Improvement in Atrial Fibrillation-Related Symptoms After Cardioversion: Role of NYHA Functional Class and Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm

Identifier:  imarina:9216713

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9216713

Authors:  Ferre-Vallverdu, M; Ligero, C; Vidal-Perez, R; Martinez-Rubio, A; Vinolas, X; Alegret, JM

Abstract:
Background: The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) score is a proven and validated tool for assessing the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF). Little is known about the variables related to this score and how it changes after cardioversion. Methods: We analyzed 744 patients undergoing elective cardioversion in whom AF-related symptoms were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up using the EHRA score. We assessed the association between the EHRA score and other clinical and echocardiographic variables at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. Results: At 6 months of follow-up, we observed a reduction in the EHRA score in 50% and worsening in 2.8% of patients who remained in sinus rhythm (SR) compared with 34.6% and 11.3%, respectively, of patients with AF episodes (p<0.0001). Patients who maintained SR at 6 months were less symptomatic than those with AF (EHRA score 1.13 +/- 0.35 vs 1.42 +/- 0.59; p<0.0001). The independent predictors for reduction in the EHRA score after cardioversion were NYHA >= II at baseline and maintenance of SR (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The greatest improvement in AF-related symptoms was in patients who remained in SR at 6 months after cardioversion and in patients with worse NYHA functional class at baseline.