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Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Cognitive Function, Psychological Distress, Quality of Life, and Impulsiveness

Rokas Serpytis1, Aurelija Navickaite2, Emilija Serpytiene2

  • 1Clinic of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Lithuania.

The American Journal of Medicine
|February 7, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation patients experience significantly lower cognitive function and quality of life, with higher rates of anxiety compared to healthy individuals. This study highlights the impact of atrial fibrillation on overall well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and a significant risk factor for stroke.
  • Hypertension associated with AF can lead to ischemic lesions and cognitive decline.
  • The independent impact of AF on cognitive impairment requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cognitive function in patients with atrial fibrillation versus a matched control group.
  • To assess quality of life, psychological distress, and impulsiveness in individuals with AF.
  • To determine the effects of AF independent of hypertension on cognitive status.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 60 patients (≥55 years) with a ≥5-year history of AF (well-controlled hypertension) and 30 healthy controls.
  • Participants completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Heart Quality of Life (HQOL), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS).
  • Demographic and clinical data were collected for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

  • The AF group showed significantly lower MMSE scores (27.6 vs. 29.5, P<.0001) and worse quality of life (HQOL 1.4 vs. 2.6, P<.0001).
  • Anxiety disorders were more prevalent in the AF group (66.7% vs. 26.67%, P=.009).
  • Physical quality of life was notably poorer in the AF cohort (1.4 vs. 2.8, P<.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Individuals with atrial fibrillation exhibit significantly impaired cognitive status compared to healthy controls.
  • Atrial fibrillation is associated with a higher likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.
  • Patients with AF report a diminished quality of life, particularly in the physical domain.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnxietyAtrial fibrillationCognitive functionQuality of life

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