Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity and Comorbidity in Old Patients with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
Inger AriansenaArnljot Tveitd

Abstract

Background: The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on quality of life (QoL) differs with the AF population studied and is influenced by comorbidity. In hospital-based studies younger and highly symptomatic patients may be overrepresented. We performed an observational cross sectional study in two municipalities, comparing 75 year-old patients with and without permanent atrial fibrillation, with respect to health-related QoL and exercise capacity, with adjustment for the effects of confounders. Methods: Maximal treadmill exercise testing provided peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak). Health-related QoL was assessed by self-completed SF-36 questionnaires. The lowest quartile identified poor outcomes. 27 subjects with permanent AF and 71 subjects in sinus rhythm participated. AF patients had higher prevalence of compensated chronic heart failure (p < 0.001), valvular heart disease (p < 0.001), lower mean VO2 peak (22.7 ± 5.5 vs. 28.6 ± 6.3 ml/kg/min; p < 0.001), and more often poor VO2 peak; crude OR 5.3 (95%CI 1.8, 15.3), adjusted OR 7.5 (2.0, 28.3). Median Physical Component Summary score (with 25th and 75th percentile) was 41 (31, 51) in AF vs. 52 (45, 55) in controls (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the AF group had higher odds for poor phy...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Atrial Filbrillation

Atrial fibrillation refers to the abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. Here is the latest research.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.