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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Risk Factors for Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation-Analysis of an Outpatient Database

Annabelle Santos Volgman1, Patrick Dunn2, Allison Sundberg2

  • 1Rush University Medical Center.

Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
|November 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Identifying asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial. High-risk individuals often have heart failure, hypertension, or advanced age, informing future screening strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology and Public Health
  • Health Technology Assessment

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and a leading cause of stroke.
  • Current US guidelines lack recommendations for screening asymptomatic, undiagnosed AF due to insufficient evidence.
  • The American Heart Association is exploring tools to improve outcomes for patients with undiagnosed AF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • To develop a risk score for identifying high-risk individuals for undiagnosed AF.
  • To inform potential screening and treatment strategies for asymptomatic AF.

Main Methods:

  • Phase I of a multi-phase plan by the AHA Center for Health Technology & Innovation.
  • Analysis of a large commercial insurance dataset.
  • Identification of demographic and clinical risk factors associated with AF.

Main Results:

  • Key risk factors for AF include advanced age, heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and hyperlipidemia.
  • Chronic respiratory failure is a significant risk factor for individuals over 65.
  • Chronic kidney disease is a significant risk factor for individuals under 65.

Conclusions:

  • Established risk factors like age, heart failure, and hypertension are confirmed predictors of AF.
  • Age-stratified risk factors (chronic respiratory failure >65, chronic kidney disease <65) provide refined insights.
  • Findings support the development of a risk score to identify patients who may benefit from screening for undiagnosed AF.

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationLeft atrial appendageStroke

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