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Atrial fibrillation--a marker for abnormal left ventricular function in coronary heart disease
Insights
Atrial fibrillation was found in 0.8% of patients with coronary heart disease. This heart rhythm abnormality significantly correlates with impaired heart function and left ventricular contraction abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, and its relationship with CHD requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with known coronary heart disease.
- To determine the clinical and hemodynamic correlates of atrial fibrillation in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1176 patients with known coronary heart disease.
- Cardiac catheterization data was reviewed.
- Comparison between patients with AF and those with sinus rhythm (SR).
Main Results:
- Atrial fibrillation was identified in 10 patients (0.8%) with known coronary heart disease.
- AF significantly correlated with impaired hemodynamic function.
- AF was associated with mitral regurgitation and left ventricular contraction abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation is a potential indicator of underlying myocardial dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease.
- The presence of AF may signify more extensive cardiac compromise.
Abstract:
Retrospective study of 1176 patients with known coronary heart disease by cardiac catheterisation disclosed 10 patients (0.8%) with atrial fibrillation. Comparison with 25 randomly selected patients with coronary heart disease with sinus rhythm showed that atrial fibrillation correlated significantly with impaired haemodynamic function, mitral regurgitation, and abnormalities of left ventricular contraction. Atrial fibrillation is, therefore, a useful marker of extensive myocardial dysfunction.