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Related Experiment Videos

Understanding atrial symptom reports: objective versus subjective predictors.

Samuel F Sears1, Eva R Serber, Luis G Alvarez

  • 1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. ssears@phhp.ufl.edu

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|August 18, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Psychological distress, not just atrial fibrillation (AF) events, significantly impacts reported AF symptoms. Negative emotions are a stronger predictor of symptom scores than device-detected AF episodes in patients with AF.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia impacting quality of life (QOL).
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillators with atrial therapies (ICDs-ATs) can improve QOL in AF patients.
  • AF symptoms like dizziness and palpitations significantly affect daily living.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between objective (device-detected AF events) and subjective (emotional symptoms) data and reported AF symptoms.
  • To determine the predictive strength of emotional distress versus AF episodes on symptom burden.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 96 patients (72% male, mean age 65) undergoing AF treatment.
  • Emotional symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies--Depression Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Related Experiment Videos

  • AF disease burden was measured by device-detected AF episodes and the Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Symptom Severity Scale.

    • Main Results:

    • Negative emotions explained 13.2% of the variance in AF symptom scores (P=0.003).
    • Device-detected AF episodes accounted for a non-significant 8.2% of variance in symptom scores (P=0.167).
    • Both treated AF episodes (beta=0.251, P=0.043) and negative emotions (beta=0.369, P=0.003) predicted greater reported AF symptoms.

    Conclusions:

    • Psychological distress is a significant factor influencing patients' reports of AF symptoms.
    • The patient's emotional state may confound the perceived severity of AF symptoms.
    • Future research should consider psychological factors in managing AF symptom burden.