Atrial fibrillation is associated with a lower exercise capacity in male chronic heart failure patients

To study the influence of atrial fibrillation on peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) in chronic heart failure. An unfavourable effect of atrial fibrillation has been shown in several patient populations, but the results have not been consistent in chronic heart failure.

Data were analysed from male heart transplant candidates who were able to perform graded bicycle ergometry until exhaustion with respiratory gas analysis and measurement of heart rate. Patients in atrial fibrillation (n = 18) were compared with patients in sinus rhythm (n = 93).

Age, weight, height, and aetiology of chronic heart failure did not differ significantly between the two groups. Cardiac catheterisation at supine rest showed that heart rate was comparable, but that stroke volume and cardiac output were lower (p < 0.05) in atrial fibrillation. Systolic and diastolic left ventricular function, assessed by radionuclide angiography at rest, were not significantly different. Peak VO2 (mean (SD): 13.8 (3.6) v 17.1 (5.6) ml/kg/min; p < 0.01) and peak work load (78 (27) v 98 (36) W; p < 0.05) were lower in the patients with atrial fibrillation, though respiratory gas exchange ratio and Borg score were similar in the two groups. Patients with atrial fibrillation had a higher heart rate sitting at rest before exercise (93 (16) v 84 (16) beats/min) and at peak effort (156 (23) v 140 (25) beats/min) (p < 0.05).

Atrial fibrillation is associated with a 20% lower peak VO2 in patients with chronic heart failure, suggesting that preserved atrial contraction or a regular rhythm, or both, are critical to maintain cardiac output and exercise performance.