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Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Clinical characteristics of persistent lone atrial fibrillation in the RACE study

Michiel Rienstra1, Vincent E Hagens, Dirk J Van Veldhuisen

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Northern Center of Healthcare Research, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Lone atrial fibrillation (AF) patients experienced fewer symptoms and better quality of life than those with structural heart disease. Despite lacking underlying conditions, lone AF still carries risks of bleeding and thromboembolism.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) management strategies vary, impacting patient outcomes.
  • Distinguishing lone AF from AF with underlying structural heart disease is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare demographics, clinical outcomes, and quality of life in patients with lone AF versus those with AF and structural heart disease.
  • To assess the specific risks associated with lone AF.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the RAte Control versus Electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation (RACE) study.
  • Randomized controlled trial comparing rate versus rhythm control in 522 patients.
  • Subgroup analysis of 89 patients with lone AF.

Main Results:

  • Lone AF patients were younger and reported less fatigue and dyspnea.
  • Quality of life scores were higher in lone AF patients, comparable to healthy controls.
  • Cardiovascular endpoints occurred in 10% of lone AF patients (bleeding, thromboembolism, pacemaker implantation), with no heart failure or severe antiarrhythmic drug events.

Conclusions:

  • Lone AF is associated with a better quality of life and fewer symptoms compared to AF with structural heart disease.
  • Despite the absence of overt cardiovascular disease, lone AF patients face significant risks of bleeding and thromboembolic events.

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