Long-term Risk of Heart Failure and Other Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: a Nationwide Cohort Study

Objective To examine the long-term rates of heart failure and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a nationwide cohort of patients diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) compared with the background population. Methods Using Danish nationwide registries, patients with first-time diagnosed GPA were identified and matched 1:4 by age, sex, and comorbidities with subjects from background population. Outcomes were compared using Cox regression. Due to violation of the proportional hazard assumption, landmark analyses for the first year and from one year were performed. Results Of the 1,923 patients with GPA, 1,781 patients (median age 59 years, 47.9% men) were matched with 7,124 subjects from the background population. The median follow-up was 6.4 years. The absolute 10-year risk of HF was 6.8% (95%CI, 5.5-8.2%) for GPA patients and 5.9% (5.3-6.6%) for the background population. During the first year after diagnosis, GPA was associated with a significantly higher rate of HF (HR 3.60 [95%CI, 2.28-5.67]) and other adverse outcomes, including atrial fibrillation/flutter (HR 6.50 [4.43-9.55]) and ischemic stroke (HR 3.24 [1.92-5.48]), compared with the background population. After the first year, GPA was not associated with higher rates of HF or other cardiovascular outcomes than the background population, except atrial fibrillation/flutter (HR 1.38 [1.12-1.70]). Conclusion During the first year after diagnosis, the rates of HF and other cardiovascular outcomes were higher in patients with GPA compared with the background population. However, after the first year, the rates of HF and other cardiovascular outcomes, except atrial fibrillation/flutter, were similar to those in the background population.

Download Full-text

P5656Heart failure clinical phenotypes and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: an analysis from the eurobservational research programme in atrial fibrillation long-term general registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0599 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M Proietti ◽

C Laroche ◽

A Tello-Montoliu ◽

R Lenarczyk ◽

G A Dan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a well-known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, HF is associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with known AF. Recently, phenotypes of HF have been redefined according to the level of ejection fraction (EF). New data are needed to understand if a differential risk for outcomes exists according to the new phenotypes' definitions. Purpose To evaluate the risk of major adverse outcomes in patients with AF and HF according to HF clinical phenotypes. Methods We performed a subgroup analysis of AF patients enrolled in the EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry with a history of HF at baseline, available EF and follow-up data. Patients were categorized as follows: i) EF<40%, i.e. HF reduced EF [HFrEF]; ii) EF 40–49%, i.e. HF mid-range EF [HFmrEF]; iii) EF ≥50%, i.e. HF preserved EF [HFpEF]. Any thromboembolic event (TE)/acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death, CV death and all-cause death were recorded. Results A total of 3409 patients were included in this analysis: of these, 907 (26.6%) had HFrEF, 779 (22.9%) had HFmrEF and 1723 (50.5%) had HFpEF. An increasing proportion with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 was found across the three groups: 90.4% in HFrEF, 94.6% in HFmrEF and 97.3% in HFpEF (p<0.001), while lower proportions of HAS-BLED ≥3 were seen (28.0% in HFrEF, 26.3% in HFmrEF and 23.6% in HFpEF, p=0.035). At discharge patients with HFpEF were less likely treated with antiplatelet drugs (22.0%) compared to other classes and were less prescribed with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) (57.0%) and with any oral anticoagulant (OAC) (85.7%). No differences were found in terms of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant use. At 1-year follow-up, a progressively lower rate for all study outcomes (all p<0.001), with an increasing cumulative survival, was found across the three groups, with patients with HFpEF having better survival (all p<0.0001 for Kaplan-Meier curves). After full adjustment, Cox regression analysis showed that compared to HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF were associated with risk of all study outcomes (Table). Cox Regression Analysis HR (95% CI) Any TE/ACS/CV Death CV Death All-Cause Death HFmrEF 0.65 (0.49–0.86) 0.53 (0.38–0.74) 0.55 (0.41–0.74) HFpEF 0.50 (0.39–0.64) 0.42 (0.31–0.56) 0.45 (0.35–0.59) ACS = Acute Coronary Syndrome; CI = Confidence Interval; CV = Cardiovascular; EF = Ejection Fraction; HF = Heart Failure; HR = Hazard Ratio. Conclusions In this cohort of AF patients with HF, HFpEF was the most common phenotype, being associated with a profile related to an increased thromboembolic risk. Compared to HFrEF, both HFmrEF and HFpEF were associated with a lower risk of all major adverse outcomes in AF patients.

Download Full-text

Age- and Sex-Specific Rates of Heart Failure and other Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0849 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

G.L Sun ◽

A Yafasova ◽

C Andersson ◽

J.J.V McMurray ◽

P.S Jhund ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽

Background Population ◽

Hazard Ratios ◽

Age And Sex

Abstract Background Age at disease onset and sex appear to modify the disease course in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although patients with SSc have a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes than people without SSc, there are few data on age- and sex-specific risks of heart failure (HF) and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with SSc. Objectives To investigate the long-term rates of HF and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes (including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, and pulmonary hypertension) in a nationwide cohort of patients with SSc compared with the background population according to age and sex, separately. Methods Using Danish nationwide registries, all patients >18 years with newly diagnosed SSc (1996–2018) were identified. SSc patients were matched at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, and comorbidities with controls from the background population without SSc. Rates of outcomes according to age (above/below median age) and sex were compared between cases and controls using Cox regression. Results Of the 2,019 patients diagnosed with SSc, 1,569 patients were matched with 6,276 controls from the background population (median age 55 years, 80.4% women). SSc was associated with a higher rate of HF in both women (HR 2.99 [95% CI, 2.18–4.09]) and men (HR 3.01 [1.83–4.95]) (Pfor interaction=0.88), with similar findings for other cardiovascular outcomes.For age interaction, SSc was associated with an increased rate of HF in patients <55 years (HR 4.14 [2.54–6.74]) and ≥55 years (HR 2.74 [1.98–3.78]), with similar effect of younger and older groups on HF (P for interaction=0.21), and other cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions SSc was associated with an increased long-term rate of cardiovascular outcomes compared with a matched background population, with similar extent in different gender and age groups. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Adjusted hazard ratios according to sex Adjusted hazard ratios according to age

Download Full-text

684 Cardiac troponins and adverse outcomes in European patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EORP atrial fibrillation general long-term registry

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suab127.052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽

Author(s):

Marrco Vitolo ◽

Vincenzo Livio Malavasi ◽

Marco Proietti ◽

Igor Diemberger ◽

Laurent Fauchier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Cardiac Troponins

Abstract Aims Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear. To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine clinical practice and to evaluate the association of elevated levels of cTn with adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients. Methods and results Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into three groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), and (iii) cTn elevated (>99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism/any acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints. 10 445 (94.1%) AF patients were included in this analysis [median age 71 years, interquartile range (IQR): 63–77; males 59.7%]. cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). Overall, cTn was elevated in 904 (8.7%) and in-range in 1930 (18.5%) patients. Patients in whom cTn was tested tended to be younger (P < 0.001) and more frequently presenting with first detected AF and atypical AF-related symptoms (i.e. chest pain, dyspnoea, or syncope) (P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. After a median follow-up of 730 days (IQR: 692–749), 957 (9.7%) composite endpoints occurred while all-cause death was 9.5%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher cumulative risk for both outcomes in patients with elevated cTn levels (Figure) (Log Rank tests, P < 0.001). On adjusted Cox regression analysis, elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–2.16] and all-cause death (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.21–1.74). Elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher occurrence of MACE, all-cause death, any ACS, CV death and hospital readmission even after the exclusion of patients with history of CAD, diagnosis of ACS at discharge, those who underwent coronary revascularization during the admission and/or who were treated with oral anticoagulants plus antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions Elevated cTn levels were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events, even after exclusion of CAD patients. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

Download Full-text

P1885Cha2ds-2vasc score lacks of ability to predict mortality in patients attending the emergency department with atrial fibrillation in the presence of troponin i

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0633 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M I Gonzalez Del Hoyo ◽

G Cediel ◽

A Carrasquer ◽

G Bonet ◽

K Vasquez-Nunez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Troponin I ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background CHA2DS2-VASc score has been used as a surrogate marker for predicting outcomes beyond thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Likewise, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a predictor of mortality in AF. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association of cTnI and CHA2DS2-VASc score with long-term prognosis in patients admitted to the emergency department with AF. Methods A retrospective cohort study conducted between January 2012 and December 2013, enrolling patients admitted to the emergency department with AF and having documented cTnI measurements. CHA2DS2-VASc score was estimated. Primary endpoint was 5-year all-cause mortality, readmission for heart failure (HF), readmission for myocardial infarction (MI) and the composite end point of major adverse cardiac events defined as death, readmission for HF or readmission for MI (MACE). Results A total of 578 patients with AF were studied, of whom 252 patients had elevated levels of cTnI (43.6%) and 334 patients had CHA2DS2-VASc score >3 (57.8%). Patients with elevated cTnI tended to be oldercompared with those who did not have cTnI elevation and were more frequently comorbid and of higher ischemic risk, including hypertension, prior MI, prior HF, chronic renal failure and peripheral artery disease. The overall median CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in those with cTnI elevation compared to those patients elevated cTnI levels (4.2 vs 3.3 points, p<0.001). Main diagnoses at hospital discharge were tachyarrhythmia 30.3%, followed by heart failure 17.7%, respiratory infections 9.5% and acute coronary syndrome 7.3%. At 5-year follow-up, all-cause death was significantly higher for patients with cTnI elevation compared with those who did not have cTnI elevation (56.4% vs. 27%; logrank test p<0.001). Specifically, for readmissions for HF and readmissions for MI there were no differences in between patients with or without cTnI elevation. In addition, MACE was reached in 165 patients (65.5%) with cTnI elevation, compare to 126 patients (38.7%) without cTnI elevation (p<0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, cTnI elevation was an independent predictor of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–2.26, p=0.001) and of MACE (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.15–1.88; P=0.002), but it did not reach statistical significance for readmissions for MI and readmissions for HF. CHA2DS2-VASc score was a predictor on univariate Cox regression analysis for each endpoint, but it did not reach significance on multivariable Cox regression analysis for any endpoint. Conclusions cTnI is independently associated with long-term all-cause mortality in patients attending the emergency department with AF. cTnI compared to CHA2DS2-VASc score is thus a biomarker with predictive capacity for mortality in late follow-up, conferring utility in the risk stratification of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Download Full-text

P3759Comparison of equations for renal function assessment and major adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation: an analysis from the EORP-AF long-term general registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0611 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

G Boriani ◽

M Proietti ◽

C Laroche ◽

E Fantecchi ◽

M Popescu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Renal Function ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Creatinine Clearance ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Weighted Kappa ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

The Other ◽

Cox Regression Analysis

Abstract Background Several equations exist to estimate creatinine clearance according to serum creatinine values and baseline characteristics. The CKD-EPI equation is usually recommended in general population, while the Cockroft-Gault (CG) equation has been used in atrial fibrillation (AF) clinical trials. Purpose To perform a comparison between 6 different equations for evaluation of renal function in AF patients. Methods We calculated CKD-EPI, CG, body surface area adjusted CG (CG BSA), MDRD, BIS1 and FAS equations in AF patients enrolled in the EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry. Outcomes at 1-year follow-up were considered. Results Renal equations were calculated in 7725 patients. According to CKD-EPI mean (SD) creatinine clearance was 69.14 (21.06) mL/min/1.73 m2. Taking CKD-EPI as reference, the MDRD equation showed the highest agreement (weighted kappa [95% CI]: 0.843 [0.833–0.852]), while CK showed the lowest agreement (weighted kappa [95% CI]: 0.593 [0.580–0.606]. The remaining equations showed moderate agreement. Cox regression analysis showed that all equations were inversely associated with all major adverse outcomes [Figure]. The CKD-EPI equation showed modest predictive ability for the three outcomes (c-statistics: any TE/ACS/CV Death: 0.63379; CV Death: 0.68512; All-Cause Death: 0.67183), with all other equations reporting higher c-statistics (delta-c statistic ranging from +0.01497 for FAS equation for any TE/ACS/CV Death to +0.04547 for CG BSA for all-cause death) for all outcomes (all p<0.0001, for any equation for any outcome). Compared to CKD-EPI, all the other equations showed an improvement in prediction of outcomes, according to IDI and NRI, with the exception of FAS equation for any TE/ACS/CV Death. CG BSA equation showed the greatest improvement in prediction of outcomes compared to CKD-EPI (relative IDI: 21.9% for any TE/ACS/CV Death, 28.8% for CV Death, 34.4% for All-Cause Death). Cox Regression Analysis Conclusions Compared to CKD-EPI equation, all the other equations for creatine clearance has stronger associations with adverse outcomes, with the CG BSA reporting the higher yield for all the outcomes considered.

Download Full-text

Association of household income and adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation

Heart ◽

10.1136/heartjnl-2019-316065 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 106 (21) ◽

pp. 1679-1685 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anna Rose LaRosa ◽

J'Neka Claxton ◽

Wesley T O'Neal ◽

Pamela L Lutsey ◽

Lin Y Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Household Income ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Administrative Claims ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Annual Household Income ◽

Income Category

BackgroundSocial determinants of health are relevant to cardiovascular outcomes but have had limited examination in atrial fibrillation (AF).ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the association of annual household income and cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with AF.MethodsWe analysed administrative claims for individuals with AF from 2009 to 2015 captured by a health claims database. We categorised estimates of annual household income as <$40 000; $40–$59 999; $60–$74 999; $75–$99 999; and ≥$100 000. Covariates included demographics, education, cardiovascular disease risk factors, comorbid conditions and anticoagulation. We examined event rates by income category and in multivariable-adjusted models in reference to the highest income category (≥$100 000).ResultsOur analysis included 336 736 individuals (age 72.7±11.9 years; 44.5% women; 82.6% white, 8.4% black, 7.0% Hispanic and 2.1% Asian) with AF followed for median (25th and 75th percentile) of 1.5 (95% CI 0.6 to 3.0) years. We observed an inverse association between income and heart failure and myocardial infarction (MI) with evidence of progressive risk across decreased income categories. Individuals with household income <$40 000 had the greatest risk for heart failure (HR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.30) and MI (HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.41) compared with those with income ≥$100 000.ConclusionsWe identified an association between lower household income and adverse outcomes in a large cohort of individuals with AF. Our findings support consideration of income in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in individuals with AF.

Download Full-text

Heart rate and adverse outcomes in patients with prevalent atrial fibrillation

Open Heart ◽

10.1136/openhrt-2021-001606 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e001606

Author(s):

Giorgio Moschovitis ◽

Linda S B Johnson ◽

Steffen Blum ◽

Stefanie Aeschbacher ◽

Maria Luisa De Perna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Threshold Effect ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Systemic Embolism ◽

Target Heart Rate ◽

Heart Failure Hospitalisation

ObjectiveThe optimal target heart rate in patients with prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between heart rate and adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of patients with prevalent AF.MethodsFrom two prospective cohort studies, we included stable AF outpatients who were in AF on the baseline ECG. The main outcome events assessed during prospective follow-up were heart failure hospitalisation, stroke or systemic embolism and death. The associations between heart rate and adverse outcomes were evaluated using multivariable Cox regression models.ResultsThe study population consisted of 1679 patients who had prevalent AF at baseline. Mean age was 74 years, and 24.6% were women. The mean heart rate on the baseline ECG was 78 (±19) beats per minute (bpm). The median follow-up was 3.9 years (IQR 2.2–5.0). Heart rate was not significantly associated with heart failure hospitalisation (adjusted HR (aHR) per 10 bpm increase, 1.00, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.07, p=0.95), stroke or systemic embolism (aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.07, p=0.38) or death (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09, p=0.66). There was no evidence of a threshold effect for heart rates <60 bpm or >100 bpm.ConclusionsIn this large contemporary cohort of outpatients with prevalent AF, we found no association between heart rate and adverse outcome events. These data are in line with recommendations that strict heart rate control is not needed in otherwise stable outpatients with AF.

Download Full-text

Comparison of Time-Varying and Landmark Analysis Methods in Estimating the Association Between Medication Adherence and Outcomes: A Heart Failure Cohort

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v5i5.1485 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Xiwen Simon Qin ◽

Matthew W Knuiman ◽

Joseph Hung ◽

Tom Briffa ◽

Tiew-Hwa Katherine Teng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Time Dependent ◽

Time Varying ◽

Landmark Analysis ◽

Hazard Ratios ◽

Β Blockers ◽

Landmark Analyses

IntroductionMedication adherence is associated with a reduction of adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF). However, this association is complex to estimate accurately because adherence (exposure) can vary during the follow-up period. Adherence can be estimated as a fixed exposure to predict outcomes, and this is known as a landmark analysis. In contrast, adherence can also be estimated as a dynamic exposure which varies over time in the follow-up period. This is known as a time-varying analysis and is expected to be the more precise method. Objectives and ApproachWe compared these two methods in a HF cohort. We identified a population-based cohort of 3619 heart failure patients, aged 65-84 years hospitalised in Western Australia from 2003-2007 and who survived to 1-year post-discharge (landmark date). Adherence to renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and β-blockers was calculated using proportion of days covered (PDC) expressed either as a fixed time exposure (in landmark analysis) or a varying exposure (in time-dependent analysis). The latter was updated every 30 days after the landmark date. Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between adherence and all-cause death at 1- and 3-years post-landmark date. ResultsFor 1-year outcomes, hazard ratios (HR) for every 10% increase in PDC were similar between models from landmark analyses (RASI adherence: 0.93, 0.90-0.97; β-blocker adherence: 0.96, 0.92-1.0) and time-dependent analyses (RASI adherence: 0.94, 0.91-0.97; β-blockers adherence: 0.95, 0.92 -0.99). However, 95% confidence intervals estimated from time-dependent models were narrower than those from landmark analyses. HRs were slightly closer to the null when estimated from time-dependent models. A similar pattern was seen with 3-year outcomes. Conclusion / ImplicationsTime-dependent analysis of adherence-outcome associations results in more precise estimates of hazard ratios. Estimates of HRs from landmark analysis models were similar but usually lower than those from time-dependent models.

Download Full-text

Sex differences in treatment strategy and adverse outcomes among patients 75 and older with atrial fibrillation in the MarketScan database

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-02419-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Vinita Subramanya ◽

J’Neka S. Claxton ◽

Pamela L. Lutsey ◽

Richard F. MacLehose ◽

Lin Y. Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Rate Control ◽

Treatment Strategy ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Rhythm Control ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Control Treatment ◽

To Receive

Abstract Background Women with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience greater symptomatology, worse quality of life, and have a higher risk of stroke as compared to men, but are less likely to receive rhythm control treatment. Whether these differences exist in elderly patients with AF, and whether sex modifies the effectiveness of rhythm versus rate control therapy has not been assessed. Methods We studied 135,850 men and 139,767 women aged ≥ 75 years diagnosed with AF in the MarketScan Medicare database between 2007 and 2015. Anticoagulant use was defined as use of warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant. Rate control was defined as use of rate control medication or atrioventricular node ablation. Rhythm control was defined by use of anti-arrhythmic medication, catheter ablation or cardioversion. We used multivariable Poisson and Cox regression models to estimate the association of sex with treatment strategy and to determine whether the association of treatment strategy with adverse outcomes (bleeding, heart failure and stroke) differed by sex. Results At the time of AF, women were on average (SD) 83.8 (5.6) years old and men 82.5 (5.2) years, respectively. Compared to men, women were less likely to receive an anticoagulant or rhythm control treatment. Rhythm control (vs. rate) was associated with a greater risk for heart failure with a significantly stronger association in women (HR women = 1.41, 95% CI 1.34–1.49; HR men = 1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.28, p < 0.0001 for interaction). No sex differences were observed for the association of treatment strategy with the risk of bleeding or stroke. Conclusion Sex differences exist in the treatment of AF among patients aged 75 years and older. Women are less likely to receive an anticoagulant and rhythm control treatment. Women were also at a greater risk of experiencing heart failure as compared to men, when treated with rhythm control strategies for AF. Efforts are needed to enhance use AF therapies among women. Future studies will need to delve into the mechanisms underlying these differences.

Download Full-text

Abstract 14982: Impact of Health Literacy on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.130.suppl_2.14982 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Miyuki Tsuchihashi-Makaya ◽

Shiho Matsuoka ◽

Takahiro Kayane ◽

Masako Koizumi ◽

Michiyo Yamada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

World Health ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Health literacy (HL) is an important concept for patient education and disease management of heart failure (HF). It has been demonstrated that HL is associated with clinical outcomes including death and readmission. Although previous research on HL has predominantly focused on functional HL (the ability to “read and write”), the World Health Organization advocates evaluation of comprehensive HL, including the ability to access information (communicative HL) and critically evaluate information (critical HL). However, the impact of these three HL components on long-term adverse outcomes in patients with HF has never been fully investigated. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study to examine the associations between HL level and risk of death or readmission in 234 patients (mean age, 67.8 years; male, 62%). HL, including subscales of functional, communicative, and critical HL, was assessed using the HF specific HL scale, which has been reported to be valid and reliable in patients with HF. Sociodemographic, clinical, and depressive symptoms were also assessed. Mortality and hospitalization data were obtained during a 2 year follow-up (median duration, 707 days). Results: Among all patients, 19.7% exhibited a low HL score. In each subscale, 19.7%, 23.1%, and 23.9% of patients exhibited low functional, low communicative, and low critical HL, respectively. Patients with low HL were older and living alone. In multivariate Cox regression, low critical HL was independently associated with higher readmission exacerbated HF after controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, HF severity, depressive symptoms at baseline (unadjusted rate, 23.2% vs. 9.1%; adjusted hazard ratio, 3.89 [95% CI, 1.24–12.21]; P=0.02). However, there was no association between all types of HL and mortality, and between functional and communicative HL and readmission due to HF. Conclusions: Critical HL is an independent risk factor for HF readmission in patients with HF. To improve clinical outcomes in patients with HF, effective interventions should be developed to improve patient skills for critically analyzing information and making decisions.

Download Full-text