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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
The occurrence and prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation/-flutter following acute myocardial infarction.
O D Pedersen1, H Bagger, L Køber
1Department of Cardiology P, Gentofte University Hospital, Viborg, Denmark.
European Heart Journal
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Atrial fibrillation or flutter frequently occurs after acute myocardial infarction. This condition independently predicts higher short-term and long-term mortality in heart attack patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) is a common complication post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
- Understanding the incidence and prognostic impact of AF post-AMI is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of atrial fibrillation/flutter following acute myocardial infarction.
- To determine the prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation/flutter on short-term and long-term mortality after AMI.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection on AF occurrence during hospitalization in 6676 AMI patients from the TRACE study.
- Analysis of in-hospital and 5-year mortality rates, adjusted for baseline characteristics.
Main Results:
- 21% of AMI patients developed atrial fibrillation/flutter during hospitalization.
- AF was associated with older age, female sex, and more extensive left ventricular dysfunction.
- Both in-hospital (OR 1.5) and 5-year (RR 1.3) mortality were significantly increased in patients with AF post-AMI.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation/flutter is a frequent and significant complication after acute myocardial infarction.
- AF is an independent predictor of increased short-term and long-term mortality in AMI survivors.
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