To analyze characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with and without congestive heart failure (CHF) in a cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), emphasizing the clinical significance of this relationship.
Key Findings:
CHF was present in 21.9% of patients with recent AF.
Patients with CHF and LVEF ≤ 40% had higher odds of receiving oral anticoagulants (OAC) (odds ratio 1.47, 95% CI: 1.27–1.71).
Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants were less used in patients with CHF, regardless of LVEF.
CHF was associated with a 2.04-fold increased hazard of the primary outcome (hazard ratio: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.87–2.23).
Interpretation:
CHF is common among patients with AF and is linked to a more complex clinical profile, different treatment approaches, and worse outcomes, necessitating tailored management strategies.
Limitations:
The study is observational and may not establish causality.
Data may be influenced by selection bias inherent in registry studies, and potential confounding factors should be considered.
Conclusion:
CHF significantly impacts the management and prognosis of patients with AF, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes and suggesting areas for future research.
by Bernadette Corica, Giulio Francesco Romiti, Marco Proietti, Giuseppe Boriani, Brian Olshansky, Menno V Huisman, Gregory Y H Lip, on behalf of the GLORIA-AF Investigators
