Drivers of hospitalization in atrial fibrillation: A contemporary review

Aditya Bhat1, Shaun Khanna2, Henry H L Chen2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Heart Rhythm
|June 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasing, driving costs. This review identifies risk factors, assessment tools, and treatments to reduce AF burden and hospital admissions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) related hospitalizations have significantly increased over the past two decades.
  • These hospitalizations represent a major driver of overall healthcare expenditure related to cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review identified drivers of AF-related hospitalizations.
  • To discuss tools for assessing hospitalization risk.
  • To highlight treatment strategies for reducing AF burden and hospital admissions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of data from multiple registries and large-scale clinical trials.
  • Identification of cardiovascular and non-traditional risk factors for hospitalization.
  • Evaluation of existing assessment tools for hospitalization risk.
  • Summary of evidence-based treatment paradigms.

Main Results:

  • Key cardiovascular and non-traditional risk factors contributing to AF hospitalizations have been identified.
  • Various assessment tools, including symptom scores and cardiac structural assessments, can help determine hospitalization risk.
  • Established treatment strategies demonstrate efficacy in reducing AF burden, disease progression, and hospital admissions.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding AF hospitalization drivers is crucial for managing healthcare costs.
  • Utilizing available assessment tools can aid in proactive patient management.
  • Implementing proven treatment paradigms can effectively mitigate AF progression and reduce hospitalizations.

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
292
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
337
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
2.2K
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
235
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
195
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
282