FC08-04 - Trajectories of depressive episodes and hypertension over 24 years: the whitehall II prospective cohort study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1855-1855
Author(s):  
H. Nabi ◽  
J.-F. Chanstang ◽  
T. Lefèvre ◽  
A. Dugravot ◽  
M. Melchior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Depression Subscale ◽  
Medical Examinations ◽  
Depressive Episodes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

IntroductionProspective data on depressive symptoms and blood pressure (BP) are scarce, and the impact of age on this association is poorly understood.ObjectivesThe present study examines longitudinal trajectories of depressive episodes and the probability of hypertension associated with these trajectories over time.MethodsParticipants were 6,889 men and 3,413 women London based civil servants followed for 24 years between 1985 and 2009. The age of participants over the follow-up ranged from 35 to 80 years. Depressive episode (defined as scoring 4 or more on the General Health Questionnaire-Depression subscale or using prescribed antidepressant medication) and hypertension (systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive medication) were assessed concurrently at five medical examinations.ResultsIn longitudinal logistic regression analyses based on Generalized-Estimating-Equation using age as the time scale, participants with depression trajectory characterised by increasing depressive episodes overtime had a greater increase in the likelihood for hypertension with advancing age; an adjusted-excess increase of 7% (95% CI 3-12, p < 0.001) for each five-year increase in age compared to those with a low/stable depression trajectory. In a model adjusted for relevant confounders, a higher risk of hypertension in the first group of participants did not become evident before age 55. A similar pattern of association was observed in men and women although the association was stronger in men.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the risk of hypertension increases with repeated experience of depressive episodes over time and materializes in later adulthood.

scholarly journals Impact of Model Choice When Studying the Relationship Between Blood Pressure Variability and Risk of Stroke Recurrence

Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugues de Courson ◽  
Loïc Ferrer ◽  
Antoine Barbieri ◽  
Phillip J. Tully ◽  
Mark Woodward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Blood Pressure Variability ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cox Model ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Vascular Risk Factor ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Long-term blood pressure variability (BPV), an increasingly recognized vascular risk factor, is challenging to analyze. The objective was to assess the impact of BPV modeling on its estimated effect on the risk of stroke. We used data from a secondary stroke prevention trial, PROGRESS (Perindopril Protection Against Stroke Study), which included 6105 subjects. The median number of blood pressure (BP) measurements was 12 per patient and 727 patients experienced a first stroke recurrence over a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) of BPV were estimated from 6 proportional hazards models using different BPV modeling for comparison purposes. The 3 commonly used methods first derived SD of BP measures observed over a given period of follow-up and then used it as a fixed covariate in a Cox model. The 3 more advanced modeling accounted for changes in BP or BPV over time in a single-stage analysis. While the 3 commonly used methods produced contradictory results (for a 5 mmHg increase in BPV, HR=0.75 [95% CI, 0.68–0.82], HR=0.99 [0.91–1.08], HR=1.19 [1.10–1.30]), the 3 more advanced modeling resulted in a similar moderate positive association (HR=1.08 [95% CI, 0.99–1.17]), whether adjusted for BP at randomization or mean BP over the follow-up. The method used to assess BPV strongly affects its estimated effect on the risk of stroke, and should be chosen with caution. Further methodological developments are needed to account for the dynamics of both BP and BPV over time, to clarify the specific role of BPV.

scholarly journals 0650 Impact of Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy on 24 Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A248-A248
Author(s):  
A De ◽  
J Bena ◽  
L Wang ◽  
J Aylor ◽  
R Bhambra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Ambulatory Blood Pressure ◽  
Cleveland Clinic ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Upper Airway Stimulation ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Introduction Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is recommended treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in select patients. Existing data have not focused on gold standard 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) to elucidate the impact of UAS. We hypothesize that UAS reduces ABPM indices characterized using objective sleep-wake from actigraphy data over 12-month follow-up period. Methods A prospective sub-study of the Inspire ® post-approval study at the Cleveland Clinic was designed to examine the effect of UAS on 24-hour ABPM measures post-implantation by examining blood pressure (BP) at baseline, and-2, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Actigraphy data was contemporaneously collected. Paired T-tests were used to evaluate BP changes over time. Repeated measure correlations measured within-patient associations between BP and actigraphy measures. Results Average age and BMI were 62.4 +/-12.9) years and 30.1 +/-3.3 kg/m2, 73.3% males and all Caucasian. The mean baseline systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were 119.7+/-12.9 mmHg, 74.3+/-7.4 mmHg and 89.3+/- 8.1 mmHg. There were no changes to number, type or dosage of BP medications. At 12 months, there were non-significant overall mean reduction in systolic [-0.55mmHg, p=0.75], diastolic [-0.73mmHg, p=0.63], and MAP [-0.55mmHg, p=0.71]. Mean sleeping systolic, diastolic and MAP changed by -4.36(p=0.34), -1.45 (p=0.57), -2.18 (p=0.50), respectively. Positive correlations above 0.25 (p&lt;0.10) were observed between all dipping percentage measures and total sleep time. Negative correlations were seen between overall systolic, diastolic and MAP with sleep latency (-0.22, p=0.19, -0.35, p=0.031 and -0.29, p=0.075 respectively). No significant changes in BMI was observed, but average hours of usage decreased over time. Conclusion Although consistent reduction of BP measures were observed post-UAS implantation, findings were not statistically significant. It is unclear whether this is due to insufficient sample size or true lack of effect. Larger-scale clinical and mechanistic studies are needed to enhance understanding of UAS-related vascular influences. Support Funded: Inspire Medical Systems

scholarly journals Feasibility Pilot Study of a Teaching Kitchen and Self-Care Curriculum in a Workplace Setting

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Eisenberg ◽  
Allison C. Righter ◽  
Benjamin Matthews ◽  
Weimin Zhang ◽  
Walter C. Willett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Generalized Estimating Equation ◽  
Workplace Setting ◽  
The Impact

Objective. To examine the feasibility of a prototype Teaching Kitchen (TK) self-care intervention that offers the combination of culinary, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness instruction with health coaching; and to describe research methods whereby the impact of TK models can be scientifically assessed. Design. Feasibility pilot study. Subjects were recruited, screened, and consented to participate in 14- or 16-week programs. Feasibility was assessed through ease of recruitment and attendance. One-sample t tests and generalized estimating equation models were used to compare differences in groups. Setting. Workplace. Subjects. Two cohorts of 20 employees and their partners. Results. All 40 participants completed the program with high attendance (89%) and response rates on repeated assessments. Multiple changes were observed in biomarkers and self-reported behaviors from baseline to postprogram including significant (  P < .05) decreases from baseline to postprogram in body weight (−2.8 kg), waist circumference (−2.2 in.), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (−7.7 and −6.3 mm Hg, respectively), and total cholesterol (−7.5 mg/dL). While changes in all of the aforementioned biomarkers persisted over the 12-month follow-up (n = 32), only changes in waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure remained statistically different at 12 months. Conclusions. These study findings suggest that a TK curriculum is feasible within a workplace setting and that its impact on relevant behavioral and clinical outcomes can be scientifically assessed.

T3 Are Burns a Chronic Condition: Examining Physical and Mental Functioning up to 20 Years After Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S2-S3
Author(s):  
Callie Abouzeid ◽  
Audrey E Wolfe ◽  
Gretchen J Carrougher ◽  
Nicole S Gibran ◽  
Radha K Holavanahalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
National Database ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Burn Survivors ◽  
Population Demographic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Introduction Burn survivors often face many long-term physical and psychological symptoms associated with their injury. To date, however, few studies have examined the impact of burn injuries on quality of life beyond 2 years post-injury. The purpose of this study is to examine the physical and mental well-being of burn survivors up to 20 years after injury. Methods Data from the Burn Model System National Database (1997–2020) were analyzed. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected at discharge with a recall of preinjury status, and then at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after injury. Outcomes examined were the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the Short Form-12. Trajectories were developed using linear mixed methods model with repeated measures of PCS and MCS scores over time and controlling for demographic and clinical variables. The model fitted score trajectory was generated with 95% confidence intervals to demonstrate score changes over time and associations with covariates. Results The study population included 420 adult burn survivors with a mean age of 42.4 years. The population was mainly male (66%) and white (76.4%) with a mean burn size of 21.5% and length of hospital stay of 31.3 days. Higher PCS scores were associated with follow-up time points closer to injury, shorter hospital stay, and younger age. Similarly, higher MCS scores were associated with earlier follow-up time points, shorter hospital stay, female gender, and non-perineal burns. MCS trajectories are demonstrated in the Figure. Conclusions Burn survivors’ physical and mental health worsened over time. Such a trend is different from previous reported results for mental health in the general population. Demographic and clinical predictors of recovery over time are identified.

scholarly journals The Worsening of Positional Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea over Time Is Associated with an Increase in Body Weight: Impact on Blood Pressure and Autonomic Nervous System

Respiration ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Wei-Hsiu Chang ◽  
Hsien-Chang Wu ◽  
Chou-Chin Lan ◽  
Yao-Kuang Wu ◽  
Mei-Chen Yang
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Positional Dependency ◽  
Over Time

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Most patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are positional dependent. Although mild OSA worsens over time, no study has assessed the natural course of positional mild OSA. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural course of positional mild OSA, its most valuable progression predictor, and its impact on blood pressure (BP) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 86 patients with positional mild OSA and 26 patients with nonpositional mild OSA, with a follow-up duration of 32.0 ± 27.6 months and 37.6 ± 27.8 months, respectively. Polysomnographic variables, BP, and ANS functions were compared between groups at baseline and after follow-up. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In patients with positional mild OSA after follow-up, the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) increased (9.1 ± 3.3/h vs. 22.0 ± 13.2/h, <i>p</i> = 0.000), as did the morning systolic BP (126.4 ± 13.3 mm Hg vs. 130.4 ± 15.9 mm Hg, <i>p</i> = 0.011), and the sympathetic activity (49.4 ± 12.3% vs. 55.3 ± 13.1%, <i>p</i> = 0.000), while the parasympathetic activity decreased (50.6 ± 12.3% vs. 44.7 ± 13.1%, <i>p</i> = 0.000). The body mass index changes were the most important factor associated with AHI changes among patients with positional mild OSA (Beta = 0.259, adjust <i>R</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.056, <i>p</i> = 0.016, 95% confidence interval 0.425 and 3.990). The positional dependency disappeared over time in 66.3% of patients with positional mild OSA while 69.2% of patients with nonpositional mild OSA retained nonpositional. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In patients with positional mild OSA, disease severity, BP, and ANS regulation worse over time. Increased weight was the best predictor for its progression and the loss of positional dependency. Better treatments addressing weight control and consistent follow-up are needed for positional mild OSA.

scholarly journals The relationship between diastolic blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation: the Fushimi AF registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ikeda ◽  
M Iguchi ◽  
H Ogawa ◽  
Y Aono ◽  
K Doi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Hypertension is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, relationship between diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and cardiovascular events in AF patients remains unclear. Methods The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey of AF patients in Japan. Follow-up data were available in 4,466 patients, and 4,429 patients with available data of DBP were examined. We divided the patients into three groups; G1 (DBP&lt;70 mmHg, n=1,946), G2 (70≤DBP&lt;80, n=1,321) and G3 (80≤DBP, n=1,162), and compared the clinical background and outcomes between groups. Results The proportion of female was grater in G1 group, and the patients in G1 group were older and had higher prevalence of heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD). Prescription of beta blockers was higher in G1 group, but that of renin-angiotensin system-inhibitors and calcium channel blocker was comparable. During the median follow-up of 1,589 days, in Kaplan-Meier analysis, the incidence rates of cardiovascular events (composite of cardiac death, ischemic stroke and systemic embolism, major bleeding and HF hospitalization during follow up) were higher in G1 group and G3 group than G2 group (Figure 1). When we divided the patients based on the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline (≥130 mmHg or &lt;130 mmHg), the incidence of rates of cardiovascular events were comparable among groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including female gender, age (≥75 years), higher SBP (≥130 mmHg), DM, pre-existing HF, CKD, low left ventricular ejection fraction (&lt;40%) and DBP (G1, G2, G3) revealed that DBP was an independent determinant of cardiovascular events (G1 group vs. G2 group; hazard ratio (HR): 1.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.19–1.64, G3 group vs. G2 group; HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.49). When we examined the impact of DBP according to 10 mmHg increment, patients with very low DBP (&lt;60 mmHg) (HR: 1.50,95% CI:1.24–1.80) and very high DBP (≥90 mmHg) (HR: 1.51,95% CI:1.15–1.98) had higher incidence of cardiovascular events than patients with DBP of 70–79 mmHg (Figure 2). However, when we examined the impact of SBP according to 20 mmHg increment, SBP at baseline was not associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events (Figure 3). Conclusion In Japanese patients with AF, DBP exhibited J curve association with higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Heart rate variability and depressive symptoms: a cross-lagged analysis over a 10-year period in the Whitehall II study

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 2121-2131 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. K. Jandackova ◽  
A. Britton ◽  
M. Malik ◽  
A. Steptoe
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Baseline Heart Rate ◽  
Lower Baseline ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundPeople with depression tend to have lower heart rate variability (HRV), but the temporal sequence is poorly understood. In a sample of the general population, we prospectively examined whether HRV measures predict subsequent depressive symptoms or whether depressive symptoms predict subsequent levels of HRV.MethodData from the fifth (1997–1999) and ninth (2007–2009) phases of the UK Whitehall II longitudinal population-based cohort study were analysed with an average follow-up of 10.5 years. The sample size for the prospective analysis depended on the analysis and ranged from 2334 (644 women) to 2276 (602 women). HRV measures during 5 min of supine rest were obtained. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by four cognitive symptoms of depression from the General Health Questionnaire.ResultsAt follow-up assessment, depressive symptoms were inversely associated with HRV measures independently of antidepressant medication use in men but not in women. Prospectively, lower baseline heart rate and higher HRV measures were associated with a lower likelihood of incident depressive symptoms at follow-up in men without depressive symptoms at baseline. Similar but statistically insignificant associations were found in women. Adjustments for known confounders including sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, cardiometabolic conditions or medication did not change the predictive effect of HRV on incident depressive symptoms at follow-up. Depressive symptoms at baseline were not associated with heart rate or HRV at follow-up in either sex.ConclusionsThese findings are consistent with an aetiological role of the autonomic nervous system in depression onset.

scholarly journals Examining the effectiveness of telemonitoring with routinely acquired blood pressure data in primary care: challenges in the statistical analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Parker ◽  
Paul Padfield ◽  
Janet Hanley ◽  
Hilary Pinnock ◽  
John Kennedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Random Coefficient ◽  
White Coat ◽  
White Coat Effect ◽  
Regression Adjustment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Scale-up BP was a quasi-experimental implementation study, following a successful randomised controlled trial of the roll-out of telemonitoring in primary care across Lothian, Scotland. Our primary objective was to assess the effect of telemonitoring on blood pressure (BP) control using routinely collected data. Telemonitored systolic and diastolic BP were compared with surgery BP measurements from patients not using telemonitoring (comparator patients). The statistical analysis and interpretation of findings was challenging due to the broad range of biases potentially influencing the results, including differences in the frequency of readings, ‘white coat effect’, end digit preference, and missing data. Methods Four different statistical methods were employed in order to minimise the impact of these biases on the comparison between telemonitoring and comparator groups. These methods were “standardisation with stratification”, “standardisation with matching”, “regression adjustment for propensity score” and “random coefficient modelling”. The first three methods standardised the groups so that all participants provided exactly two measurements at baseline and 6–12 months follow-up prior to analysis. The fourth analysis used linear mixed modelling based on all available data. Results The standardisation with stratification analysis showed a significantly lower systolic BP in telemonitoring patients at 6–12 months follow-up (-4.06, 95% CI -6.30 to -1.82, p < 0.001) for patients with systolic BP below 135 at baseline. For the standardisation with matching and regression adjustment for propensity score analyses, systolic BP was significantly lower overall (− 5.96, 95% CI -8.36 to − 3.55 , p < 0.001) and (− 3.73, 95% CI− 5.34 to − 2.13, p < 0.001) respectively, even after assuming that − 5 of the difference was due to ‘white coat effect’. For the random coefficient modelling, the improvement in systolic BP was estimated to be -3.37 (95% CI -5.41 to -1.33 , p < 0.001) after 1 year. Conclusions The four analyses provide additional evidence for the effectiveness of telemonitoring in controlling BP in routine primary care. The random coefficient analysis is particularly recommended due to its ability to utilise all available data. However, adjusting for the complex array of biases was difficult. Researchers should appreciate the potential for bias in implementation studies and seek to acquire a detailed understanding of the study context in order to design appropriate analytical approaches.

scholarly journals Single Pill Indapamide and Perindopril Arginine Combination: Optimal Coupling of Vascular Protection and Hemodynamic Risk Factors Reduction in Patients with Essential Arterial Hypertension

Kardiologiia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. V. Borisova ◽  
A. I. Kochetkov ◽  
O. D. Ostroumova
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Compliance ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
Single Pill ◽  
Essential Arterial Hypertension ◽  
The Impact

Objective: to investigate the impact of indapamide / perindopril single-pill combination (I / P SPC) on arterial stiffness parameters, blood pressure (BP) level and BP variability (BPV) in middle-aged patients with stage II grade 1–2 essential arterial hypertension (EAH). Materials and methods. We retrospectively formed a group of patients with stage II grade 1–2 EAH who had not previously received regular antihypertensive therapy (AHT) (n=52, mean age 52.9±6.0 years). All patients were treated with I / P SPC and all of them achieved target office BP level (less than 140 / 90 mm Hg). After 12 weeks of follow-up (from the time of reaching the target BP) assessment of AHT effectiveness (general clinical data, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring [ABPM], volume sphygmography, echocardiography), and vascular stiffness evaluation were performed.Results. At the end of follow-up office systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), pulse BP, day-time, night-time and 24‑hour SBP and DBP significantly (p<0.001 for all) decreased. According to the ABPM data day-time, nighttime, and 24‑hour systolic BPV significantly decreased (p=0.029, p=0.006 and p<0.001, respectively); day-time and 24‑hour diastolic BPV also significantly decreased (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Day-night standard deviation (SDdn) significantly decreased too (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). Volumetric sphygmography showed significant decrease of right cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) (from 8.20±1.29 to 7.58±1.44, p=0.001) and of left CAVI (from 8.13±1.40 to 7.46±1.43, p<0.001), as well as reduction of the number o f patients with a right- and / or left-CAVI >9.0 (from 32.7 to 11.5 %, p=0.018). According to assessment of arterial stiffness using the Vasotens24 software package, the arterial stiffness index (ASI) significantly (p<0.001) decreased from 153.5±29.9 to 138.3±20.0 (by –9.2±13.1 %). Transthoracic echocardiography data demonstrated significant decrease (p<0.001) in effective arterial elastance (from 1.82±0.43 to 1.58±0.36 mm Hg; by –11.85±16.29 %) and significant (p<0.001) increase in the arterial compliance – from 1.27±0.34 to 1.54±0.38 mm Hg / ml (+26.95±38.06 %).Conclusion. In AHT naive patients 40–65 years old with stage II grade 1–2 EAH therapy with I / P SPC provided effective 24‑hour BP control, reduced BPV and improved arterial stiffness parameters. 

scholarly journals Comparative adherence between DOAC and VKA in patients with atrial fibrillation: a 23-year retrospective observational study in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Salmasi ◽  
A Safari ◽  
M.A De Vera ◽  
L Lynd ◽  
M Koehoorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Drug Class ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Medication Discontinuation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rolling Windows ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background A recent systematic review highlighted significant gaps in the evidence on atrial fibrillation (AF) patients' adherence to oral anticoagulants (OAC). Current evidence suffers from short follow-up times, focuses on the first OAC and does not take switching into account. There is also lack of observational data on adherence to warfarin due to its varying dose that complicates the calculations. As such there is lack of evidence on comparative adherence between VKAs and DOACs and whether the convenience of DOACs translates into better adherence in AF patients. Purpose Our objective was to measure AF patients' long-term OAC adherence and compare the impact of taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKA) on adherence, while accounting for switching. Methods Using linked, population-based administrative data containing physician billings, hospitalization and prescription records of 4.8 million British Columbians (1996–2019), incident adult cases of AF were identified. The primary measure of adherence was proportion of days covered (PDC). Consecutive rolling 90-day windows were created for each patient starting from their first OAC prescription fill date until the end of their follow-up. The PDC for each 90-day rolling window was calculated and averaged to yield mean adherence over the follow-up period for each patient. Permanent medication discontinuation resulted in a PDC of 0 for all subsequent rolling windows after their supply ran out. As such, both poor execution and non-persistence were measured simultaneously. The association between drug class and adherence was assessed using generalized mixed effect linear regression models with drug class treated as time-varying covariate to account for switching. Results The study cohort was 30,264 AF patients [mean age 72.2 years (SD11.0), 44.6% female, mean CHA2DS2-VASc 2.94 (SD1.4)] with mean follow-up of 7.7 (SD 4.8) years. The mean PDC was 0.71 (SD 0.27) with 51% of the cohort having mean PDC values below the conventional threshold of adherence (PDC&lt;0.8). Adherence dropped over time with the greatest decline in the first two years after therapy initiation. After controlling for all other confounders and accounting for switching, taking VKA compared to DOAC was, on average, associated with a 1-day decrease in number of days of medication-taking per year. Conclusion AF patients' OAC adherence was below the conventional threshold of 0.8, and dropped over time, particularly in the first two years. Drug class had no clinically meaningful impact on medication adherence. Our study highlights the need for effective adherence interventions particularly early in OAC therapy. Our findings also emphasizes that prescribers should not assume inherently better adherence for DOACs and should instead choose OAC in conversation with the patient and in accordance with their values and preferences. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant

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