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Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is uncommon in outpatients with chronic heart failure

Pernille Corell1, Finn Gustafsson, Jesper Mehlsen

  • 1Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Frederiksberg University Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark. pernillecorell@dadlnet.dk

Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal : SCJ
|June 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) was not detected in heart failure (HF) patients with systolic dysfunction during a 48-hour Holter ECG. However, many patients experienced irregular atrial runs (AR), warranting further study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Heart failure (HF) with systolic dysfunction is a significant cardiovascular condition.
  • The relationship between HF and arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AF) requires further elucidation.
  • Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and irregular atrial runs (AR) are potential concerns in HF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF) stemming from systolic dysfunction.
  • To investigate the occurrence of irregular atrial runs (AR) in the same patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-nine patients with HF and systolic dysfunction in sinus rhythm were enrolled.
  • A 48-hour Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) and a follow-up ECG were utilized for monitoring.
  • Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were performed to identify correlations.

Main Results:

  • No instances of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) were identified during the 48-hour monitoring period.
  • A significant proportion of patients (41%) exhibited episodes of irregular atrial runs (AR).
  • Older age and female sex were independently associated with the presence of AR.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with HF due to systolic dysfunction did not exhibit PAF on 48-hour Holter monitoring.
  • Irregular atrial runs (AR) were frequently observed in this population.
  • The clinical significance and prognostic implications of AR in HF patients necessitate additional research.
Abstract

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