Association between atrial fibrillation and bundle branch block.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Previous research linked atrial fibrillation (Afib) to sinus and AV nodal dysfunction.
• Limited data existed on the association between Afib and bundle branch block (BBB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Afib and BBB.
• To analyze demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with BBB and Afib.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2009-2015).
• Identified patients with Afib and BBB using ICD-9-CM codes.
• Performed chi-square and multivariate linear regression analyses.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of Afib was significantly higher in patients with BBB (29%) compared to those without (11.8%).
• Afib demonstrated a significant association with BBB (OR 1.25), particularly with RBBB.
• Afib patients with BBB incurred higher mean costs but had similar mortality and length of stay compared to those without BBB.

Conclusions:

• A higher prevalence of Afib exists in patients diagnosed with BBB.
• Bundle branch block is associated with increased healthcare costs in Afib patients.
• BBB does not significantly impact inpatient mortality or length of stay for Afib patients.