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.31, P = 0.03). This association remained apparent after 3 years. Complication rates were 3.8% in normal weight, 3.0% in overweight, and 4.6% in obese, with weight class not being an independent predictor. Quality of life improved in all weight groups post-PVI but remained lowest in obese patients. CONCLUSION Obesity is independently associated with a higher rate of repeat ablations. Pulmonary vein isolation is equally safe in all weight classes. Despite lower quality of life among obese individuals, substantial improvements occur for all weight groups after PVI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Vermeer
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623EJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Houterman
- Netherlands Heart Registration, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Research, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Niki Medendorp
- Netherlands Heart Registration, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn van der Voort
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623EJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lukas Dekker
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623EJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kistler PM, Sanders P, Amarena JV, Bain CR, Chia KM, Choo WK, Eslick AT, Hall T, Hopper IK, Kotschet E, Lim HS, Ling LH, Mahajan R, Marasco SF, McGuire MA, McLellan AJ, Pathak RK, Phillips KP, Prabhu S, Stiles MK, Sy RW, Thomas SP, Toy T, Watts TW, Weerasooriya R, Wilsmore BR, Wilson L, Kalman JM. 2023 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Heart Lung Circ 2024; 33:828-881. [PMID: 38702234 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased exponentially in many developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation from the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) recognises healthcare factors, expertise and expenditure relevant to the Australian and New Zealand healthcare environments including considerations of potential implications for First Nations Peoples. The statement is cognisant of international advice but tailored to local conditions and populations, and is intended to be used by electrophysiologists, cardiologists and general physicians across all disciplines caring for patients with AF. They are also intended to provide guidance to healthcare facilities seeking to establish or maintain catheter ablation for AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Kistler
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
| | - Prash Sanders
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Chris R Bain
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Karin M Chia
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wai-Kah Choo
- Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia; Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Adam T Eslick
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Ingrid K Hopper
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Emily Kotschet
- Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Han S Lim
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Northern Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Liang-Han Ling
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Rajiv Mahajan
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Silvana F Marasco
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | | | - Alex J McLellan
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Rajeev K Pathak
- Australian National University and Canberra Heart Rhythm, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Karen P Phillips
- Brisbane AF Clinic, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Sandeep Prabhu
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Martin K Stiles
- Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Raymond W Sy
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart P Thomas
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracey Toy
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Troy W Watts
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Rukshen Weerasooriya
- Hollywood Private Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | | | - Jonathan M Kalman
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Raileanu G, Jawid N, Bohte E, Hof IE, Khan M, de Ruiter GS, Verbeek EC, de Jong JSSG, Mol D. Do depressive and anxiety symptoms influence the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation after cryoballoon ablation: a comparison study. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:797-805. [PMID: 37897538 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS One third of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffer from high levels of anxiety and depression, which may significantly impair quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to assess whether depressive and anxiety symptoms before ablation affect the QoL in patients with AF one year after cryoballoon ablation (CBA). METHODS This single-center retrospective study investigated whether the AF patients with a high Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score (≥ 8) had worse outcomes than patients with a low pre-ablation HADS score (< 8). The primary outcome was the difference in post-ablation QoL, and the secondary outcome included the difference in pre-ablative QoL, QoL improvement, and self-reported AF. RESULTS Two hundred ninety-five patients were stratified according to their HADS scores (total, depression, and anxiety). Patients with an elevated HADS total, depression, or anxiety score (≥ 8), had a significantly lower QoL before and 12 months after CBA than patients with a HADS score < 8 (p-value < 0.001 for all groups). All groups improved significantly in QoL after CBA ablation and to a similar extent. Sixty-three percent of the patients reported AF symptoms after the procedure, which was comparable between the cohorts of patients. CONCLUSION Patients with elevated HADS scores reported a lower QoL compared to participants with low HADS scores at baseline and 12 months after CBA. However, both groups improved in QoL after CBA, irrespective of their depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evelien Bohte
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Department of Emergency Psychiatry, OLVG, Oosterpark 9, 1091 AC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irene E Hof
- Department of Cardiology, OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Muchtiar Khan
- Department of Cardiology, OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eva C Verbeek
- Department of Cardiology, OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Mol
- Department of Cardiology, OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ueda I, Kohsaka S, Ikemura N, Kimura T, Katsumata Y, Takemura R, Suzuki M, Takatsuki S, Koide D, Fukuda K. Patient concern regarding bleeding side effects from oral anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation: an analysis from the multicentre KiCS-AF registry. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024; 23:358-366. [PMID: 37694609 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study is to utilize patient-reported outcomes to determine the percentage of patients concerned about mild to moderate bleeding side effects of anticoagulants. METHODS AND RESULTS We consecutively enrolled 3312 newly diagnosed or referred patients for atrial fibrillation (AF) management from 11 sites within the Keio interhospital Cardiovascular Studies-Atrial Fibrillation registry between September 2012 and May 2018. Of these patients, 2636 (79.5%) were taking oral anticoagulants at enrollment. Using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-life questionnaire (AFEQT), the patients who responded '1: not at all bothered' or '2: hardly bothered' on the seven-point scale regarding bleeding side effects were classified as the 'no OAC concern' group while those responding '3: a little bothered' to '7: extremely bothered' were classified as the 'OAC concern' group. On baseline analysis, 29.3% (n = 772) were 'concerned' about bleeding side effects. The proportion of women and patients with AF-related symptoms was higher in the oral anticoagulant (OAC) concern vs. no OAC concern group (36.9% vs. 29.8%, P < 0.0004 and 66.2% vs. 56.7%, P < 0.0001, respectively). The CHADS2 scores ≥ 2 were comparable between groups. Of the 430 patients in the 1-year follow-up analysis, the proportion of the continued OAC concern group (1 year from enrollment) was 41.6%. The dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban usage rates were comparable between the two groups in baseline and 1-year follow-up analysis. CONCLUSION Approximately one-third of all patients with AF on anticoagulant therapy were concerned regarding bleeding from short- and long-term anticoagulant use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ikuko Ueda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| | - Takehiro Kimura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Katsumata
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| | - Ryo Takemura
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| | - Masahiro Suzuki
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Saitama Hospital, 2-1 Suwa, Wako, Saitama 351-0102, Japan
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koide
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 1608582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liliequist BE, Särnholm J, Skúladóttir H, Ólafsdóttir E, Ljótsson B, Braunschweig F. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Symptom Preoccupation Among Patients With Premature Ventricular Contractions: Nonrandomized Pretest-Posttest Study. JMIR Cardio 2024; 8:e53815. [PMID: 38713500 PMCID: PMC11109856 DOI: 10.2196/53815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common cardiac condition often associated with disabling symptoms and impaired quality of life (QoL). Current treatment strategies have limited effectiveness in reducing symptoms and restoring QoL for patients with PVCs. Symptom preoccupation, involving cardiac-related fear, hypervigilance, and avoidance behavior, is associated with disability in other cardiac conditions and can be effectively targeted by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a PVC-specific CBT protocol targeting symptom preoccupation in patients with symptomatic idiopathic PVCs. METHODS Nineteen patients diagnosed with symptomatic idiopathic PVCs and symptom preoccupation underwent PVC-specific CBT over 10 weeks. The treatment was delivered by a licensed psychologist via videoconference in conjunction with online text-based information and homework assignments. The main components of the treatment were exposure to cardiac-related symptoms and reducing cardiac-related avoidance and control behavior. Self-rated measures were collected at baseline, post treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The primary outcome was PVC-specific QoL at posttreatment assessment measured with a PVC-adapted version of the Atrial Fibrillation Effects on Quality of Life questionnaire. Secondary measures included symptom preoccupation measured with the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire. PVC burden was evaluated with 5-day continuous electrocardiogram recordings at baseline, post treatment, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS We observed large improvements in PVC-specific QoL (Cohen d=1.62, P<.001) and symptom preoccupation (Cohen d=1.73, P<.001) post treatment. These results were sustained at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. PVC burden, as measured with 5-day continuous electrocardiogram, remained unchanged throughout follow-up. However, self-reported PVC symptoms were significantly lower at posttreatment assessment and at both the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Reduction in symptom preoccupation had a statistically significant mediating effect of the intervention on PVC-specific QoL in an explorative mediation analysis. CONCLUSIONS This uncontrolled pilot study shows preliminary promising results for PVC-specific CBT as a potentially effective treatment approach for patients with symptomatic idiopathic PVCs and symptom preoccupation. The substantial improvements in PVC-specific QoL and symptom preoccupation, along with the decreased self-reported PVC-related symptoms warrant further investigation in a larger randomized controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05087238; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05087238.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn E Liliequist
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Särnholm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helga Skúladóttir
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Ólafsdóttir
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frieder Braunschweig
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Erhard N, Frison E, Asselineau J, Aouar B, Boveda S, Cochet H, Deisenhofer I, Deneke T, Gimbert A, Kautzner J, Knecht S, Maury P, Neuzil P, Rousset M, Scherr D, Schneider CW, Sermesant M, Wichterle D, Jaïs P. Comparing pulsed field electroporation and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: design and rationale of the BEAT PAROX-AF randomized clinical trial. Europace 2024; 26:euae103. [PMID: 38646926 PMCID: PMC11068269 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Using thermal-based energy sources [radiofrequency (RF) energy/cryo energy] for catheter ablation is considered effective and safe when performing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, treatment success remains limited and complications can occur due to the propagation of thermal energy into non-target tissues. We aim to compare pulsed field ablation (PFA) with RF ablation in terms of efficacy and safety for patients with drug-resistant paroxysmal AF. METHODS AND RESULTS The BEAT PAROX-AF trial is a European multicentre, superiority, open-label randomized clinical trial in two parallel groups. A total of 292 participants were recruited in 9 high-volume European clinical centres in 5 countries. Patients with paroxysmal AF were randomized to PFA (FARAPULSE Endocardial Ablation System©, Boston Scientific) or RF using the CLOSE protocol with contact force sensing catheter (SmartTouch© catheter and CARTO© Biosense Webster). The primary endpoint will be the 1-year recurrence of atrial arrhythmia, and the major secondary safety endpoint will be the occurrence of acute (<7 days) procedure-related serious adverse events, or pulmonary vein stenosis, or atrio-oesophageal fistula up to 12 months. Additionally, five sub-studies investigate the effect of PFA on oesophageal safety, cerebral lesions, cardiac autonomic nervous system, durability of PVI as assessed during redo ablation procedures, and atrial and ventricular function. The study began on 27 December 2021 and concluded recruitment on 17 January 2024. Results will be available in mid-2025. CONCLUSION The BEAT PAROX-AF trial aims to provide critical insights into the optimal treatment approach for patients with paroxysmal AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nico Erhard
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636 Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eric Frison
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CHU Bordeaux, CIC 1401, EUCLID/F-CRIN Clinical Trials Platform, Bordeaux, France
| | - Julien Asselineau
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CHU Bordeaux, CIC 1401, EUCLID/F-CRIN Clinical Trials Platform, Bordeaux, France
| | - Besma Aouar
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CHU Bordeaux, CIC 1401, EUCLID/F-CRIN Clinical Trials Platform, Bordeaux, France
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | - Hubert Cochet
- IHU LIRYC, University Bordeaux, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636 Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Deneke
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center Bad Neustadt/Saale, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Germany
| | - Anne Gimbert
- Clinical Research and Innovation Department, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Josef Kautzner
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Philippe Maury
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Petr Neuzil
- Cardiology Department, Na Homolce Hospital, Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marine Rousset
- Clinical Research and Innovation Department, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Maxime Sermesant
- IHU LIRYC, University Bordeaux, INSERM, CRCTB, U 1045, Bordeaux, France
- Inria, Université Côte d'Azur, Epione Team, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Dan Wichterle
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pierre Jaïs
- IHU LIRYC, University Bordeaux, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rowin EJ, Wadid M, Maron MS, White M, Hook BG, Harnish P, Silver JS, Reynolds MR, Maron BJ. Assessing the impact of atrial fibrillation on symptoms and quality of life in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024; 35:654-663. [PMID: 38288888 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), atrial fibrillation (AF) has historically been regarded to have a deleterious impact on clinical course, strongly associated with progressive heart failure (HF) symptoms. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the impact of AF on HCM employing validated quality of life (QoL) surveys. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of AF on QoL utilizing patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHODS 218 consecutive HCM patients with or without AF at the Lahey HCM center in 2022 completed PROMs at their most recent visit evaluating HF (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]) and AF symptoms (AF Effect on QoL [AFEQT]). RESULTS Among the 218 patients, 50 (23%) had a history of AF and comprise the primary study cohort. AF was diagnosed at 55 ± 10 years of age, median of 5.5 years before PROM, with 66% of patients treated with a rhythm control strategy with antiarrhythmic drug and/or AF ablation. AFEQT indicated that 52% of patients experienced no or minimal AF-related disability, mild to moderate in 22%, and severe in 26%. There was no substantial difference in HCM phenotype in patients with no or minimal AF disability compared to those with severe disability. HF symptoms for most HCM patients with prior AF history was consistent with no or minimal (59%) or only mild (27%) disability as measured by KCCQ overall summary scores. In addition, with multivariate analysis, AF history was associated with less HF symptoms and improved QoL (OR 0.4, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION In contrast to prior perceptions, HCM patients with prior AF history were less likely to incur HF symptoms impairing QoL compared to HCM patients without AF. After treatment, prior history of AF did not substantially impact current QoL. These data provide a realistic appraisal for the impact that AF has on HCM patients and also offers a measure of reassurance for this patient subgroup.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan J Rowin
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Wadid
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin S Maron
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maggie White
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce G Hook
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Harnish
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan S Silver
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Reynolds
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Barry J Maron
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li X, Li R, Xiao F, Zhao K, Zhang X, Wang X, Li M, Guo K, Wang L, Wu Y, Van Spall H, Gao T, Fu Q, Xie F. Validation of China Health-Related Outcomes Measures-Cardiovascular Disease. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:490-499. [PMID: 38244982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES China Health-Related Outcomes Measures (CHROME) was an initiative aimed at developing a system of preference-based health-related quality of life instruments for China. CHROME-cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a CVD-specific instrument with 14 items developed under this initiative. This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of CHROME-CVD. METHODS This validation study was conducted using cross-sectional questionnaire survey in China. Eligible patients with CVD were recruited and asked to complete the CHROME-CVD, the EQ-5D-5L, and a CVD-specific nonpreference-based health-related quality of life instrument selected according to the confirmed diagnosis of the patients. Item evaluation, internal consistency, measurement invariance, test-retest reliability, structural validity, and construct validity were tested using classic test theory. Item response theory was used to evaluate item-level performance. RESULTS A total of 444 patients with CVD (coronary artery disease, n = 276, heart failure, n = 104, angina, n = 33, and atrial fibrillation, n = 16) from 6 provinces in China were enrolled for the validation. Exploratory factor analysis identified 4 factors: chest pain, other symptoms, physical health, and mental and social health. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were >0.8. A total of 20 of 26 (76.9%), and 90 of 95 (94.7%) predefined hypotheses were met for convergent and discriminant validities, respectively. No important difference was identified between subgroups of gender and residency. Response options of 10 items were found overlapped based on categorical response curves, which led to modification to 4-level response options. Wording of 3 items were modified by referring wordings of reference instruments. CONCLUSION The validation of the CHROME-CVD demonstrated generally good psychometric properties. Further validation on the modified CHROME-CVD is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, Beijing, China; Evidence Based Social Science Research Center/Health Technology Assessment Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Feiyi Xiao
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, Beijing, China; Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- School of Business Administration, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- School of Business Administration, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Meichen Li
- School of Business Administration, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ke Guo
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Center/Health Technology Assessment Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanan Wu
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Center/Health Technology Assessment Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Harriette Van Spall
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Research Institute of St Joseph's and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tiantian Gao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Health Technology Assessment, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, Beijing, China; China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Naccarelli GV, Popjes ED. Aggressive treatment of atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients improve quality of life. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024; 35:664-666. [PMID: 38332487 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald V Naccarelli
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University College of Medicine Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric D Popjes
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University College of Medicine Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ashburner JM, Carmichael TD, Bhattacharya R, Natarajan P, Singer DE, Thorndike AN. A Lifestyle Modification Program for Secondary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: Introductory Findings. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2024; 44:143-145. [PMID: 38113350 PMCID: PMC10913854 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Ashburner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Singer, and Thorndike); Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Bhattacharya, Natarajan, Singer, and Thorndike); Cardiovascular Research Center and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Ms Carmichael and Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan); and Program in Medical and Population Genetics and the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan)
| | - Taylor D. Carmichael
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Singer, and Thorndike); Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Bhattacharya, Natarajan, Singer, and Thorndike); Cardiovascular Research Center and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Ms Carmichael and Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan); and Program in Medical and Population Genetics and the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan)
| | - Romit Bhattacharya
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Singer, and Thorndike); Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Bhattacharya, Natarajan, Singer, and Thorndike); Cardiovascular Research Center and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Ms Carmichael and Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan); and Program in Medical and Population Genetics and the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan)
| | - Pradeep Natarajan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Singer, and Thorndike); Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Bhattacharya, Natarajan, Singer, and Thorndike); Cardiovascular Research Center and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Ms Carmichael and Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan); and Program in Medical and Population Genetics and the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan)
| | - Daniel E. Singer
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Singer, and Thorndike); Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Bhattacharya, Natarajan, Singer, and Thorndike); Cardiovascular Research Center and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Ms Carmichael and Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan); and Program in Medical and Population Genetics and the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan)
| | - Anne N. Thorndike
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Singer, and Thorndike); Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Drs Ashburner, Bhattacharya, Natarajan, Singer, and Thorndike); Cardiovascular Research Center and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Ms Carmichael and Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan); and Program in Medical and Population Genetics and the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Bhattacharya and Natarajan)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ikemura N, Kohsaka S, Kimura T, Jones PG, Katsumata Y, Tanimoto K, Ueda I, Takatsuki S, Ieda M, Chan PS, Spertus JA. Physician Estimates and Patient-Reported Health Status in Atrial Fibrillation. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2356693. [PMID: 38393730 PMCID: PMC10891467 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.56693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance A primary objective in managing atrial fibrillation (AF) is to optimize patients' health status, which can be done only if physicians accurately quantify the outcomes associated with AF in patients' lives. Objective To explore physicians' estimation of the health status of patients with AF and its association with subsequent care and outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants A multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in 2 outpatient practices in Tokyo, Japan. Participants included patients with newly diagnosed AF or those referred for initial treatment of AF at outpatient practices and treating physicians from November 8, 2018, to April 1, 2020. Data analysis was performed from December 22, 2022, to July 7, 2023. Exposures Participating patients completed the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire, a 20-item tool covering 4 domains with a 7-point Likert scale; 3 domains (symptoms, daily activities, and treatment concerns) were used in this study. Blinded to patients' responses, treating physicians answered a 3-item questionnaire quantifying each patient's AFEQT domain with a single item. Patients' mean Likert scale responses within each AFEQT domain were subtracted from the physicians' assessments so that higher scores (≥0.5 points) indicate physician underestimation, while lower scores (≤0.5 points) indicate physician overestimation of the health status of patients with AF. Main Outcomes and Measures The independent association of physician-patient concordance with treatment escalation (alteration or initiation of antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversion, or catheter ablation) and 1-year adjusted changes in AFEQT scores. Results Among 330 patients (238 [72.1%] men; mean [SD] age, 67.9 [11.9] years; 163 [49.4%] with paroxysmal AF), physicians correctly estimated health status in 112 patients (33.9%), underestimated it in 42 patients (12.7%), and overestimated it in 176 patients (53.3%). Treatment escalation occurred in 63.6% of patients whose health status was correctly estimated, 47.6% of those whose health status was underestimated, and 66.3% of patients whose health status was overestimated. After multivariable adjustment, underestimation of health status was independently associated with less treatment escalation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.90) and less frequent AFEQT overall summary score improvement at 1 year (underestimated, 2.5 [95% CI, -1.6 to 6.7] vs correctly and overestimated health status, 8.4 [95% CI, 7.0-9.9] points; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, physician underestimation of the health status of patients with AF was common and associated with less aggressive treatment and less health status improvement at 1 year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Kimura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Philip G. Jones
- University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City
| | | | - Kojiro Tanimoto
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization, Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuko Ueda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paul S. Chan
- University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City
| | - John A. Spertus
- University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Steinberg BA. Atrial Fibrillation Symptom Assessment-It's Us, We're (Part of) the Problem. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2356660. [PMID: 38393733 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.56660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Steinberg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
McMichael G, Cusack L, Andina Munawar D, Boyd M, Palmer L, Lim HS, Mahajan R. Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Questionnaire (AFHLQ): The development of an AF-specific health literacy questionnaire. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2024; 50:101322. [PMID: 38204985 PMCID: PMC10776638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Health literacy is a key enabler of effective behavioural modification in chronic diseases. While patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) exists for patient with atrial fibrillation (AF), none address risk factors comprehensively. The aim of the study was to develop and qualitatively validate a disease specific PROM that incorporates knowledge on risk factors and assesses interactive and critical health literacy of people living with AF. Methods The 47-item Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Questionnaire (AFHLQ) was developed and validated through a qualitative research design. Expert and Consumer focus groups, each consisting of seven participants provided opinion. Results The 47-item questionnaire consists of 5 domains: (1) what is AF, (2) what are the symptoms of AF, (3) why do people get AF, (4) management of AF, and (5) what measures can slow or prevent the progression of AF. Recommendations resulted in several changes to the original 47 item list during the qualitative validation process: 13 original items were removed, and 13 new items were added. The response categories were also simplified from a Likert scale to "yes", "no" or "don't know". Conclusion A 47-item AFHLQ instrument was developed and validated with modifications made through clinical expert and consumer opinion. This tool has a potential to be used to evaluate and guide interventions at a clinical and population level to understand and improve AF health literacy and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gai McMichael
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lynette Cusack
- Adelaide Nursing School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dian Andina Munawar
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), Elizabeth Vale, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mark Boyd
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), Elizabeth Vale, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lyle Palmer
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Han S Lim
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rajiv Mahajan
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), Elizabeth Vale, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Antoniou P, Dafli E, Giannakoulas G, Igimbayeva G, Visternichan O, Kyselov S, Lykhasenko I, Lashkul D, Nadareishvili I, Tabagari S, Bamidis PD. Education of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Mobile Virtual Patient Environment: Protocol for a Multicenter Pseudorandomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e45946. [PMID: 38261376 PMCID: PMC10848131 DOI: 10.2196/45946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Patient knowledge about AF and its management is paramount but often limited. Patients need to be appropriately informed about treatment options, medicinal adherence, and potential consequences of nonadherence, while also understanding treatment goals and expectations from it. Mobile health apps have experienced an explosion both in their availability and acceptance as "soft interventions" for patient engagement and education; however, the prolific nature of such solutions revealed a gap in the evidence base regarding their efficacy and impact. Virtual patients (VPs), interactive computer simulations, have been used as learning activities in modern health care education. VPs demonstrably improved cognitive and behavioral skills; hence, they have been effectively implemented across undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. However, their application in patient education has been rather limited so far. OBJECTIVE This work aims to implement and evaluate the efficacy of a mobile-deployed VP regimen for the education and engagement of patients with AF on crucial topics regarding their condition. A mobile VP app is being developed with the goal of each VP being a simple scenario with a set goal and very specific messages and will be subsequently attempted and evaluated. METHODS A mobile VP player app is being developed so as to be used for the design of 3 educational scenarios for AF management. A pseudorandomized controlled trial for the efficacy of VPs is planned to be executed at 3 sites in Greece, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan for patients with AF. The Welch t test will be used to demonstrate the performance of patients' evaluation of the VP experience. RESULTS Our study is at the development stage. A preliminary study regarding the system's development and feasibility was initiated in December 2022. The results of our study are expected to be available in 2024 or when the needed sample size is achieved. CONCLUSIONS This study aims to evaluate and demonstrate the first significant evidence for the value of VP resources in outreach and training endeavors for empowering and patients with AF and fostering healthy habits among them. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/45946.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Antoniou
- Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Dafli
- Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Giannakoulas
- 1st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Olga Visternichan
- Internal Medicine Department, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Serhii Kyselov
- Department of Internal Diseases No.1 and Simulation Medicine, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Ivetta Lykhasenko
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Radiation Diagnostics and Radiation, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Lashkul
- Department of Internal Diseases No.1 and Simulation Medicine, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Ilia Nadareishvili
- AIETI Medical School, David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Sergo Tabagari
- AIETI Medical School, David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Panagiotis D Bamidis
- Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ritchie LA, Penson PE, Akpan A, Lip GYH, Lane DA. Pharmacist-led intervention for older people with atrial fibrillation in long-term care (PIVOTALL study): a randomised pilot and feasibility study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:64. [PMID: 38229013 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older care home residents are a vulnerable group of people with atrial fibrillation (AF) at high risk of adverse health events. The Atrial Fibrillation Better Care (ABC: Avoid stroke; Better symptom management; Cardiovascular and other comorbidity management) pathway is the gold-standard approach toward integrated AF care, and pharmacists are a potential resource with regards to its' implementation. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of pharmacist-led medicines optimisation in care home residents, based on the ABC pathway compared to usual care. METHODS Individually randomised, prospective pilot and feasibility study of older (aged ≥ 65 years) care home residents with AF (ISRCTN14747952); residents randomised to ABC pathway optimised care versus usual care. The primary outcome was a description of study feasibility (resident and care home recruitment and retention). Secondary outcomes included the number and type of pharmacist medication recommendations and general practitioner (GP) implementation. RESULTS Twenty-one residents were recruited and 11 (mean age [standard deviation] 85.0 [6.5] years, 63.6% female) were randomised to receive pharmacist-led medicines optimisation. Only 3/11 residents were adherent to all three components of the ABC pathway. Adherence was higher to 'A' (9/11 residents) and 'B' (9/11 residents) components compared to 'C' (3/11 residents). Four ABC-specific medicines recommendations were made for three residents, and two were implemented by residents' GPs. Overall ABC adherence rates did not change after pharmacist medication review, but adherence to 'A' increased (from 9/11 to 10/11 residents). Other ABC recommendations were inappropriate given residents' co-morbidities and risk of medication-related adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS The ABC pathway as a framework was feasible to implement for pharmacist medication review, but most residents' medications were already optimised. Low rates of adherence to guideline-recommended therapy were a result of active decisions not to treat after assessment of the net risk-benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leona A Ritchie
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
| | - Peter E Penson
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Asangaedem Akpan
- Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L9 7AL, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Deirdre A Lane
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kashimura S, Ikemura N, Kohsaka S, Katsumata Y, Kimura T, Shinmura D, Fukumoto K, Negishi K, Ueda I, Takatsuki S, Ieda M. Clinical Utility of Baseline Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels on Health Status Outcomes after Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Individuals without Heart Failure. J Clin Med 2024; 13:407. [PMID: 38256541 PMCID: PMC10816027 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation (CA) benefits atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with heart failure (HF). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a marker of left-ventricular pressure load, may serve as a potential surrogate for predicting quality of life (QOL) in a broader range of patients. METHODS Within the multicenter KiCS-AF registry, 491 AF patients underwent CA without clinical HF (e.g., documented history of HF, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%, or BNP levels ≥ 100 pg/mL). Participants, aged 61 ± 10 years, were categorized by baseline BNP quartiles. Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire assessments were assessed at baseline and 1 year. RESULTS A lower baseline BNP correlated with reduced AFEQT scores. Post CA, all groups showed significant AFEQT score improvements. The lower-BNP group displayed notable enhancements (18.2 ± 1.2, 15.0 ± 1.1, 12.6 ± 1.2, 13.6 ± 1.2, p < 0.005), especially in symptom and treatment concern areas. Even those with normal BNP levels (≤18.4 pg/mL) exhibited significant QOL improvements. Comparing paroxysmal AF (PAF) and non-PAF groups, the PAF group, especially with higher BNP levels, showed greater AFEQT score improvements. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes BNP as a predictive marker for QOL enhancement in non-HF patients undergoing CA for AF. BNP levels represent AF stages, with individuals in earlier stages, especially within normal BNP levels, experiencing greater QOL improvements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kashimura
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen’s Hospital, 1-1, Mitsuzawa-nishicho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-0855, Japan (K.N.)
| | - Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.K.); (T.K.); (I.U.); (M.I.)
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.K.); (T.K.); (I.U.); (M.I.)
| | - Yoshinori Katsumata
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.K.); (T.K.); (I.U.); (M.I.)
| | - Takehiro Kimura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.K.); (T.K.); (I.U.); (M.I.)
| | - Daisuke Shinmura
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen’s Hospital, 1-1, Mitsuzawa-nishicho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-0855, Japan (K.N.)
| | - Kotaro Fukumoto
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen’s Hospital, 1-1, Mitsuzawa-nishicho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-0855, Japan (K.N.)
| | - Koji Negishi
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen’s Hospital, 1-1, Mitsuzawa-nishicho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-0855, Japan (K.N.)
| | - Ikuko Ueda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.K.); (T.K.); (I.U.); (M.I.)
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.K.); (T.K.); (I.U.); (M.I.)
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.K.); (T.K.); (I.U.); (M.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Deering TF, Goyal SK, Bhimani AA, Hoosien M, Karimianpour A, Krishnasamy KP, Nilsson KR, Omar A, Lakkireddy D, Gopinathannair R, Katapadi A, Sohns C. Atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: Where do we stand in 2023? - State of the art review. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 47:88-100. [PMID: 38071456 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure are common overlapping cardiovascular disorders. Despite important therapeutic advances over the past several decades, controversy persists about whether a rate control or rhythm control approach constitutes the best option in this population. There is also considerable debate about whether antiarrhythmic drug therapy or ablation is the best approach when rhythm control is pursued. A brief historical examination of the literature addressing this issue will be performed. An analysis of several important clinical outcomes observed in the prospective, randomized studies, which have compared AF ablation to non-ablation treatment options, will be discussed. This review will conclude with recommendations to guide clinicians on the status of AF ablation as a treatment option when considering management options in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Deering
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Augusta University, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sandeep K Goyal
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashish A Bhimani
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael Hoosien
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmadreza Karimianpour
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kavita P Krishnasamy
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kent R Nilsson
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Augusta University, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Abdullah Omar
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy
- Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
| | - Rakesh Gopinathannair
- Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
| | - Aashish Katapadi
- Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
| | - Christian Sohns
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mihas P, Rosman L, Armbruster T, Walker J, Deyo Z, Gehi A. Assessing a Virtual Education Intervention for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perceptions. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024; 39:E1-E11. [PMID: 37088903 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000000984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Authors of studies of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have identified several knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding the condition and its management. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened isolation of patients and underscored the need for education and knowledge building in order for patients to effectively manage AF during times of increased health risk. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess, using a qualitative approach, the experiences and perceived benefits of patients with AF regarding an 8-session virtual education intervention (AF-at-Home) during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A qualitative study with 3 focus groups using a semistructured focus group guide was conducted and recorded online with the same trained moderator. RESULTS We identified 7 primary themes emerging from patients' experiences: (1) building knowledge beyond information available in clinic visits, (2) managing anxiety, (3) generating self-efficacy, (4) providing social comparison, (5) perceived benefits of both experiential and informational content, (6) facilitating self-management behaviors, and (7) facilitating communication with providers. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of the focus groups shows the benefits of a virtual education program in building knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy as well as reducing anxiety and normalizing one's experience by attending a program alongside other patients with AF.
Collapse
|
34
|
Nakamaru R, Ikemura N, Kimura T, Katsumata Y, Sherrod CF, Miyama H, Shiraishi Y, Kanki H, Negishi K, Ueda I, Fukuda K, Takatsuki S, Kohsaka S. Discontinuation of Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Impact of Treatment Strategy and on Patients' Health Status. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7712. [PMID: 38137780 PMCID: PMC10743485 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The discontinuation of oral anticoagulants (OACs) remains as a significant concern in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). The discontinuation rate may vary depending on management strategy, and physicians may also discontinue OACs due to concerns about patient satisfaction with their care. We aimed to assess the incidence of OAC discontinuation and its relationship to patients' health in an outpatient AF registry. METHODS AND RESULTS From a multicenter registry for newly recognized AF patients (n = 3313), we extracted 1647 (49.7%) patients with OACs and a CHA2DS2-Vasc score of ≥2. Discontinuation was defined as sustained cessation of OACs within a 1-year follow-up. We examined predictors associated with discontinuation and its relations to health status defined by the AFEQT questionnaire. Of the 1647 patients, 385 (23.6%) discontinued OACs after 1 year, with discontinuation rates varying across treatment strategies (15.3% for catheter ablation, 4.9% for rhythm control with antiarrhythmic drugs, and 3.0% for rate control). Successful rhythm control was associated with discontinuation in the catheter ablation (OR 6.61, 95% CI 3.00-14.6, p < 0.001) and antiarrhythmic drugs (OR 6.47, 95% CI 2.62-15.9, p < 0.001) groups, whereas the incidence of bleeding events within 1 year was associated with discontinuation in the rate control group. One-year AFEQT scores did not significantly differ between patients who discontinued OACs and those who did not in each treatment strategy group. CONCLUSIONS OAC discontinuation was common among AF patients with significant stroke risk but varied depending on the chosen treatment strategy. This study also found no significant association between OAC discontinuation and patients' health status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Nakamaru
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
- Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
- Cardiovascular Research, Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute/UMKC, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | - Takehiro Kimura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| | - Yoshinori Katsumata
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| | - Charles F. Sherrod
- Cardiovascular Research, Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute/UMKC, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | - Hiroshi Miyama
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| | - Yasuyuki Shiraishi
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| | - Hideaki Kanki
- Department of Cardiology, Saitama City Hospital, Saitama 336-8522, Japan
| | - Koji Negishi
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen’s Hospital, Yokohama 221-0855, Japan
| | - Ikuko Ueda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (Y.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zulmiyusrini P, Yamin M, Muhadi M, Kurniawan J, Salim S. The validity and reliability of Indonesian version of atrial fibrillation effect on quality of life (AFEQT) questionnaire for atrial fibrillation patients. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2023; 7:133. [PMID: 38100028 PMCID: PMC10724099 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-023-00672-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 60% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a significant health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment. HRQoL, a patient-reported outcome (PRO), has become an important endpoint to assess treatment success in AF patients. The Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) questionnaire is an AF-specific HRQoL tool shown to be feasible, reliable, and valid, with translations in various languages. Since this questionnaire has never been translated or validated in Indonesian, we aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of the AFEQT questionnaire for AF patients. RESULTS This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Integrated Cardiovascular Service Polyclinic, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia, from December 2021 to March 2022. A total of 30 participants were recruited for cross-cultural adaptation process, which consisted of translation and adaptation process, and a total of 102 participants were consecutively recruited to participate in the validation process, which consisted of validity test (construct validity) and reliability tests (internal consistency and test-retest). The retest was conducted within a 1-2-week interval after the baseline assessment, by analyzing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The construct validity was determined by multitrait scaling analysis, and the convergent and divergent validity was compared to SF-36 domains. Multitrait scaling analysis revealed that all items in the Indonesian version of the AFEQT questionnaire had a strong negative correlation towards their respective domains (r -0.639--0.960). For convergent and divergent validity, AFEQT domains had weak to strong positive correlations to all SF-36 domains (r 0.338-0.693). This questionnaire also had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α for overall score: 0.947; Domains: Symptoms: 0.818, Daily Activities: 0.943, Treatment Concern: 0.894, and Treatment Satisfaction: 0.865), as well as moderate-to-good test-retest reliability (0.521-0.828). CONCLUSIONS The Indonesian version of the AFEQT questionnaire has good validity and reliability for assessing quality of life of atrial fibrillation patients in Indonesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Putri Zulmiyusrini
- Department of Internal Medicine, dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Yamin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National General Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Muhadi Muhadi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National General Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Juferdy Kurniawan
- Division of Hepatobiliary, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National General Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Simon Salim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National General Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Misra S, Niazi K, Swayampakala K, Blackmon A, Lang M, Davenport E, Saxonhouse S, Fedor J, Powell B, Thompson J, Holshouser J, Mehta R. Outcomes of a Remote Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Pilot Study. JMIR Cardio 2023; 7:e49345. [PMID: 38096021 PMCID: PMC10755650 DOI: 10.2196/49345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk factor modification, in particular exercise and weight loss, has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, access to structured supporting programs is limited. Barriers include the distance from appropriate facilities, insurance coverage, work or home responsibilities, and transportation. Digital health technology offers an opportunity to address this gap and offer scalable interventions for risk factor modification. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week asynchronous remotely supervised exercise and patient education program, modeled on cardiac rehabilitation programs, in patients with AF. METHODS A total of 12 patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF were enrolled in this pilot study. Participants met with an exercise physiologist for a supervised exercise session to generate a personalized exercise plan to be implemented over the subsequent 12-week program. Disease-specific education was also provided as well as instruction in areas such as blood pressure and weight measurement. A digital health toolkit for self-tracking was provided to facilitate monitoring of exercise time, blood pressure, weight, and cardiac rhythm. The exercise physiologist remotely monitored participants and completed weekly check-ins to titrate exercise targets and provide further education. The primary end point was program completion. Secondary end points included change in self-tracking adherence, weight, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), waist circumference, AF symptom score, and program satisfaction. RESULTS The median participant age was 67.5 years, with a mean BMI of 33.8 kg/m2 and CHADs2VASC (Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age [≥75 years], Diabetes, Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack, Vascular Disease, Age [65-74 years], Sex [Female]) of 1.5. A total of 11/12 (92%) participants completed the program, with 94% of expected check-ins completed and 2.9 exercise sessions per week. Adherence to electrocardiogram and blood pressure tracking was fair at 81% and 47%, respectively. Significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, and BMI were observed with improvements in 6MWT and AF symptom scores (P<.05) at the completion of the program. For program management, a mean of 2 hours per week or 0.5 hours per patient per week was required, inclusive of time for follow-up and intake visits. Participants rated the program highly (>8 on a 10-point Likert scale) in terms of the impact on health and wellness, educational value, and sustainability of the personal exercise program. CONCLUSIONS An asynchronous remotely supervised exercise program augmented with AF-specific educational components for patients with AF was feasible and well received in this pilot study. While improvements in patient metrics like BMI and 6MWT are encouraging, they should be viewed as hypothesis generating. Based on insights gained, future program iterations will include particular attention to improved technology for data aggregation, adjustment of self-monitoring targets based on observed adherence, and protocol-driven exercise titration. The study design will need to incorporate strategies to facilitate the recruitment of a diverse and representative participant cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satish Misra
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Karen Niazi
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | | | - Amanda Blackmon
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Melissa Lang
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | | | | | - John Fedor
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Brian Powell
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Joseph Thompson
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - John Holshouser
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Rohit Mehta
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Klavebäck S, Skúladóttir H, Olbers J, Östergren J, Braunschweig F. Changes in cardiac output, rhythm regularity, and symptom severity after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. SCAND CARDIOVASC J 2023; 57:2236341. [PMID: 37452449 DOI: 10.1080/14017431.2023.2236341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Symptoms in atrial fibrillation (AF) range from none to disabling. The physiological correlates of AF symptoms are not well characterized. This study investigated the association between physiological parameters and symptom severity before and after electrical cardioversion (EC) of AF. DESIGN We studied 44 patients with persistent AF (age 66.2 ± 7.9 years, 16% females) 4 ± 2 days before and 5 ± 2 days after EC. Physiological parameters included cardiac output (CO; non-invasive inert gas rebreathing), heart rate (HR), RR variability and resting and ambulatory blood pressure (BP). Symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were assessed by the modified European Heart Rhythm Association score (mEHRA), the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) and the Symptom Checklist for frequency and severity of symptoms (SCL). RESULTS 28 of 44 patients were still in sinus rhythm (SR) at post EC evaluation. Those in SR had a decreased HR (-15.4 ± 13.1 bpm, p < 0.001), and an increased CO (+0.8 ± 0.7 L/min, p < 0.001) as compared to those with recurrent AF. Changes in CO after EC correlated with symptom improvement as scored by AFEQT (r = 0.36; p < 0.05), AFEQT symptoms subscore (r = 0.46; p < 0.01), SCL for frequency (r = 0.62; p < 0.01) and severity (r = 0.33; p < 0.05) of symptoms, and the mEHRA score (r = 0.50; p < 0.01). A decrease in RR variability showed similar correlations with these measures of symptom improvement. CONCLUSIONS Improvements in symptoms and quality of life experienced by patients after electrical conversion of atrial fibrillation are correlated with an increase in CO and a decreased RR variability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Klavebäck
- Department of Medicine Solna, Unit of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helga Skúladóttir
- Department of Medicine Solna, Unit of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Olbers
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Cardiology Unit, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Östergren
- Department of Medicine Solna, Unit of Clinical Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frieder Braunschweig
- Department of Medicine Solna, Unit of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hereijgers MJ, van der Velden RM, el Moussaoui N, Verhaert DV, Habibi Z, Luermans J, den Uijl D, Chaldoupi SM, Vernooy K, Schotten U, Baumert M, Gietema HA, Mihl C, Koltowski L, Franssen FM, Simons SO, Linz D. Repurposing catheter ablation work-up to detect expiratory airflow limitation in patients with atrial fibrillation. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2023; 49:101305. [PMID: 38053981 PMCID: PMC10694302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Background In atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, presence of expiratory airflow limitation may negatively impact treatment outcomes. AF patients are not routinely screened for expiratory airflow limitation, but existing examinations can help identify at-risk individuals. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of repurposing existing assessments from the pre-ablation work-up to identify and understand the characteristics of affected patients. Methods We screened 110 consecutive AF patients scheduled for catheter ablation with handheld spirometry. Routine pre-ablation work-up included cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), transthoracic echocardiography and polygraphy. CCTA was analyzed qualitatively for emphysema and airway abnormalities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of expiratory airflow limitation. Results We found that 25 % of patients had expiratory airflow limitation, which was undiagnosed in 86 % of these patients. These patients were more likely to have pulmonary abnormalities on CCTA, including emphysema (odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.12-15.1, p < 0.05) and bronchial wall thickening (OR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.0-6.5, p < 0.05). The absence of pulmonary abnormalities on CCTA accurately distinguished patients with normal lung function from those with airflow limitation (negative predictive value: 85 %). Echocardiography and polygraphy did not contribute significantly to identifying airflow limitation. Conclusions In conclusion, routine pre-ablation CCTA can detect pulmonary abnormalities in AF patients with airflow limitation, guiding further pulmonary assessment. Future studies should investigate its impact on ablation procedure success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maartje J.M. Hereijgers
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel M.J. van der Velden
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nora el Moussaoui
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique V.M. Verhaert
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Zarina Habibi
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Justin Luermans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis den Uijl
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sevasti-Maria Chaldoupi
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Baumert
- Discipline of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hester A. Gietema
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lukasz Koltowski
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Frits M.E. Franssen
- Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sami O. Simons
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- NUTRIM Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rush KL, Seaton CL, O’Connor BP, Andrade JG, Loewen P, Corman K, Burton L, Smith MA, Moroz L. Managing With Atrial Fibrillation: An Exploratory Model-Based Cluster Analysis of Clinical and Personal Patient Characteristics. CJC Open 2023; 5:833-845. [PMID: 38020332 PMCID: PMC10679453 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Examining characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has the potential to help in identifying groups of patients who might benefit from different management approaches. Methods Secondary analysis of online survey data was combined with clinic referral data abstraction from 196 patients with AF attending an AF specialty clinic. Cluster analyses were performed to identify distinct, homogeneous clusters of AF patients defined by 11 relevant variables: CHA2DS2-VASc score, age, AF symptoms, overall health, mental health, AF knowledge, perceived stress, household and recreation activity, overall AF quality of life, and AF symptom treatment satisfaction. Follow-up analyses examined differences between the cluster groups in additional clinical variables. Results Evidence emerged for both 2- and 4-cluster solutions. The 2-cluster solution involved a contrast between patients who were doing well on all variables (n = 129; 66%) vs those doing less well (n = 67; 34%). The 4-cluster solution provided a closer-up view of the data, showing that the group doing less well was split into 3 meaningfully different subgroups of patients who were managing in different ways. The final 4 clusters produced were as follows: (i) doing well; (ii) stressed and discontented; (iii) struggling and dissatisfied; and (iv) satisfied and complacent. Conclusions Patients with AF can be accurately classified into distinct, natural groupings that vary in clinically important ways. Among the patients who were not managing well with AF, we found 3 distinct subgroups of patients who may benefit from tailored approaches to AF management and support. The tailoring of treatment approaches to specific personal and/or behavioural patterns, alongside clinical patterns, holds potential to improve patient outcomes (eg, treatment satisfaction).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy L. Rush
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cherisse L. Seaton
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian P. O’Connor
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason G. Andrade
- Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Specialty Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter Loewen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia—Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kendra Corman
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lindsay Burton
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mindy A. Smith
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Lana Moroz
- Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Specialty Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hutchings HA, Lanyon KJ, Holland G, Alikhan R, Jenkins R, Laing H, Hughes A, Lobban T, Pollock K, Tod D, Lister S. Can we collect health-related quality of life information from anticoagulated atrial fibrillation participants who have recently experienced a bleed? An observational feasibility study in primary and secondary care in Wales and through a UK online forum. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075335. [PMID: 37802619 PMCID: PMC10565208 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of recruiting participants diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) taking oral anticoagulation therapies (OATs) and recently experiencing a bleed to collect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) information. DESIGN Observational feasibility study. The study aimed to determine the feasibility of recruiting participants with minor and major bleeds, the most appropriate route for recruitment and the appropriateness of the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) selected for collecting HRQoL information in AF patients, and the preferred format of the surveys. SETTING Primary care, secondary care and via an online patient forum. PARTICIPANTS The study population was adult patients (≥18) with AF taking OATs who had experienced a recent major or minor bleed within the last 4 weeks. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes - PROMs: EuroQol 5 Dimensions-5 Levels, Perception of Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaire, part 2 only (part 2), atrial fibrillation effect on quality of life. Secondary outcomes - Location of bleed, bleed severity, current treatment, patient perceptions of HRQoL in relation to bleeding events. RESULTS We received initial expressions of interest from 103 participants. We subsequently recruited 32 participants to the study-14 from primary care and 18 through the AF forum. No participants were recruited through secondary care. Despite 32 participants consenting, only 26 initial surveys were completed. We received follow-up surveys from 11 participants (8 primary care and 3 AF forum). COVID-19 had a major impact on the study. CONCLUSIONS Primary care was the most successful route for recruitment. Most participants recruited to the study experienced a minor bleed. Further ways to recruit in secondary care should be explored, especially to capture more serious bleeds. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study is registered in the Clinicaltrials.gov database, NCT04921176.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsty J Lanyon
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Gail Holland
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Raza Alikhan
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Hamish Laing
- VBHC Academy, School of Management, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Kevin Pollock
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Daniel Tod
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Steven Lister
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Uxbridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rush KL, Seaton CL, Burton L, Loewen P, O’Connor BP, Moroz L, Corman K, Smith MA, Andrade JG. Quality of life among patients with atrial fibrillation: A theoretically-guided cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291575. [PMID: 37797044 PMCID: PMC10553272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have significantly lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to the general population and patients with other heart diseases. The research emphasis on the influence of AF symptoms on HRQoL overshadows the role of individual characteristics. To address this gap, this study's purpose was to test an incremental predictive model for AF-related HRQoL following an adapted HRQoL conceptual model that incorporates both symptoms and individual characteristics. METHODS Patients attending an AF specialty clinic were invited to complete an online survey. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine whether individual characteristics (overall mental health, perceived stress, sex, age, AF knowledge, household and recreational physical activity) incremented prediction of HRQoL and AF treatment satisfaction beyond AF symptom recency and overall health. RESULTS Of 196 participants (mean age 65.3 years), 63% were male and 90% were Caucasian. Most reported 'excellent' or 'good' overall and mental health, had high overall AF knowledge scores, had low perceived stress scores, and had high household and recreation physical activity. The mean overall AF Effect On Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire (AFEQT) and AF treatment satisfaction scores were 70.62 and 73.84, respectively. Recency of AF symptoms and overall health accounted for 29.6% of the variance in overall HRQoL and 20.2% of the variance in AF treatment satisfaction. Individual characteristics explained an additional 13.6% of the variance in overall HRQoL and 7.6% of the variance in AF treatment satisfaction. Perceived stress and household physical activity were the largest contributors to overall HRQoL, whereas age and AF knowledge made significant contributions to AF treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Along with AF symptoms and overall health, individual characteristics are important predictors of HRQoL and AF treatment satisfaction in AF patients. In particular, perceived stress and household physical activity could further be targeted as potential areas to improve HRQoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy L. Rush
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Cherisse L. Seaton
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Lindsay Burton
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Peter Loewen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian P. O’Connor
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Lana Moroz
- Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Specialty Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kendra Corman
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Mindy A. Smith
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jason G. Andrade
- Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Specialty Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ashburner JM, Carmichael TD, Bhattacharya R, Bapat AC, Natarajan P, Atlas SJ, Singer DE, Thorndike AN. A Lifestyle Modification Program for Secondary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: A Pilot Study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3369346. [PMID: 37841859 PMCID: PMC10571629 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3369346/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Lifestyle modification programs, such as cardiac rehabilitation, may reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) burden and improve quality of life (QOL), but remain unproven. The objective of this pilot study was to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an exercise and nutrition-based cardiac rehabilitation-like program for AF patients. Methods We enrolled overweight adults aged ≥ 30 years with symptomatic AF in a 12-week cardiac lifestyle group program, including 6 virtual and 6 in-person visits. All visits included discussion and education about nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification. In-person visits included supervised aerobic exercise and strength training. Outcomes at baseline and 12 weeks included feasibility of participation, acceptability, change in weight and BMI, and changes in survey-based AF burden, symptoms, and QOL. Results From 84 invitees, 11 (13.1%) were enrolled (mean age 64; baseline BMI 38 kg/m2); 9 (82%) completed the program. Patients attended an average of 9.7 (81%) visits (Range: 6-11). Mean weight loss was 9.1 pounds (Range: 0-16); mean BMI decrease was 1.4 kg/m2 (Range: 0-2.6). Patients found the program helpful overall: all reported making diet and exercise changes during the program. Compared to baseline, patients reported decreased AF burden (12.9 vs. 11.7, p = 0.03) and symptom (10.1 vs. 5.6, p = 0.003) scores at the conclusion of the program. Patients also reported increased QOL overall (68.9 vs. 86.4, p = 0.001). Conclusions Participation in a cardiac rehab-like program was feasible and acceptable for overweight patients with symptomatic AF. Results suggest preliminary effectiveness of the program for reducing AF burden and symptoms and increasing QOL.
Collapse
|
43
|
Moons P, Norekvål TM, Arbelo E, Borregaard B, Casadei B, Cosyns B, Cowie MR, Fitzsimons D, Fraser AG, Jaarsma T, Kirchhof P, Mauri J, Mindham R, Sanders J, Schiele F, Torbica A, Zwisler AD. Placing patient-reported outcomes at the centre of cardiovascular clinical practice: implications for quality of care and management. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:3405-3422. [PMID: 37606064 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide important insights into patients' own perspectives about their health and medical condition, and there is evidence that their use can lead to improvements in the quality of care and to better-informed clinical decisions. Their application in cardiovascular populations has grown over the past decades. This statement describes what PROs are, and it provides an inventory of disease-specific and domain-specific PROs that have been developed for cardiovascular populations. International standards and quality indices have been published, which can guide the selection of PROs for clinical practice and in clinical trials and research; patients as well as experts in psychometrics should be involved in choosing which are most appropriate. Collaborations are needed to define criteria for using PROs to guide regulatory decisions, and the utility of PROs for comparing and monitoring the quality of care and for allocating resources should be evaluated. New sources for recording PROs include wearable digital health devices, medical registries, and electronic health record. Advice is given for the optimal use of PROs in shared clinical decision-making in cardiovascular medicine, and concerning future directions for their wider application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Moons
- KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 PB7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Arvid Wallgrens backe 1, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Klipfontein Rd, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tone M Norekvål
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Haukelandsveien 22, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies veg, 875021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Elena Arbelo
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS). Rosselló 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Britt Borregaard
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Barbara Casadei
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, RDM, University of Oxford; Headley Way, Headington Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Headley Way, Headington Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Bernard Cosyns
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Belgium
| | - Martin R Cowie
- Royal Brompton Hospital & School of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Lifesciences, King's College London, Sydney St, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Donna Fitzsimons
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Queens University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast | BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - Alan G Fraser
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Tiny Jaarsma
- Department of Medicine, Health and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Campus Norrköping, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
- Nursing Science, Julius Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Josepa Mauri
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera de Canyet, s/n, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard Mindham
- European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Patient Forum, 2035 route des colles, CS 80179 Biot, 06903 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Julie Sanders
- St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE, UK
- William Harvey Research Institute, Charterhouse Square, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Francois Schiele
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Besancon, 3 Bd Alexandre Fleming, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Aleksandra Torbica
- Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), Bocconi University, Via Sarfatti, 10 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Ann Dorthe Zwisler
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Vestergade 17, 5800 Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rush KL, Burton L, Seaton CL, Loewen P, O’Connor BP, Corman K, Phillips R, Moroz L, Andrade JG. Usability and Feasibility Testing of an Atrial Fibrillation Educational Website with Patients Referred to an Atrial Fibrillation Specialty Clinic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6792. [PMID: 37754651 PMCID: PMC10531022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to design, usability test, and explore the feasibility of a web-based educational platform/intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) as part of their virtual AF care. METHODS Participants were patients attending a specialized AF clinic. The multiple mixed-methods design included website design, think-aloud usability test, 1-month unstructured pre-testing analysis using Google Analytics, follow-up interviews, and a non-randomized one-group feasibility test using pre/post online surveys and Google Analytics. RESULTS Usability testing participants (n = 2) guided adjustments for improving navigation. Pre-testing participants' (n = 9) website activity averaged four sessions (SD = 2.6) at 10 (SD 8) minutes per session during a 1-month study period. In the feasibility test, 30 patients referred to AF specialty clinic care completed the baseline survey, and 20 of these completed the 6-month follow-up survey. A total of 19 patients accessed the website over the 6 months, and all 30 participants were sent email prompts containing information from the website. Health-related quality of life, treatment satisfaction, household activity, and AF knowledge scores were higher at follow-up than baseline. There was an overall downward trend in self-reported healthcare utilization at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Access to a credible education website for patients with AF has great potential to complement virtual and hybrid models of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy L. Rush
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada (C.L.S.)
| | - Lindsay Burton
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada (C.L.S.)
| | - Cherisse L. Seaton
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada (C.L.S.)
| | - Peter Loewen
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (P.L.); (J.G.A.)
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Brian P. O’Connor
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Kendra Corman
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada (C.L.S.)
| | - Robyn Phillips
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada (C.L.S.)
| | - Lana Moroz
- Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Specialty Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Jason G. Andrade
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (P.L.); (J.G.A.)
- Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Specialty Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Miyama H, Takatsuki S, Ikemura N, Kimura T, Katsumata Y, Yamashita S, Yamaoka K, Ibe S, Seki Y, Yamashita T, Hashimoto K, Ueda I, Ueno K, Ohki T, Fukuda K, Kohsaka S. Prognostic Implications and Efficacy of Catheter Ablation by Atrial Fibrillation Type. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029321. [PMID: 37681532 PMCID: PMC10547271 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.029321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is preferred for paroxysmal AF (PAF) but selectively performed in patients with persistent AF (PersAF). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic differences and consequences of CA based on the AF type. Methods and Results Data from a multicenter AF cohort study were analyzed, categorizing patients as PAF or PersAF according to AF duration (≤7 or >7 days, respectively). A composite of all-cause death, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, and bleeding events during 2-year follow-up and changes in the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-life score were compared. Additionally, propensity score matching was performed to compare clinical outcomes of patients with and without CA in both AF types. Among 2788 patients, 51.6% and 48.4% had PAF and PersAF, respectively. Patients with PersAF had a higher incidence of the composite outcome (12.8% versus 7.2%; P<0.001) and smaller improvements in Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-life scores than those with PAF. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, PersAF was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.30-1.78], P=0.031) and was associated with poor improvements in Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-life scores. Propensity score matching analysis showed that the CA group had significantly fewer adverse events than the medication group among patients with PAF (odds ratio, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.18-0.68]; P=0.002). Patients with PersAF showed a similar but nonsignificant trend. Conclusions PersAF is a risk factor for worse clinical outcomes, including patients' health status. CA is associated with fewer adverse events, although careful consideration is required based on the AF type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Miyama
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Division of Molecular EpidemiologyJikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Takehiro Kimura
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | | | - Shuhei Yamashita
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Koki Yamaoka
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Susumu Ibe
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yuta Seki
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | | | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Ikuko Ueda
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Koji Ueno
- Department of CardiologySaiseikai Utsunomiya HospitalTochigiJapan
| | - Takahiro Ohki
- Department of CardiologyTokyo Dental College Ichikawa General HospitalChibaJapan
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of CardiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Batra G, Aktaa S, Camm AJ, Costa F, Di Biase L, Duncker D, Fauchier L, Fragakis N, Frost L, Hijazi Z, Juhlin T, Merino JL, Mont L, Nielsen JC, Oldgren J, Polewczyk A, Potpara T, Sacher F, Sommer P, Tilz R, Maggioni AP, Wallentin L, Casadei B, Gale CP. Data standards for atrial fibrillation/flutter and catheter ablation: the European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart). EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. QUALITY OF CARE & CLINICAL OUTCOMES 2023; 9:609-620. [PMID: 36243903 PMCID: PMC10495697 DOI: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Standardized data definitions are essential for monitoring and assessment of care and outcomes in observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart) project of the European Society of Cardiology aimed to develop contemporary data standards for atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) and catheter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS We used the EuroHeart methodology for the development of data standards and formed a Working Group comprising 23 experts in AF/AFL and catheter ablation registries, as well as representatives from the European Heart Rhythm Association and EuroHeart. We conducted a systematic literature review of AF/AFL and catheter ablation registries and data standard documents to generate candidate variables. We used a modified Delphi method to reach a consensus on a final variable set. For each variable, the Working Group developed permissible values and definitions, and agreed as to whether the variable was mandatory (Level 1) or additional (Level 2). In total, 70 Level 1 and 92 Level 2 variables were selected and reviewed by a wider Reference Group of 42 experts from 24 countries. The Level 1 variables were implemented into the EuroHeart IT platform as the basis for continuous registration of individual patient data. CONCLUSION By means of a structured process and working with international stakeholders, harmonized data standards for AF/AFL and catheter ablation for AF/AFL were developed. In the context of the EuroHeart project, this will facilitate country-level quality of care improvement, international observational research, registry-based RCTs, and post-marketing surveillance of devices and pharmacotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gorav Batra
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology and Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Suleman Aktaa
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds and Department of Cardiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK
| | | | - Francisco Costa
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE Hospital de Santa Cruz, 1449-005 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, New York City, NY 10467, USA
| | - David Duncker
- Hannover Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Laurent Fauchier
- Service de Cardiologie, Center Hospitalier Universitaire Trousseau et Faculté de Médecine, Université de Tours, 37044 Tours, France
| | - Nikolaos Fragakis
- 3rd Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lars Frost
- Department of Cardiology, Regional Hospital Central Jutland, Silkeborg, and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 AarhusDenmark
| | - Ziad Hijazi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology and Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tord Juhlin
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - José L Merino
- Arrhythmia and Robotic Electrophysiology Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPaz, Universidad Autonoma, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluis Mont
- Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER cardiovascular, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jens C Nielsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonas Oldgren
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology and Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Polewczyk
- Department of Physiology, Patophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Collegium Medicum of The Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland; Department of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Surgery Świętokrzyskie Center of Cardiology, Kielce, Poland
| | - Tatjana Potpara
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade and Intensive Arrhythmia Care, Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Frederic Sacher
- Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), LIRYC Institute, 33600 Bordeaux, France
| | - Philipp Sommer
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Roland Tilz
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Luebeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Aldo P Maggioni
- ANMCO Research Center, Heart Care Foundation, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Lars Wallentin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology and Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Barbara Casadei
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX4 2PG, UK
| | - Chris P Gale
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds and Department of Cardiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ikemura N, Spertus JA, Nguyen DD, Kimura T, Katsumata Y, Fu Z, Jones PG, Niimi N, Shoji S, Ueda I, Tanimoto K, Suzuki M, Fukuda K, Takatsuki S, Kohsaka S. Baseline Health Status and its Association With Subsequent Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1934-1944. [PMID: 37498250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical practice guidelines recommend optimizing the health status of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) as a primary treatment goal. Whether disease-specific health status is associated with subsequent clinical events is unknown. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the association between health status and subsequent clinical events among patients with AF. METHODS Using a prospective cohort study of patients with new-onset AF referred to 11 hospitals (n = 3,313, 68.4% men, mean age 67.8 ± 11.6 years), data were extracted from 3,296 patients (99.4%) who completed the disease-specific Atrial Fibrillation Effects on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire between 2012 and 2018. Factors associated with baseline AFEQT overall summary (OS) score and associations between major adverse cardiovascular or neurologic events (MACNE; a composite of all-cause death, stroke, or new-onset heart failure hospitalization) over 2 years were investigated. RESULTS Overall, 517 participants (15.6%) had poor to fair health status (AFEQT OS <60), and 1,035 (31.2%) had fair to good health status (AFEQT OS 60 to <80) at baseline. Female sex, younger age, family history of AF, higher baseline heart rate, paroxysmal AF, initial visit to the emergency department, and history of heart failure were associated with lower AFEQT OS scores. Of those, 226 participants (6.8%) experienced MACNE; restricted cubic spline analysis with adjustment for factors associated with baseline AFEQT score showed a nonlinear increase in the risk for MACNE with AFEQT OS score <80. The strongest associations were observed for baseline AFEQT daily activity scores (for AFEQT daily activity score of <80 vs ≥80, HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.21-2.25). CONCLUSIONS Diminished health status in patients with AF is common and is independently associated with subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiro Ikemura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; University of Missouri's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - John A Spertus
- University of Missouri's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Dan D Nguyen
- University of Missouri's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Takehiro Kimura
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Zhuxuan Fu
- University of Missouri's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Philip G Jones
- University of Missouri's Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality and Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Nozomi Niimi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shoji
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuko Ueda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kojiro Tanimoto
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Suzuki
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Saitama Hospital, Wako, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Steinberg BA. Moving Toward PRO-Guided Care of AF. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1945-1947. [PMID: 37632510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Steinberg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
König S, Wohlrab L, Leiner J, Pellissier V, Nitsche A, Darma A, Hilbert S, Nedios S, Seewöster T, Dinov B, Hindricks G, Bollmann A. Patient perspectives on same-day discharge following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: results from a patient survey as part of the monocentric FAST AFA trial. Europace 2023; 25:euad262. [PMID: 37656979 PMCID: PMC10492224 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Same-day discharge (SDD) following catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) was already introduced in selected facilities in Europe, but a widespread implementation has not yet succeeded. Data on patients' perspectives are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a survey to address patients' beliefs towards SDD and identify variables that are associated with their evaluation. METHODS AND RESULTS As part of the prospective, monocentric FAST AFA trial, patients aged ≥20 years undergoing left atrial CA for AF were asked to participate in the survey consisting of a study-specific questionnaire, the AF knowledge scale, and pre-defined patient-reported outcome measures. The study cohort was stratified based on SDD willingness, and a logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for patients' valuation. Between 26 July 2021 and 01 July 2022, 256 of 376 screened patients consented to study participation of whom 248 (mean age 61.8 years, 33.9% female) completed the SDD survey. Of them, 50.0% were willing to have SDD concepts integrated into their clinical course with increased patient comfort (27.5%), shorter waiting times (14.6%), and a cost-efficient treatment (14.0%) being imaginable benefits. In contrast, expressed concerns included uncertainties with occurring complaints (50.6%), the insufficient recognition (47.8%), and treatment (48.9%) of complications. European Heart Rhythm Association class at baseline and inpatient treatments within the preceding year were predictors for SDD willingness whereas comorbidity burden or AF knowledge were not. CONCLUSION We provide a detailed survey expressing patients' beliefs towards SDD following left atrial CA. Our findings may facilitate adequate patient selection to improve the future implementation of SDD programs in suitable cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian König
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Wohlrab
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Leiner
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vincent Pellissier
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Nitsche
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angeliki Darma
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hilbert
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sotirios Nedios
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Timm Seewöster
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Borislav Dinov
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Bollmann
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Särnholm J, Skúladóttir H, Rück C, Axelsson E, Bonnert M, Bragesjö M, Venkateshvaran A, Ólafsdóttir E, Pedersen SS, Ljótsson B, Braunschweig F. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Improves Quality of Life in Patients With Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023; 82:46-56. [PMID: 37380303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often associated with troubling symptoms leading to impaired quality of life (QoL) and high health care use. Symptom preoccupation, that is, fear of cardiac-related symptoms and avoidance behavior, potentially contributes to disability in AF but is not targeted by current interventions. OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the effect of online cognitive behavior therapy (AF-CBT) on QoL in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF. METHODS Patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (n = 127) were randomly assigned to receive AF-CBT (n = 65) or standardized AF education (n = 62). Online AF-CBT lasted 10 weeks and was therapist guided. The main components were exposure to cardiac-related symptoms and reduction of AF-related avoidance behavior. Patients were evaluated at baseline, posttreatment, and at the 3-month follow-up. Primary outcome was AF-specific QoL as assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life summary score (range: 0-100) at the 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included AF-specific health care consumption and AF burden assessed by 5-day continuous electrocardiogram recording. The AF-CBT group was followed for 12 months. RESULTS AF-CBT led to large improvements in AF-specific QoL (Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life summary score) by 15.0 points (95% CI: 10.1-19.8; P < 0.001). Furthermore, AF-CBT reduced health care consumption by 56% (95% CI: 22-90; P = 0.025). The AF burden remained unchanged. Results on self-assessed outcomes were sustained 12 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS In patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF, online CBT led to large improvements in AF-specific QoL and reduced health care use. If these results are replicated, online CBT may constitute an important addition to AF management. (Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation; NCT03378349).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Särnholm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Helga Skúladóttir
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Rück
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erland Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden; Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianne Bonnert
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ashwin Venkateshvaran
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Ólafsdóttir
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne S Pedersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frieder Braunschweig
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|